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by John Staughton (BASc, BFA)last updated -
The health benefits of rose hips include their ability to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, relieve respiratory conditions, lower cholesterol, manage diabetes, increase urination, regulate digestion, boost the immune system, increase circulation, and help in building stronger bones. [1]
What are Rose Hips?
Rose hips, also known as rose hep and rose haw, are the fruits of the rose plant. They usually form in late summer and autumn after the flowers have been pollinated. Once the rosebud falls off, many people forget about roses, but the fruit of the plant is yet to come! The color is typically red, but it can also be orange, purple, or black. They are some of the most nutritionally packed fruits of any plant, which is why they have become such a desirable and sought-after product in markets around the world. Historically,they have been used for hundreds of years by the Americans as well as Europeans. [2]
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They were cultivated for a number of reasons, even as decoration due to their shape and color. Recently, the complete medicinal value was discovered. They were even used as pet food for animals because it was noticed that animals were particularly attracted to the scent and taste of these small fruit pods. When people began eating the components of rose hips, a great deal of attention shifted towards the potential it had for their health.
The most common forms of rose hips include jams, jellies, soups, tisanes, bread, wine, pies, and even marmalade. They are an extremely versatile ingredient enjoyed by people all around the globe, either due tothe delicious flavor or for the nutritional benefits!
Rosehip berries can also be eaten raw if care is taken to avoid the hairs inside the fruits. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Nutrition Facts Rose Hips, wild (Northern Plains Indians)Serving Size : Nutrient Value Water [g] 58.66 Energy 162 Energy [kJ] 679 Protein [g] 1.6 Total lipid (fat) [g] 0.34 Ash [g] 1.18 Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 38.22 Fiber, total dietary [g] 24.1 Sugars, total including NLEA [g] 2.58 Sucrose [g] 0.07 Glucose (dextrose) [g] 1.34 Fructose [g] 1.16 Calcium, Ca [mg] 169 Iron, Fe [mg] 1.06 Magnesium, Mg [mg] 69 Phosphorus, P [mg] 61 Potassium, K [mg] 429 Sodium, Na [mg] 4 Zinc, Zn [mg] 0.25 Copper, Cu [mg] 0.11 Manganese, Mn [mg] 1.02 Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] 426 Thiamin [mg] 0.02 Riboflavin [mg] 0.17 Niacin [mg] 1.3 Pantothenic acid [mg] 0.8 Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.08 Folate, total [µg] 3 Folate, food [µg] 3 Choline, total [mg] 12 Betaine [mg] 2.9 Vitamin A, RAE [µg] 217 Carotene, beta [µg] 2350 Carotene, alpha [µg] 31 Cryptoxanthin, beta [µg] 483 Vitamin A, IU [IU] 4345 Lycopene [µg] 6800 Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg] 2001 Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] 5.84 Tocopherol, beta [mg] 0.05 Tocopherol, gamma [mg] 1.34 Tocopherol, delta [mg] 0.14 Tocotrienol, alpha [mg] 0.01 Tocotrienol, gamma [mg] 0.07 Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] 25.9 Sources include : USDA [3]
Nutritional Valueof Rose Hips
The reason that rose hips are so popular is because they are extremely effective in treating a wide variety of health conditions. How? The vitamins, minerals, organic compounds, and other essential nutrients in rose hips pack a very powerful punch! Some of these beneficial components include vitamin C, A, E, and vitamin B-complex, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, selenium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, silicon, and zinc. Furthermore, the organic compounds, such as lycopene, pectin, lutein, and beta-carotene, are also very powerful and essential for the body. The antioxidant components, which include flavonoids, phytochemicals, and carotenoids also contribute to their health benefits. [4]
Health Benefits of Rose Hips
The health benefits of these unique fruits are mentioned below:
Lower Cholesterol
The organic compounds and antioxidant components in rose hips also reduce the LDL cholesterol in your body, thereby reducing strain on your cardiovascular system. [5]
Boost Immunity
Rose hips have an impressive amount of vitamin C, which is one of the best components to boost the immune system. Vitamin C stimulates white blood cells and is also essential for the prevention of asthma and the general health of the respiratory system. This can be seen in the reduction of respiratory conditions such as cold and flu through the intake of rose hips and its high levels of vitamin C. [6]
Control Diabetes
Rose hips have been shown to strictly regulate the blood sugar level of the body, which is very important for people with diabetes. By keeping the balance of insulin and glucose in the body,they can prevent sudden plunges or spikes in blood sugar that can be deadly. [7]
Aid in Digestion
The various acids within rose hips, as well as pectin, are known to induce urination and excretion. As a diuretic, they can help eliminate toxins from the body, as well as excess salts, liquids, and even fat. By stimulating bowel movements, rose hips can help a person avoid a number of unfortunate health conditions and discomforts. [8]
Skin Care
People all over the world want their skin to look more beautiful, blemish-free, and youthful. There are hundreds of products and potential treatments for tightening and toning the skin and rose hips are one of the best options. The astringent quality of rose hips keeps the skin elastic, so it doesn’t develop wrinkles. It eliminates the flaws easily, heals the burns and scars, and makes the skin look younger and vibrant. [9]
Improve Circulation
These have a significant amount of iron, which is an essential component in the creation of red blood cells. Therefore, having an adequate amount of rose hips in your diet can prevent anemia and also keep your essential organs well-oxygenated, thus increasing metabolic activity and optimizing the functionality of various organ systems. [10]
Enhance Bone Health
One of the most important roles of vitamin C is its essential role in producing collagen. Collagen, along with the other important minerals found in rose hips, can help prevent osteoporosis by maintaining bone mineral density well into your old age, keeping you strong, flexible, and able to live an active life! [11]
Word of Caution: There are no known issues with using rose hip whenever you want, although there are reports of nausea, vomiting, headaches, heartburn, and an inability to sleep. Much of this could be due to slight food allergies.
As always, pay attention to your body and act accordingly!
