Sea buckthorn oil is extracted from the berries and seeds of the sea buckthorn plant, and both the berries and seeds are great for the skin and offer internal benefits. Sea buckthorn contains healthy bioflavonoids. Here’s how you can prepare it:
What is sea buckthorn oil?
Sea buckthorn stems are primarily found in Europe and Asia, with the most common species being Hippophae Rhamnoides.
Sea buckthorn oil is extracted from the yellow-orange berries, which are slightly smaller than blueberries. There are two types: seed oil, which comes from the seeds, and fruit oil, which comes from the pulp. Fruit oil is dark red or orange and thicker than seed oil. Seed oil is usually pale yellow or orange. Hippophae Rhamnoides is the botanical name for sea buckthorn. It belongs to the Elaeagnaceae family or Oleaster and the species Hippophae rhamnoides L.
Nutritional Information
Hippophae Rhamnoides species have a higher omega-7 content than other oils, and this is harder to find than omega-3, omega-6, or omega-9. In fact, macadamia nut oil and cold-pressed fish oil may be the only other sources of this super-fat.
Omega-7 fatty acids, also known as palmitoleic acid, can be useful in combating heart disease as well as reducing issues associated with type 2 diabetes. While more studies need to be conducted, sea buckthorn oil may be the perfect healing ingredient. The list of health benefits continues, as it contains potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.
Sea buckthorn can almost be classified as a miraculous oil, considering its intensely rich nutritional profile, which includes vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D, E, K, and P; carotenoids; flavonoids; amino acids; phenols; folic acid; organic acids; and 20 mineral elements, not to mention its profile of essential fatty acids. It may be the only plant in the world that contains all four omegas: omega-3, omega-6, omega-7, and omega-9. This is a powerful healing cocktail.
Benefits
1. Helps Fight Cancer
Sea buckthorn oil contains powerful phytonutrients, anti-inflammatory properties, and even presents anti-cancer elements. A study published in Poultry Science evaluated the hepatoprotective toxic activity of sea buckthorn oil, indicating reduced adverse effects of aflatoxins in the liver. The liver is the largest organ inside the body and plays numerous important roles for the body, including digesting our food, storing energy, and eliminating toxins.
Sea buckthorn oil can be an excellent way to help reduce possible types of cancer that may develop in the liver due to its liver-healing effects.
2. Minimizes or Prevents Skin Problems
Sea buckthorn oil helps reduce many skin issues. Sea buckthorn, sea buckthorn concentrate, and the extracted oil or even the seeds can be applied directly to the skin to prevent sunburn and provide relief from sunburn, healing wounds such as bedsores and cuts.
Sea buckthorn oil can be used to reduce acne, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, skin ulcers, and stretch marks.
3. May Reduce Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
Since sea buckthorn oil is a powerful source of omega-7, it may help diminish adrenal fatigue. Eliminate foods that drain the body, such as caffeine, sugar, and processed foods, and add healing foods rich in omega, such as fatty fish, fish oil, and sea buckthorn oil.
Combined with plenty of rest, reduced anxiety, and physical exercise, sea buckthorn oil can help restore your energy levels to normal.
4. Helps Prevent Infections and Supports the Immune System
Antioxidants are crucial for helping to prevent infections by combating free radicals. A study conducted by the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Management at the Medical University of Kaunas in Lithuania focused on evaluating the potential antioxidant activity of sea buckthorn oil, showing that pure extracted oil contained 2.4 times more carotenoids than other oils.
This means that the antioxidant benefits are very high and can help reduce the occurrence of infections.
Since antioxidants help improve immune function by protecting the body from infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, sea buckthorn oil can prevent infectious bacteria from causing inflammation in the body and, therefore, can strengthen your immune system.
5. Treats Cardiovascular Diseases
Daily intake of sea buckthorn oil may prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and even heart attacks.
The Journal of Functional Foods also notes that sea buckthorn oil has properties that can help reduce cardiovascular diseases.
6. Combats Diabetes
A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition evaluated the effects of sea buckthorn oil on insulin levels. The study found that sea buckthorn oil can help maintain normal blood sugar levels, keeping them within moderate ranges, thus combating type 2 diabetes and its symptoms.
