Seaberry Superpowers: The Tiny Berry with Big Health Benefits
Seaberry is having a moment and we want to help you stay on top of all the latest info. What is this mysterious berry with health benefits that lives in the cold and why haven’t you heard of it? Well, seaberry (aka sea buckthorn) is actually a shrub with vibrant orange berries. It’s native to the cold-temperate regions of Europe and Asia and is celebrated for its adaptability to various environmental conditions. While it’s ability to thrive is impressive, it’s health benefits are particularly intriguing to us.
Nutritional Composition
The sea buckthorn plant is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, including vitamins C and E, omega fatty acids, and a wide array of antioxidants. It is particularly noted for its high vitamin C content, which surpasses that of many citrus fruits (it even has more vitamin C than oranges). This nutritional profile makes the plant an excellent candidate for supporting immune function, promoting skin health, and reducing inflammation—key areas of interest for many of us.
Health Benefits
Cardiovascular Support
One of the most significant benefits of the sea buckthorn plant is its role in cardiovascular health. The plant's berries and seeds are rich in omega-3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids. Omega-3s are known to improve lipid profiles, liver enzymes, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Omega-7 (specifically palmitoleic acid) is a particularly important fatty acid since it’s rarely found in plants.
Skin Health
The oil extracted from sea buckthorn berries is often used in skin care products due to the presence of plant sterols (specifically beta-sitosterol and campesterol) that can improve hydration, smooth skin texture, and improve elasticity. Sea buckthorn oil also contains gamma-linolenic acid, which has been shown to help improve circulation and has the potential to reduce signs of aging.
Gut Health
Sea buckthorn also plays a role in supporting digestive health. Its high fiber content aids in regular bowel movements, while its anti-inflammatory properties can help maintain healthy gut bacteria. Seaberry has also been researched and known to be potentially beneficial for its ability to help treat stomach ulcers.
Is Seaberry Safe?
Seaberry is generally considered safe to use. However, we always recommend consulting with a physician before starting any new dietary regimes. This is particularly true for individuals who are on blood pressure or blood clotting medications since sea buckthorn has the potential to interact with these medications.
Practical Applications
Sea buckthorn is available in various forms, including supplements, oils, and full berries, making it accessible for daily consumption. When seeking sea buckthorn plant for sale, ensure that you are purchasing from reputable sources to guarantee the quality and potency of the product. Integrating sea buckthorn into your diet can be as simple as adding a few drops of oil to your smoothie.
Since GOOD IDEA was created by a Swedish scientist we had an inside scoop on sea berry. Sea berry is one of our five lightly sparkling Swedish flavors. While we love to introduce people to the delicious taste of sea berry, there are no actual berries in GOOD IDEA (adding berries would mean adding caloric content and all of our drinks have zero calories). Pairing a GOOD IDEA with your meal has been scientifically shown to help reduce the post-meal glucose spike by an average of 25%, however, since there are no actual sea berries in the drink you shouldn’t expect to receive the anti-inflammatory or gut health benefits that accompany sea berry oil. But feel free to enjoy the taste of sea berries and the benefits of more balanced blood sugar.
Final Berry Bites
Seaberry, or sea buckthorn, is a fascinating plant with a rich nutritional profile and a wide range of potential health benefits. From supporting cardiovascular health to promoting glowing skin and aiding in gut function, this vibrant orange berry packs a powerful punch. While seaberry supplements and oils offer a direct way to harness these benefits, it's important to ensure you're sourcing high-quality products. At GOOD IDEA, we love the fresh, crisp taste of seaberry in our drinks, even though there are no actual berries in our formulation. So, while you won’t be getting seaberry’s anti-inflammatory perks, you can still enjoy a refreshing, zero-calorie drink that helps balance post-meal blood sugar levels. Cheers to health!
Author: Dr. Colleen Gulick, Ph.D. (ExPhys), MS (ExPhys), BS (BioE), EIT (ME), CSCS