Hawthorn Berry: Advantages, Risks, and Frequently Asked Questions
In the natural world, the humble hawthorn tree, a wild fruit tree native to Europe, North America, and North Africa, has long been celebrated for its berry-like fruits, commonly known as haws. However, contrary to popular belief, these fruits are not technically berries due to containing stones.
Hawthorn berries are rich in complex carbohydrates and antioxidants, making them a potential asset in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. They have been traditionally used for herbal remedies for centuries, with applications ranging from heart health to diabetes and even cancer.
One area where hawthorn berries show particular promise is heart health. Studies suggest that they may help reduce fats in the blood, lower cholesterol, and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties could potentially prevent endothelial dysfunction, a condition that leads to the narrowing of the arteries.
However, it's important to note that more studies are needed to clarify hawthorn's efficacy and safety for various health benefits. For instance, while hawthorn may have heart-protecting abilities, its potential benefits for diabetes and cancer are not yet well established.
When it comes to cancer, there is insufficient reliable human evidence that hawthorn prevents or treats cancer. Any experimental anticancer activity comes from preclinical studies and should not be taken as clinical recommendation.
As for diabetes, evidence for hawthorn improving blood sugar is limited. It's not recommended to use hawthorn as a primary diabetes treatment, and individuals should monitor their blood glucose closely if combining it with antidiabetic drugs.
Hawthorn berries are not poisonous to humans but contain a chemical called amygdalin, which can be toxic at high doses. It's crucial to follow recommended dosing guidelines to avoid any potential harm.
Typical dosages used in clinical research for heart conditions range from about 250–1,800 mg of hawthorn extract per day, given in divided doses. For general over-the-counter berry or whole-berry capsules, manufacturers commonly recommend taking 2–3 capsules two to three times daily with food.
However, hawthorn can interact with prescription heart medicines and drugs that affect blood pressure. It's essential to consult a doctor before consuming hawthorn, especially if you have heart disease or take cardiac medications.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should also avoid consuming hawthorn due to a lack of research on its safety.
In conclusion, while hawthorn berries hold promise for various health benefits, more research is needed to establish beneficial dosages and safety. It's always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating hawthorn into your diet, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition or are taking medications.
- The food and pharmaceutical industries may find hawthorn berries to be a potential asset due to their rich content in complex carbohydrates and antioxidants.
- In addition to heart health, hawthorn berries have been traditionally used for herbal remedies for conditions like diabetes and cancer, although their benefits for these conditions are not yet well established in scientific research.
- Hawthorn berries can interact with prescription heart medicines and drugs that affect blood pressure, making it crucial to consult a doctor before consuming them, especially if you have heart disease or are taking cardiac medications.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should also avoid consuming hawthorn due to a lack of research on its safety. As with any health-and-wellness practice, incorporating hawthorn into your diet should be done after consulting a healthcare professional.
