Comprehensive Analysis of the Health Benefits of Hawthorn
Hawthorn (Crataegus) belongs to the Rosaceae family and is a flowering plant. Its edible fruits can be used as supplements or made into tea. Hawthorn is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and it may have a certain adjuvant therapeutic effect on heart diseases and blood disorders.
The most common varieties of hawthorn include C. monogyna, C. nigra, C. pinnatifida, and C. laevigata. Although hawthorn is widely distributed around the world, it is particularly common in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, especially in Europe and China.
1. Effects on Heart Failure
Heart failure refers to a condition where the heart cannot continuously and effectively pump blood. A study has found that taking 900 milligrams of hawthorn extract daily may reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. However, there is currently no conclusive evidence that hawthorn can be directly used to treat heart failure.
2. Regulation of Blood Pressure
Hawthorn may help prevent hypertension. A certain study explored the effects of taking 1200 milligrams of hawthorn extract daily on type 2 diabetes patients with hypertension. The results showed that compared with the participants taking a placebo, the diastolic blood pressure of the participants taking hawthorn extract decreased significantly. However, some other studies have not found strong evidence of the blood - pressure - lowering effect of hawthorn.
3. Maintenance of Lipid Metabolism
Some animal studies indicate that hawthorn can effectively regulate lipid metabolism and reduce the level of low - density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as "bad cholesterol". Lipid metabolism is the process by which the human body stores and breaks down fat and energy. Imbalances in lipid metabolism can cause damage to the cells of the brain, liver, and nervous system. It should be noted that the results of animal studies cannot fully and accurately reflect the impact of hawthorn on human cholesterol levels and lipid metabolism.
4. Control of Blood Glucose Levels
Hawthorn contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which may help treat diabetes that causes high blood glucose. Some studies suggest that the flavonoid quercetin may have blood - glucose - lowering effects. Quercetin promotes glucose metabolism, a key process for generating energy in the body. It can also assist in insulin secretion, an important body process that prevents excessive glucose production. However, most of the relevant studies have been conducted on animals, so further research on human participants is needed.
5. Antioxidant and Anti - inflammatory Effects
Animal studies have found that hawthorn has antioxidant activity. The flavonoids in hawthorn may help reduce oxidative stress, which can damage cells and exacerbate the inflammatory response, thus affecting human health.
6. Other Potential Benefits
The field of holistic medicine has explored the potential health benefits of hawthorn in various aspects. Hawthorn may help reduce inflammation that can lead to a variety of health problems, and may also be helpful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, depression, and ischemia (insufficient blood flow). In addition, hawthorn may prevent atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), improve indigestion, and delay skin aging. However, these findings still need more research to be confirmed.
Ways of Using Hawthorn
Hawthorn can be consumed as fresh fruit or used as an herb. Different parts of the hawthorn plant, including leaves and flowers, are rich in nutrients and bioactive components, such as organic acids, phenolic acids, polyphenols, and triterpenoids. Hawthorn has been widely used in various foods, as follows:
Beverages
Jams
Sugar or confectionery products
Meat products, such as traditional sausages
Brewed products (beer and wine)
Baked products
In addition, people sometimes apply hawthorn topically to treat skin problems such as sores, boils, and itching.
Dosage of Hawthorn
The safe amount of hawthorn consumption varies depending on the way of intake. Early studies suggest that 160 - 900 milligrams of hawthorn extract can be taken daily. However, due to insufficient recent research on hawthorn, it is difficult to determine an accurate dosage. Before incorporating hawthorn into your diet, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider.
Safety of Hawthorn
Currently, relatively few tests have been conducted on the consumption of hawthorn, but most people do not seem to experience obvious side effects. However, before consuming hawthorn, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, it is necessary to consult a healthcare provider.
Potential Drug Interactions
Although hawthorn is a natural plant, it may interact with certain drugs, especially when used for treatment purposes or in large amounts. Hawthorn may interact with the following drugs:
Vasodilator drugs
Heart failure drugs
Antihypertensive drugs
Drugs for treating angina (chest pain) and arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm)
If you are taking medications, be sure to consult a healthcare provider before consuming hawthorn. They can help determine whether hawthorn supplements or hawthorn tea will interact with your medications.
How to Purchase Hawthorn
In most countries, the sale and use of hawthorn plants are not restricted, and it is also quite common in the United States. Hawthorn is well - known for its round red berries that ripen in autumn. People can either plant it in their gardens or purchase it at local grocery stores.
Can Hawthorn Be Over - Consumed?
Generally, the upper limit of safe daily consumption of hawthorn is 1800 milligrams. The exact dosage may vary depending on the brand of the supplement or the type of hawthorn tea you drink. Before starting to take a new hawthorn supplement, be sure to consult a healthcare provider.
Side Effects of Hawthorn
Although rare, taking hawthorn may still cause side effects. The side effects of hawthorn are usually mild to moderate, such as:
Nausea
Dizziness
Vertigo
Headache
Sweating
Digestive discomfort
If you are allergic to Rosaceae plants (such as hawthorn), it is best to avoid consuming hawthorn herbs or related supplements.
Quick Review
Hawthorn is a small thorny tree that bears berry - like fruits. It has been added to various foods and can also be used as a supplement or made into tea. Hawthorn may help relieve the symptoms of certain heart diseases, diabetes, and inflammation. However, research on the specific impact of hawthorn on the human body still needs to be further deepened. Before incorporating hawthorn into your diet, be sure to consult a healthcare provider and ensure that the healthcare provider is aware of the latest list of your prescription drugs, over - the - counter drugs, and supplements.
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