Hawthorn or Crataegus monogyna, as it is scientifically called, is a fruit tree that grows in the temperate regions of Europe, northern Asia and North America.
It is said that the Swiss alchemist and physician Paracelsus (1493-1541) first spoke about the benefits of hawthorn on the cardiovascular system. Over time, studies have been conducted that support these positive effects, so hawthorn can be considered a functional food and medicinal plant. Discover further what hawthorn contains and what are its properties for health, in which conditions it can benefit and what are the contraindications of the plant.
Nutritional composition and properties of hawthorn
Hawthorn fruits, leaves and flowers are rich in biologically active compounds with high antioxidant capacity, such as terpenoids, flavonoids (eg, proanthocyanidins, quercetin, kaempferol), polyphenols, Juan Zhang and colleagues show in the study „Food Applications and Potential Health Benefits of Hawthorn”. In addition, fruits contain fiber, small amounts of minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, sodium) and protein.
According to the previously mentioned source and Healthlinehawthorn fruits can have the following properties:
Antioxidants – thanks to its rich antioxidant content, hawthorn can neutralize the effects of free radicals, molecules responsible for the onset of diseases and aging. Thus, included in an overall balanced diet, hawthorn could reduce the risk of developing some chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular ones, through the content of polyphenols;
Anti-inflammatory – the antioxidant substances in hawthorn can reduce chronic inflammation, which is also associated with the appearance of some pathologies;
Cardioprotective – flavonoids in hawthorn may offer protection against cardiovascular conditions, such as diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy;
Antihypertensives – due to its vasodilator effect, hawthorn can help reduce blood pressure;
Antiaging – antioxidant compounds can delay aging processes;
Antimicrobials – according to studies, hawthorn would have activity against some pathogens, such as staphylococcus aureus;
Anticancer – through its antioxidant action, the plant would reduce the risk of developing cancer;
Antihyperglycemic – hawthorn may help control blood sugar;
Neuroprotective – the plant could offer protection against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease;
Anticoagulants – hawthorn extract would act on clotting factors, reducing the risk of blood clots;
Hypocholesterolemic – hawthorn may help regulate blood fat levels.
Hawthorn is a versatile plant, so it can be included in the diet in multiple forms:
Fresh fruits – they can be eaten as they are, added to smoothies, fruit salads or oatmeal. It is not recommended, however, to eat the seeds. Similar to apple seeds, they contain cyanide, a toxic compound;
Hawthorn tea – hawthorn infusion can be prepared both from leaves and flowers, and from dried fruits;
Food supplements in the form of capsules, powder or tincture – it is recommended, however, to seek the advice of a doctor or licensed nutritionist-dietitian before starting to use a natural supplement;
Hawthorn fruit vinegar – this can be used to season salads;
Hawthorn jam – as long as it’s not made with sugar, it’s a healthy food choice.
The benefits of hawthorn
Hawthorn may have beneficial effects in preventing or controlling the following conditions:
Heart failure
The study „Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure” (Ruoling Guo et al) concluded that hawthorn extract can improve some heart failure symptoms such as fatigue and exercise tolerance. However, other studies have not confirmed these effects. In any case, natural products do not replace medication prescribed by a doctor and should not be administered without his consent, as they may be associated with risks (for example, drug interactions).
Hypertension
As the study shows „Food Applications and Potential Health Benefits of Hawthorn”, hawthorn extract could reduce diastolic blood pressure due to its vasodilator effects. In any case, people who are already taking antihypertensive medication are advised not to use natural products without the doctor’s consent.
hypercholesterolaemia
According to the previously mentioned study, animal research has shown a reduction in “bad” cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Thus, scientists believe that hawthorn could reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis. However, it is not yet known whether the effects are the same in humans.
Digestive disorders
The same study shows that hawthorn can be an effective remedy for indigestion – the feeling of discomfort and fullness after a meal. Hawthorn extract has been shown to be useful in stimulating intestinal motility.
Type 2 diabetes
right Medical News Today and the previously mentioned study, hawthorn may have benefits in terms of blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The potential effects of the herb are:
Reducing insulin resistance;
Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase (due to quercetin), an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates – results in reduced glucose absorption;
Lowering the risk of cardiovascular complications by reducing triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol.
Contraindications of hawthorn
Natural products are not without risks. Considering the anticoagulant effect, specialists warn us that hawthorn supplements should not be administered before a surgical intervention. In this case, there is a risk of prolonged bleeding, he describes VeryWellHealth.
Pregnant, lactating women and children should not take hawthorn supplements, as the effects of the plant on them are not known. People allergic to other plants in the Rosaceae family, such as apples, pears, plums, apricots, berries, strawberries, are advised by specialists to avoid hawthorn.
Hawthorn also has serious drug interactions, increasing the risk of toxicity of some pharmaceutical substances. The plant can increase or change the effect of the following medicines in the body:
Anticoagulants;
Antihypertensives;
Medicines to treat heart failure, arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders) and other heart conditions.
Thus, it is not recommended to take hawthorn products together with these pharmaceutical substances.
It is also not indicated to take natural products with hawthorn together with other food supplements, such as those with Omega-3 or garlic.
It is important to know that the potential benefits of hawthorn can be enhanced by a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. No food supplement replaces a healthy diet.
People with pathologies need a special diet. The licensed nutritionist-dietitian will give you recommendations tailored to your needs. Likewise, the medication prescribed by the doctor should not be discontinued in favor of natural products.
Therefore, functional foods and herbs such as hawthorn may be associated with positive health effects. Do not forget, however, to ask for specialist advice before starting to consume herbal products.
Source: StirilePROTV
Publication date: 12-31-2023 14:21
2023-12-31 12:21:00
#impressive #properties #hawthorn #benefits #contraindications
