After the flowering of the dog rose, or Rosa Canina, when the petals fall, the rose hips appear. These berries are fleshy, with a slightly elongated shape and a beautiful bright orange color. These fruits, in dried form, are the basis of delicious herbal teas but also extracts to which they give their important healthy properties. Today we are talking about the benefits that herbal teas and extracts prepared with rose hips can have for our health, based, as always, on the most recent scientific research.
Rose hips, nutrients
Rose hips are particularly rich in antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory substances capable of protecting our immune system, such as vitamin C, carotenoids, but also tocopherol, phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and tannins. Not only that, the rose hips also bring mineral salts, such as calcium, phosphorus and potassium (Ozkan et al, Foods, 2022). These substances give the rose hips the properties that we are now going to analyze.
Rose hips, flu and other infections
Rose hips are able to support our natural defenses and counteract colds, flu and bronchitis (Maloupa et al, Plants, 2021). The action of rose hips is considered both preventive and therapeutic. In addition to this, rose hips are also able to counteract urinary tract diseases and gastrointestinal disorders (Ilyasoglu et al, International Journal of Food Properties, 2012).
Rose hips against inflammation
Rose hips show an interesting anti-inflammatory action. Studies have observed that the intake of rose hips has made it possible to reduce pain and stiffness in case of inflammatory disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and back pain (Andersson et al, Eur J Clin Nutr, 2012).
Rose hips, obesity, blood pressure and diabetes
Rose hips not only fights viruses and inflammation. In fact, this healthy fruit also has an anti-obesity and anti-diabetic action. Rosehip extracts are able to counteract weight gain, visceral fat accumulation and glucose intolerance, even in the presence of a high-fat diet (Andersson et al, Eur J Clin Nutr, 2012 ). Based on studies, it is believed that rose hips support the functionality of pancreatic beta cells, thus helping to reduce the risk of malfunctioning of these cells and the development of diabetes (Igual et al, Molecules, 2022). Not only that, the regular intake of rosehip helps to keep blood pressure but also blood cholesterol values under control, thus allowing a reduction in cardiovascular risk of up to 20% (Andersson et al, Eur J Clin Nutr, 2012).
Rosehip against aging processes and cellular degeneration
Given its antioxidant properties, rosehip has been found to be useful in reducing the risk of cellular degeneration, especially those affecting the colon and breast (Igual et al, Molecules, 2022). Not only that, rose hips are also anti-aging, with important effects on the appearance of the skin. In fact, it has been shown that the intake of 3 mg of rosehip extracts has allowed, in two months, to reduce wrinkles, crow's feet around the eyes but also increased the hydration and elasticity of the skin (Phetcharat et al, Clin Interv Aging, 2015).
Rose hips, how to take this remedy
You can take rose hips in the form of herbal tea. Rosehip tea is a healthy and antioxidant drink. In fact, studies have shown that the infusion process of rose hips, even if it causes a loss of part of the healthy substances, still retains important flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and phenolic acids, which counteract free radical damage, reduce inflammation and support the defenses (Ozkan et al, Foods, 2022). Studies have observed that, in order to retain a greater quantity of beneficial substances, it is necessary to respect some precautions. First, the rose hips should be added to the water which is at a temperature of about 85° C, then the duration of the infusion should be 7-8 minutes (Ilyasoglu et al, J Food Sci Technol, 2017). Alternatively, you can take supplements based on more concentrated rosehip extracts. Before starting any rosehip-based treatment, in any case it is always better to ask your doctor for advice. Rose hips are considered generally safe but caution should be exercised if you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medications.
