AN INTRODUCTION TO SEA BUCKTHORN: A TRUE SUPER FOOD

In recent years, numerous products have appeared in the market clamoring for “super food status.” While some are undoubtedly worthy candidates, it is not always clear to what extent reported claims of their miraculous health benefits are based on rigorous research and scientific validation as opposed to skillful marketing. In some cases such as krill, which is a vital component of fragile marine ecosystems, there are also concerns as to whether or not they are harvested sustainably.

We would unhesitatingly place our bets on one small berry – Sea Buckthorn – which, we are convinced is truly deserving of the title “super food.” In this article, we hope to convince our readers why this is so by describing the long history of Sea Buckthorn and its medicinal use; the amazingly rich store of essential nutrients that it contains; and its many therapeutic properties backed by scientific research.

THE MEDICINAL USES OF SEA BUCKTHORN: A LOOK BACK THROUGH HISTORY

Sea Buckthorn (also spelled Seabuckthorn) occurs naturally in several parts of Eurasia and is known to exhibit tremendous ecological adaptability. It can withstand extreme temperatures (ranging between -43 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius), and other inhospitable conditions such as sandy and barren land and steep slopes.

Bushes of these luminous orange fruit are found naturally growing in high altitude areas as well as along sea coasts across many parts of Asia and Europe. These include the Himalayan range extending across Tibet, Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Pakistan, as well China, Mongolia, Central Asia and several European countries such as Russia, Britain, France, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and Scandinavia.

Sea Buckthorn is believed to have originated in the temperate zone of ancient lands and may date back as early as 25 to 40 million years ago, evolving biologically alongside a long history of climactic and topographical changes, including the ice age and the rise of the Himalayas.

Not surprisingly, this ancient food has a far reaching history of use in traditional and folk systems of medicine. Its medicinal use in Central Asia probably originates from its role in Tibetan Medicine in which it is known as Star-Bu or D’har-Bu. Its medicinal use was in fact first recorded in a Tibetan Classic in the eighth century. It is also a medicinal component in Indian Ayurveda.

In Asia, there is a widespread tendency to imbue valuable plants and other material with sacred significance. It is not therefore surprising that the Sea Buckthorn berry, with its unique healing properties, is known as “the holy fruit of the Himalayas.” Traditionally it has been used by Tibetans and other Asian peoples throughout the ages to treat burns and wounds, numerous skin diseases and conditions, inflammation, colds and flu, altitude sickness, gastric disorders, and mucous membrane problems.

Records of its medicinal use in Europe date back to ancient Greece where the leaves and young branches of this plant were added to horses’ fodder resulting in weight gain and a healthy shine to their coats. This in fact is the origin of the plant’s botanical name, Hippophae: Hippo meaning “horse” in Latin and phaos meaning “to shine.”

In more recent times, some of the earliest scientific research on Sea Buckthorn was carried out in Russia where its biologically active compounds contributing to its nutritional and therapeutic properties have been studied since the 1940s. It has been a part of the diet of Russian cosmonauts and is used in Russian hospitals to treat eczema, bed sores, burns, and radiation injuries. In fact, it was used in Chernobyl in 1986 after the reactor accident.

In China too, there is a long history of medicinal use of Sea Buckthorn which has been commercialized since the 1980s with the establishment of plantations and processing units manufacturing Sea Buckthorn products.

Over the last decade, however, there has been a worldwide surge in interest in Sea Buckthorn amongst researchers interested in learning more about its nutritive and therapeutic properties. To date there have been over 120 specific studies on this plant as well as numerous studies on its biological properties. Some of the salient findings of recent research are described below.

ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS CONTAINED IN SEA BUCKTHORN:

What then makes Sea Buckthorn a nutritional gem?  Research has revealed that over 190 biologically active compounds are found in Sea Buckthorn berries and 106 of these compounds are found in the oil.

Let’s take a look at some of these compounds which play such an important role in safeguarding our health:

Lipids: There are 42 varieties of lipids present in Sea Buckthorn. They fulfill vital functions in our bodies such as storing energy and are also structural components of cell membranes.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Sea Buckthorn contains 22 varieties of fatty acids including the “Big Four” Omegas. Of these, Omega 3 is abundant in fatty cold fish while Omega 6 is abundant in plants. Sea Buckthorn is the only plant in the world known to contain Omegas 3 and 6 as well as the less well known but also important Omegas 7 and 9. These four Omegas are essential for our wellbeing as they support healthy cardiovascular, digestive, brain, and nervous system functions; promote healthy skin, hair, and bones; and help maintain healthy urogenital lining and the integrity of mucous membranes.

Antioxidants: Sea Buckthorn is rich in two crucial varieties of antioxidant compounds: flavonoids and carotenoids. The health benefits of flavonoids include helping to fight cell-damaging free radicals and assisting in the process of cellular rejuvenation as well as promoting healthy immune system function. They can help with a number of serious health conditions, including cancer and heart disease. Some of these vital compounds found in Sea Buckthorn, especially in the leaves, include: leucoanthocyanidins, quercetin, isorhamnetin, epicatchin, kaemferol, and flavonols.

Turning to the second category of antioxidant compounds, Sea Buckthorn is remarkable in that it contains 39 out of the 50 carotenoids obtainable from our diet. The most abundant of these is beta-carotene, which is converted in our bodies to Vitamin A. Sea Buckthorn is in fact one of the richest sources of beta-carotene, in addition to containing significant levels of other important carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin (both very important for the eyes), and lycopene (a rising star!) Studies have shown that apart from its valuable conversion into Vitamin A, beta-carotene, a well known immune system booster, can help fight and prevent cancer as well as many other serious health conditions.

Lycopene, another power-packed carotenoid, may help in the prevention and treatment of male infertility and prostate cancer, and possibly osteoporosis, while zeaxanthin is known to support eye health.

Amino Acids: Sea Buckthorn berries contain 18 out of 22 known amino acids, half of which are essential since they play a critical role in various processes within our bodies such as energy production, building cells and muscles, fat loss, and mood and brain functions.

Organic Acids: the ripe berries of Sea Buckthorn contain malic and oxalic acid, which perform important physiological functions such as reducing the toxic effects of certain medicines, including antibiotics and barbitals and preventing teratogenesis (prenatal toxicity), damage from X-rays, and the side effects of oxygen therapy. Malic acid also supports muscle health.

Vitamins and Minerals: Given its extremely high beta-carotene content, Sea Buckthorn is also one of the richest sources of Vitamin A. Vitamin C levels in its berries (3600 ppm) are about ten times higher than that of oranges. Sea Buckthorn is also an excellent source of Vitamin E (second only to wheat germ), which supports cardiovascular health, optimal prostate function, and immune function.

Other important vitamins found in this super food are: all of the key B Vitamins – B1, B2, B9 (folic acid), and B12 (as high in content as liver); Vitamin D (increasingly recognized as an essential vitamin); Vitamin K (important for blood coagulation and for metabolic pathways in bone and other tissue); and Vitamin P (bioflavonoids, which are important for capillary health and function).

Apart from being a rich repository of these vital vitamins, Sea Buckthorn contains eleven of the fourteen important trace minerals. It is especially high in iron, selenium, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and manganese.

Phytosterols: found in the seeds, pulp, peel, and whole berries of Sea Buckthorn, these important nutrients have cholesterol-reducing properties and are therefore particularly helpful for maintaining cardiovascular health. Research has found that because phytosterols produce the prohormones DHEA and progesterone, they can help to address a broad spectrum of hormone-related health conditions. Beta sitosterol, the main phytosterol found in Sea Buckthorn, has also been found to be a strong anti-inflammatory and supports prostate health.

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HTP): the bark and pulp of Sea Buckthorn contain 5-HTP, which is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, popularly known as the “happy molecule.” Studies have shown that serotonin can be helpful as a nutrient therapy in schizophrenia.

Superoxide Dismutase (SOD): Sea Buckthorn is an excellent source of SOD, which is considered to be the most important enzyme for protecting the body’s cells and tissues from damage by free radicals. It has been shown to support healthy joints, help counteract the side effects of cancer treatments, and support prostrate health.

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF SEA BUCKTHORN:

There is a large body of research on the therapeutic properties of Sea Buckthorn. We highlight some of these findings below:

Anti-inflammation and pain relief: Scientific studies have shown that Sea Buckthorn leaf extract demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory activity and holds promise for the treatment of arthritis (L. Ganju et al. 2005; Varshney and Tyagi. 2004). Recent research at the University of Turku in Finland revealed that regular consumption of Sea Buckthorn berries reduced levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein associated with inflammation, diabetes, and heart disease.

Burns, wounds, and gastric ulcer repair: Sea Buckthorn oil has tissue regenerating properties and can be used to treat burns, skin radiation lesions, cervical erosions, wounds, skin damage, and gastric and duodenal ulcers. It can also help with vaginal mucositis and other disorders of the mucous membranes (Varshney et al. 2003; Xiao et al. 1992)

Improved skin complexion and acne and Rosacea treatment: the increasing popularity and use of Sea Buckthorn products within the natural cosmetic and skincare industries attests to its value as a beauty food. Specifically, Sea Buckthorn directly impacts skin conditions in the following ways: as an anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling, flushing and irritation); auto-immune moderator (discourages immune system attack on healthy tissue); antimicrobial (protects against bacteria, microbes, and parasites); a hormone regulator (soothes overactive hormone production); and as a skin conditioner (nourishes healthy young cells and softens scars and other fibrous and abnormal tissue) (McLaughlin n.d.)

Improved cardiovascular health and treatment of coronary heart disease: Due to its ability to lower total cholesterol levels as well as harmful LDL cholesterol, while appearing to have no effect on heart-friendly HDL cholesterol levels, Sea Buckthorn benefits the entire cardiovascular system. Studies have also shown that treatment of coronary heart disease with TFH (total flavonoids from Sea Buckthorn) could lead to a remission of angina and improve cardiogram results (Zhang et al. 1989).  Sea Buckthorn has also been found to help with cardiac arrythmia (Fengming. 1989)

Anti-cancer properties and tumor inhibition: Li and Liu (1991) have found that Sea Buckthorn demonstrates anticancer activity. Laboratory tests involving the intraperitoneal injection of Sea Buckthorn oil, along with oral administration, inhibited tumors (sarcoma and lymphatic leukemia) in mice (Zhang et al. 1989).

Senile dementia and other age-related problems: Sea Buckthorn has been found to significantly arrest the loss of acetylcholine levels in studies of elderly people. It has been found to be effective in preventing and managing age-related problems, especially senile dementia (Varshney n.d.).

Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders: The pulp and oils from Sea Buckthorn seeds and berries have traditionally been used in the treatment of various psychotic disorders. As we mentioned earlier, recent research has demonstrated promising results regarding the use of Sea Buckthorn as a nutritive therapy for schizophrenia treatment (Batool et al. 2009). More generally, Sea Buckthorn appears to support improved brain and nervous system function.

Antiviral and antibacterial properties: Studies indicate that Sea Buckthorn is effective against adenoviruses, paramixoviruses, Herpes, and influenza. It is also effective against many strains of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, diphtheria, E-Coli and others (Varshney n.d.), as well as various kinds of fungus and parasites.

Liver protection: Studies indicate that Sea Buckthorn and Sea Buckthorn oil appear to have hepatoprotective properties and may help halt the progression of hepatitis while aiding in the recovery of hepatic cells (Lipkin and Oliinyk. 2000).

CONCLUDING REMARKS:

Hopefully, our readers will now agree with us that this miracle-working little berry deserves to be categorized as a true super food and that it can play a very important role in safeguarding our health and protecting us from the many serious diseases that plague us today.

While there are a number of Sea Buckthorn products available in the market today, we would recommend one source in particular Sibu:The Sea Buckthorn Company . This online store carries an excellent range of health and beauty products as well as liquid supplements made from pure wild organic Sea Buckthorn sourced from the Tibetan and Indian Himalayas. To learn more about this company and its products, please visit our page: Sea Buckthorn: A True Super Food for Health and Beauty.

References Cited:

Batool, Farhat, Asad Hussain Shah, Syed Dilnawaz Ahmed, and Darakhshan Jabeen Haleem. 2009.  Oral Supplementation of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides L. Spp. Turkestanica) Fruit Extract Modifies Haloperidol Induced Behavioral Deficits and Increases Brain Serotonin  Metabolism. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis. 17(4):  257-63.

Daniells, Stephen. 2007. Seabuckthorn may cut Inflammation CVD. NutraIngredients.com

Fengming. Z. 1989. Antiarrythmic Effect of THF on the Extracorporeal Cors. J. Chinese Pharmacology. 5.1: 44-47.

Ganju, L., Y. Padwad, R. Singh, D. Karan, S. Chanda, M.K. Chopra, P. Bhatnagar, R. Kashyap and R.C. Sawhney. 2005. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides) Leaves. Int. Immunopharmacol. 2005. 5(12): 1675-84.

Lipkan, G.M. and O.A. Oliinyk. 2000. Hepatoprotective Effect of the Sea Buckthorn-and-Pinks-Oil. Lik Sprava 2000 (6): 96-9.

McLaughlin, Susan. Seabuckthorn…Synonymous with Beautiful Skin: An Internal and Topical Approach. Seabuckthorn International Inc.

MDidea (n.d.) What is Sea Buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides L, Sea Buckthorn Berry…Sea Buckthorn and its History? (http://www.mdidea.com).

Sibu. The Seabuckthorn Company. Seabuckthorn Nutritional Properties. (http://www.sibu.com).

Varshney, A.C. (n.d.). Seabuckthorn (Hippophae sp.) for Soft Tissue Repair in Animals. (Accessed online)

Varshney, A.C., and Tyagi, S.P. 2004. Studies on Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae sp.) in Canine. Asian Congress of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians. Feb. 4-5. Lucknow, India.

Varshney, A.C., A. Kumar, S.P. Tyagi, and V. Singh. 2003. Therapeutic Evaluation of Seabuckthorn Oil in Cutaneous Burn Wound Healing in Bovine: A Clinico-Haematological Study. 1^st Congress of the International Seabuckthorn Association. 14-19 Sept. Berlin, Germany.

Xiao, M., Z. Yaang, M. Jiu, and R. Xiao. 1992. The Antigastroulcerative Activity of Beta-Sitosterol, Beta-D-Glucoside and its Aglycone in Rats. Journal of West China. University of Medical Sciences 23(1): 98-101.

Zhang, P., X. Ding, L. Mao, D. Li, and L. Li. 1989. Anticancer Activities of Seabuckthorn Seed Oil and its Effect on the Weight of Immune Organs. Seabuckthorn 2(3): 31-34.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is only intended to educate and inform our readers. It is in no way intended to provide medical advice or to diagnose or treat any disease. If you have a health problem, you should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any substances for medicinal purposes.

Honey must be one of the most palatable, agreeable, and ancient healing foods available to humankind. We are firmly convinced that Pooh was right in his own bear-brainish way about honey being an excellent pick me up food even though Tigger did not agree! If, as recent news coverage suggests, cell phone towers are having anything to do with the disappearance of honey bees, we would choose this amazing healing gift of nature any day to perhaps frying our brains through excessive use of cell phones! But more about that in a later article.

History of Honey:

Honey has an ancient history having been used by diverse cultures globally as both a food and a medicine. Hippocrates and the ancient Greeks refer to its healing properties for infections and wounds, and jars of honey have been found in Egyptian tombs dating back two thousand years that still, according to reports, retain their delicious taste even today. Honey has also featured prominently in the ancient Indian Ayurvedic tradition, as we describe below.

Honey was the primary sweetener before the discovery of sugar produced from sugarcane or sugar beets. It was displaced by inexpensive, refined sugar, which has non-nutritive calories thought to be responsible for a range of health problems including obesity and diabetes. In this process, we have lost out on a rich source of phytonutrients in honey that both heal and protect against disease.

Varieties of Honey:

There are many varieties of honey differing in flavor, aroma, taste, texture, and properties. These differences are determined by the floral sources of the collected nectar. Generally the darker varieties of honey have a stronger flavor and more mineral content than the lighter, milder varieties.

UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) or Active Manuka honey has gained recognition as a particularly potent and effective healing honey. It is native to New Zealand and the nectar is collected from Manuka or tea tree bushes found in the coastal areas of the country. UMF is found in only some kinds of Manuka honey and contributes to its unique qualities.

Honey in Indian Ayurveda:

Ayurveda accords a very high place to honey or madhu as a medicinal food. It describes eight types of honey among which Makshika is considered the best type with immense medicinal properties. This honey is produced by small honey bees and is very light and dry natured and useful in vata- and kapha-related diseases.

In Ashtanga Hridaya, the great classic of Ayurveda, the therapeutic uses of honey are described as follows: it is very good for eyes and eyesight; useful in urinary tract disorders; worm infestations; bronchial asthma; cough; diarrhea; nausea and vomiting; cleansing and healing deep wounds; and initiates growth of healthy tissue. It also quenches thirst; dissolves kapha; reduces the effects of poison; and stops hiccoughs.

Honey, newly collected from beehives, is used in this tradition to increase body weight and as a mild laxative, while aged honey is believed to “scrape” kapha and help in fat metabolism.

One of the names used to describe honey in Ayurveda is Yogavahi, which denotes a substance that can penetrate the deepest tissue. When used with other herbal preparations, honey is believed to both enhance the medicinal qualities of those preparations and helps them to reach deep tissues.

Ayurveda also describes precautions to be taken when using honey. It should not be heated; it should not be consumed when working in a hot environment; it should never be mixed with rainwater, hot and spicy foods, and fermented beverages such as whisky, rum, and brandy (popular in cold mountain climes!) or with ghee (clarified butter) and mustard.

Some well known Ayurvedic home remedies that use honey include the following:

• Two teaspoons of honey with carrot juice consumed regularly is said to improve eyesight and is helpful for those who use computers for extended periods.
• In cold, cough, and chest congestion, two teaspoons of honey with an equal quantity of ginger juice should be consumed frequently.
• A mixture of black pepper powder, honey, and ginger juice in equal quantities when consumed thrice daily is said to alleviate asthma.
• Regular use of one teaspoon of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoons of honey is said to help control blood pressure; and
• One glass of warm water taken with two teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon of lemon juice first thing in the morning is a common remedy for fat reduction and blood purification.

More generally, Ayurveda recommends daily consumption of a teaspoon of honey for a long and healthy life.

Nutritional Profile and Properties of Honey:

Flower nectar is composed of sucrose and water to which bees add an enzyme that inverts sucrose into glucose and fructose, evaporating the water content in this process to resist spoiling.

Raw honey possesses antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in varying degrees. It is free of fats and cholesterol and contains several vitamins, minerals, amino acids, pollen, and protein. The vitamins present include: B6, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, and Niacin. Important minerals include: calcium, copper, manganese, potassium, zinc, iron, phosphorus and magnesium.

Current Therapeutic Uses of Honey:

Modern research has confirmed the many healing properties for which honey was used in ancient cultures.

Wounds and Burns:

Raw honey has been found to have potent healing properties for wounds and burns and was used as a wound healer during World War Two by the Russians. Its high sugar content allows it to draw out infection and excess fluid from wounds by a process of osmosis, discouraging the growth of harmful microorganisms. Honey’s acidic pH further prevents bacterial growth.

UMF Manuka honey is particularly potent as a wound healer. It contains an enzyme that produces small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which is a mild antiseptic.

When raw honey is applied to a wound, it keeps the area around the wound moist and protected thereby promoting fast healing without scarring.

Honey is a natural antibiotic food which fights even resistant bacteria such as E Coli and Staphaureus.

Honey helps in healing ulcers and dormant wounds reaching deeper tissues and has been used to treat infections and burns, venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, abscesses, unhealed graft donor sites, infected wounds from lower limb surgeries, and wounds not responding to conventional treatment. It is also used as a treatment for bed sores.

Energy Booster Food:

The natural fruit sugars in honey prevent fatigue during exercise. Glucose absorbed quickly by the body gives an immediate energy boost while fructose, which is absorbed slowly sustains energy.

Immune System Booster:

Honey is an effective immune system booster with its powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It contains nutraceuticals which help to remove free radicals from the body.

Healthy Digestion:

Regular consumption of raw honey helps to heal digestive disorders. This is because it contains a number of fermentable carbohydrates, including a variety of oligosaccharides that function as prebiotics. These help the growth and activity of bifidobacteria in milk and fermented dairy products such as yoghurt. Combining honey with these dairy products helps to promote healthy bowel movements and the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting the growth of unhealthy bacteria.

Honey also helps in detoxifying the body of carcinogens in the diet.

The fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in honey help to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of fats and carbohydrates by the blood. FOS nourishes cells in the gut, which is important for good digestion and the prevention of constipation. As we all know, good digestion and proper elimination are two of the keys to good health.

Honey also helps in the absorption of vitamins and minerals by the body.

A Natural Remedy for Stomach Ulcers:

Many people using raw honey, especially active Manuka honey, claim that one tablespoon of this honey with a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon powder taken on a daily basis effectively alleviates stomach upsets and clears stomach ulcers.

Arthritic Pain Relief:

Manuka honey, in particular, is becoming popular as treatment for arthritic pain due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It is suggested that sufferers of this condition take two tablespoons of Manuka honey along with about half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in warm water or green tea daily in the morning and evening.

Natural Weight Loss Remedy:

Though honey has more calories than sugar, when taken in warm water, preferably with lemon juice and cinnamon, it can help with weight loss by digesting fats stored in the body.

Sore Throat and Laryngitis:

A long known remedy for throat infections, honey both soothes a sore throat and kills the infection causing bacteria. A hot honey, cinnamon, and green tea drink could also help with sinus problems.

Bad Breath Remedy and Prevention of Oral Diseases:

Bad breath can be alleviated by gargling with honey and cinnamon powder in hot water. Further, because of its antimicrobial properties, raw honey has the potential to combat periodontal disease, mouth ulcers, and other oral diseases.

Natural Hair Loss Remedy:

Hot olive oil with a tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder, applied to the scalp and left on for about fifteen minutes before washing off, has been reported to help with hair loss.

The Hibernation Diet:

This unique diet, which may help to relief sleeplessness and lose weight at the same time, was created by a British pharmacist and nutrition expert. It involves having a healthy diet that avoids highly refined and processed foods and having two teaspoons of natural honey, preferably Manuka, either straight or with warm water before retiring at night. This is because natural unrefined honey taken prior to sleeping fuels the liver, speeds up fat burning metabolism, eases stress, and helps relaxation, which is conducing to better sleep. It keeps blood sugar levels balanced, which is important because a fall in blood glucose levels can be detrimental to the brain.

Storage of Honey:

Honey should always be kept in a cool, dry and dark place. It should be stored in a tightly capped container to prevent absorption of atmospheric moisture which would lower its quality.

The water content of honey should not be greater than 19 percent because if higher, certain wild yeasts present in honey could survive causing fermentation. This results in increased acidity, which affects the quality of honey. Raw honey’s moisture content can be as low as 14 percent, which makes it more valuable.

Over time, honey may granulate but can be restored to its liquid state by placing the bottle in hot water and then cooling it quickly.

Honey should never be boiled as this could affect its properties.

Cautions on Using Honey:

• Raw honey should be avoided by people with allergies or sensitivity to pollen. Please consult your physician before consuming honey.
• Because of the risk of infant botulism, honey is not recommended for children under one year of age.
• Honey could contain traces of pollutants if the floral source is contaminated so certified organic honeys are the safest.
• The healing properties of honey are at their most potent in raw organic honey. After taking any precautions concerning allergies, and after consulting your physician, this is the most valuable honey to use.

Pooh adds a few last words by saying that even a bear with little brain knows that honey is the tastiest and healthiest food on the planet. Given the fact that our tubby bear friend has not aged by even an hour since he first ambled into our lives more than eighty years ago, he’s probably right!

Please Note: To learn more about some of the most powerful healing honeys and honey-based products available that can provide support for cancer therapy and help with a whole host of health conditions and ailments, please visit our page on Therapeutic Honeys.

Key Reference Sources:

• Amazing Benefits of Honey (http://www.benefits-of-honey.com)
• Honeymark International. March 21, 2008. The Healing Benefits of Honey (http://honeymarkproducts.com)
• HoneyO.com Home of All Things Honey. (http://www.honeyo.com/honeyhealing)
• Krishna, R.S. Therapeutic Uses of Honey in Ayurveda. Pioneer Thinking (http://www.pioneerthinking.com)
• Levin, Rachel. Buzzing with Benefits. The Food Paper. (http://www.thefoodpaper.com)
• Organic Facts. Healing Benefits of Honey (http://www.organicfacts.net)

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is only intended to educate and inform our readers. It is in no way intended to provide medical advice or to diagnose or treat any disease. If you have a health problem, you should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any substances for medicinal purposes.

Irám indeed is gone with all its Rose,

And Jamshýd’s Sev’n-ring’d Cup where no one knows;

But still the Vine her ancient Ruby yields,

And still a Garden by the Water blows.

The grape, immortalized in the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, still lifts our spirits today and has proved itself to be a cornucopia of health enhancing properties gifted to us by Nature.

Mithu has a particular interest in grapes and their health benefits as she tried the grape cure, made by famous by Johanna Brandt, at a time when she was seriously ill after a major bout of typhoid. She went on a forty-five day fast consisting exclusively of organic grapes (mostly red) and grape juice. At the end of the fast, she went down from a size 12 to a size 10, wardrobe-wise, and had more energy and vitality than she knew what to do with. All the symptoms of her illness completely disappeared and the only “side effects” she experienced were a craving for any foods other than grapes and an addiction to recipe books!

Description:

To begin with some basics, the grape, botanically a “true berry” belonging to the genus Vitis, grows in clusters of six to three hundred on perennial and deciduous woody vines. The fruits come in a variety of hues ranging from black, dark blue and crimson to pink, yellow, and green.

Most grapes come from cultivars of Vitis vinifera, the European grape vine, native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Some such as Concord grapes come from America while Vitis amurensis is the most important Asian species. Countries producing wine from grapes include France, Italy, Turkey, the U.S., Iran, Argentina, Australia, South Africa, Lebanon, and India among others.

Nutritional Profile:

Grapes contain a host of valuable nutrients. Some of the main vitamins and minerals in grapes include Vitamin A, a good number of the B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Magnesium, Manganese, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and Sodium.

The purple/red grapes owe their color to concentrations of flavonoids (a group of phytonutrients), especially Quercetin and Resveratrol. The deeper the grape color, the higher the flavonoid concentrations. Apart from being present in grape skins, Resveratrol is also present in high concentrations in red wine but not in white wine. Particularly good sources are wines made from Muscadine grapes.

Phenolic compounds, another variety of phytonutrients which help to inhibit heart disease, are found in the skins of grapes with red varieties generally yielding higher concentrations. This also applies to wine benefits: white wines contain lower phenolic content than red wines since the grape skins are removed before fermentation.

Grapes contain a number of important organic acids such as malic acid, gallic acid, silicic acid, and oxalic acid, as well as powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanin and alpha-tocopherol.

Other important nutrients, apart from Resveratrol found in grape skin are beta-carotene, lycopene, and ellagic acid.

Red wine contains high concentrations of saponins which increase proportionately to the alcoholic strength of the wine. These valuable phytonutrients, which dissolve into the wine during the fermentation process, help to lower cholesterol by preventing its absorption.

Pterostilbene, a powerful antioxidant found in grapes, also helps to lower cholesterol and is known as an anti-cancer compound.

History:

A fruit known from ancient times, the grape was cultivated by the ancient Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for consumption both as food and wine. In Indian Ayurveda, drakshasava is an age-old grape-based herbal preparation prescribed for heart health, improved blood circulation, proper digestion and elimination, and for respiratory conditions, including tuberculosis.

Notable Health Benefits of Grapes, Grape Juice, and Red Wine:

Heart Ailments:

Quercetin and Resveratrol, the two major flavonoid compounds occurring in purple grapes and red wine, have been found to reduce the risk of heart disease and may inhibit the initiation of atherosclerosis as a result of their ability to inhibit platelet clumping and the formation of blood clots. They further protect LDL (bad cholesterol) from oxidation which is what makes it into an artery damaging molecule. As we mentioned earlier, pterostilbene may also lower cholesterol levels.

These activities appear to contribute to what is known as “the French paradox.” Though the French enjoy high fat diets, incidents of heart disease are low due to their habit of consuming red wine with their meals. They have obviously got this one right!

Studies have also shown that purple grape juice improves endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease.

For those with high blood pressure, here is some good news. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that a glass of red wine with your evening meal may be a good idea for those suffering from this condition. For those who either don’t like alcohol or don’t trust themselves to drink in moderation, red grape juice also provides most of these benefits so you can take your pick. Drinking around six glasses of red grape juice provides the equivalent beneficial effects of two glasses of red wine on blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks.

Strokes:

Resveratrol, which has proved helpful with high blood pressure problems, also improves blood flow to the brain, thereby reducing the risk of strokes. This is according to an animal study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Alzheimer’s:

Research suggests that purple grape juice can promote brain health and help to significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Studies by the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York further suggest that red grape seed extract could help against memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s.

Cancer Protection:

There is evidence that grape Resveratrol can prevent and fight cancers of several kinds such as the prostrate, the lungs, the liver, the colorectal system, and the breast by inhibiting the cells that are involved in cancer initiation, promotion, and progression. In addition to Resveratrol, there are substances in grapes, notably anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which are anti-proliferates and can help to halt the growth and propagation of cancer cells. Caffeic acid, a potent cancer-fighting agent is also present in high concentrations in grapes.

Joanna Brandt described how she healed herself of stomach cancer in her well known book, “The Grape Cure.” Though she did not know of all of the cancer healing properties of grapes at the time, we can now surmise the role of Resveratrol and other known cancer-fighting compounds found in grapes in her healing process.

A point to note is that while Resveratrol in red wine can have a protective effect in lung cancer, the opposite goes for white wine, which could even be harmful for this condition.

Grapes as an Anti-Ageing Food:

Many studies have confirmed that caloric restriction prolongs longevity. This effect is due to the activation of “Sir2”, an enzyme belonging to a family of molecules called sirtuins found in almost all life forms. In the search for a small molecule that could directly activate this enzyme, Resveratrol was found to be the most potent of all the polyphenols tested. At relatively low doses, Resveratrol stimulates sirtuin activity but higher doses have the opposite effect. A suggested dose is one glass of red wine or red grape juice drunk daily.

Loss of Vision:

Grape nutrients such as flavonoids and Vitamin A have beneficial effects on vision defects due to macular degeneration and cataracts.

Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Viral Actions of Grapes:

Purple grape juice and red wine have powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and can help to inhibit food-borne pathogens such as bacteria and viruses without harming probiotic bacteria in the body.

Cautions:

• The beneficial effects of red wine can be destroyed by excessive consumption, which can lead to serious health problems.
• Some people can suffer migraines from drinking red wine and in others it can bring on gout.
• Wine often contains unlisted added preservatives, colors, and flavors that can cause adverse reactions. Sulphur dioxide, an additive which is frequently found in red wine, can bring on an asthmatic attack in those sensitive to the chemical.
• Pregnant women should avoid all forms of alcohol, including wine since this can cause fetal alcohol syndrome.
• Grapes should not be consumed in combination with certain products some of which are: milk, fish, beer, mineral water, and melons as this can cause serious stomach problems.
• Before ingesting grapes, grape juice, or wine, we would suggest you consult your physician if you suffer from any of the following conditions: obesity; diabetes; diarrhea and dysentery; colitis and stomach ulcers; or any other serious underlying conditions. This precaution also holds for anyone who is interested in trying the grape fast.

Concluding Words:

And so the grape, that queen of fruits, comes down the ages to raise our spirits and bestow her healing gifts on us. To further quote our friend, Omar Khayyám, she truly is:

The subtle Alchemist that in a Trice

Life’s leaden Metal into Gold transmute[s].

So cheers and happy wining and dining!

Stop Press:

One of our readers provided us with a link to a website that markets a product called “Resveratrol Ultra.” This product appears to have got a number of positive reviews in the media so you might like to check it out:

http://www.resveratrolreviewed.org

Key Reference Sources:

• Adnani, Seema. Health Benefits of Grapes. Organic Facts (http://www.organicfacts.net)
• Craig, Winston. Health Benefits of Grapes. Vegetarianism and Vegetarian Nutrition. (http://www.vegetarian-nutrition.info)
• Folts, J.D. 2002. Potential Health from the Flavonoids in Grape Products on Vascular Disease. Adv Exp Med Biol 505:95-111
• Fritzgerald, Edward. (n.d.) The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám. London: Ward, Lock & Co. Ltd.
• The George Mateljan Foundation: The World’s Healthiest Foods. Grapes (http://whfoods.org)
• Michael S. 2008. Grape Seed Extract May Protect Against Alzheimer’s (http://www.wellsphere.com)
• Pandey. Kundan. 2009. Grapes: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits (Buzzle.com)
• Wikipedia. Grape (http://en.wikipedia.org)
• XavierL18. Best 4 Health Benefits of Grapes. Perfect Shape (http://www.the-perfectshape.com)

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is only intended to educate and inform our readers. It is in no way intended to provide medical advice or to diagnose or treat any disease. If you have a health problem, you should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any substances for medicinal purposes