Orignally posted 3/17/2014 by Sundayworld.com
We all know that getting enough Vitamin C is essential, but what we might not know is that there are even better alternatives to the standard oranges and lemons. For anyone looking to improve their diet, sea-buckthorn could be the answer. These little berries have almost ten times the amount of Vitamin C that a lemon boasts and aren’t just an ingredient for the kitchen, but also for your make-up bag.
These berries grow on the prickly sea-buckthorn bushes, which are also referred to as Hippophae. They’re usually between 6 and 8 mm, oval in shape and range from a yellowish to an orange colour. The best conditions for these shrubs are dry and sandy areas and they can be found growing on the sea coasts of Western Europe.
There are many ways you can enjoy sea-buckthorn, including as a juice, puree or tea. It’s not such a good idea to eat them raw, as the taste is pretty sour. Luckily preparing the fruit doesn’t strip it of all its nutrients, meaning you get a better taste and the full benefits.
As mentioned, the main thing these berries boast is Vitamin C. Even just three spoonfuls of sea-buckthorn juice can cover an adult’s recommended daily intake. But what does your body even need it for? Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps to protect your body from harmful outside influences, including those that cause cancer. It’s also a welcome boost to your immune system and can help speed up your metabolism.
The benefits of sea-buckthorn don’t stop there – the berries also include Vitamins B, E and A, as well as magnesium, iron and calcium, which are all crucial for a healthy life. It’s also one of the few foods that contain Vitamin B12, which helps in the formation of blood. This vitamin is normally found in meat, which is why sea-buckthorn can be very important for vegans and vegetarians who aren’t getting enough of it.
Sea-buckthorn is a real multitasker and can keep you beautiful from the outside as well as the inside. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, you can often find it in oils that can be used on cuts or skin problems such as acne and eczema. It’s also cropping up more and more often in beauty products such as facial creams, body lotion and bath oils. Sea-buckthorn is effective at protecting the skin from harmful sunrays, which slows down the ageing process.