THE NEWEST SUPER-FAT: SAY HELLO TO OMEGA-7

Friday, July 5th, 2013 | Food Facts by Leah Shainhouse

Many people tend to overindulge in high-fat foods that satisfy their palate—but not their hunger pangs.

Ever wonder why?

Since fat is the least satiating macronutrient compared to protein or carbohydrates, you’re more likely to eat more of these fatty treats in order to feel full. What’s worse is that fat contains double the amount of calories that protein or carbohydrates do; therefore, a lot more energy is being consumed and probably not being expended.

The obesity epidemic is a large problem (excuse the pun) and doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. It is a result of our society eating far too many calories and expending far too little energy.

However, Not All Fat Is Bad!

Remember those omega-3s that have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve heart and brain health?

You’ve finally gotten the hang of incorporating those fatty fish into your diet twice weekly, upped your intake of flaxseed, and anything else to make sure you’re getting enough of those nutrient-dense omega-3 sources.

Yet now you’re being told you might want to jump on the omega-7 bandwagon?

So What Are These Omega-7s?

Omega-7s are the newest thing, and show promise in reducing inflammation, reducing insulin resistance, and improving the health of your pancreas. They may even have a beneficial role in glucose and lipid metabolism. Best of all, a recent study showed that they can help curb your food intake by inducing early satiety.

Omega-7, also known as palmitoleic acid, is a monounsaturated fatty acid that’s beginning to get quite a bit of press. It is found naturally in some foods, including the oils of macadamia nuts and sea buckthorn, as well as in fish oils.

The downside is that palmitoleic acid tends to be coupled with palmitic acid, also known as sodium palmitate. Palmitic acid is a harmful saturated fat produced from the oils found in palm trees (palm oil or palm kernel oil). It has been shown to promote inflammation in the body, contributing to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline over time. So the real question is: do the health benefits of palmitoleic acid mitigate the negative effects of palmitic acid?

Are Omega-7s Worth The Hype?

Since this is such a new discovery, the research behind it is limited, but shows promise. Most of the current research has been performed on animals—in particular, rats. A recent study published earlier this year found that omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) has a positive effect on satiety.

Each group was given a sample of palmitoleic acid (omega-7), a saturated fat (palmitic acid), a different monounsaturated fat (oleic acid—an omega-9), or a control diet. Compared to the other diets, the people eating palmitoleic acid (omega-7) were able to decrease food intake by inducing production of hormones found in the gut that play a role in suppressing appetite.

Another study published a couple of years ago found that palmitoleic acid improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats, reducing insulin resistance and promoting weight loss.

The Bottom Line

These studies show promise in improving our cholesterol and insulin sensitivities, leading to prevention of type-2 diabetes and improvement in heart health. However, at this stage, the effects of these supplements are still being studied. For instance, while sea buckthorn oil contains the omega-7 acids, it also has saturated fat and palmitic acid, and we still don’t understand the negative effects those carry as well as we should.

Until more research is done, try incorporating macadamia nuts into your diet. A serving size is a quarter of a cup, or no more than 12 nuts. Remember not to overindulge on these healthy nuts, as they are also a fat. Also, continue incorporating your fatty, oily fish—we already know that the omega-3s will surely benefit our health!

Source(s) for Article:

• Sygo, J., “Jennifer Sygo: Introducing omega-7s, the new fatty acid on the block,” The National Post web site, June 11, 2013; http://life.nationalpost.com/2013/06/11/jennifer-sygo-introducing-omega-7s-the-new-fatty-acid-on-the-block/,.
• Yang, Z., et al., “Oral administration of omega-7 palmitoleic acid induces satiety and the release of appetite related hormones in male rats,” Appetite 2013; 65(2013):1-7.

TRIED AND TRUE NUTRIENTS SHINE IN SEA BUCKTHORN: THE NEW SUPERFRUIT

Tried And True Nutrients Shine in Sea Buckthorn: The New Superfruit Trying to get your kids to eat right is never an easy task. They catch sight of that green vegetable coming their way and it always seems to send them into a panic. How can parents encourage their kids to eat healthy if they won’t go anywhere near the proper foods? The answer is as simple as the question is tricky: a modest orange berry called sea buckthorn. No less than Dr. Oz has championed sea buckthorn as a super-food on his popular show.

What is Sea Buckthorn?

Sea buckthorn, grown in the Himalayan Mountains, has been used as a health aid in Asia for 2,000-plus years. The berry was deemed the national drink during the Beijing Olympics in 2008. It was also used on skin to treat burn victims at Chernobyl. The berry has gone on to be hailed as a weight-loss supplement and more.  One may ask: “What does any of that have to do with my kids?” That’s where the “and more” comes in. The same thought process that went into the aforementioned uses of the sea buckthorn berry can now be applied to improving a child’s diet and overall health. That’s because, as you can see, the berry promotes total body wellness, plus it’s a natural product that’s now sold in almost every health food store across the country.

On-the-Go Parent

The most beautiful thing about sea buckthorn is its convenience. Today’s parents are an on-the-go, multi-tasking force that have little time to fuss with several doses per day of supplements or miracle cleansing treatments that require week-long dedication. Sea buckthorn fits perfectly into this lifestyle because it’s as simple as drinking a glass of water; you can help take care of your kids – and yourself – with minimal effort. 

Running around all day leaves your child drained of the essential vitamins and minerals he or she needs to support growth. Unless a parent can prepare a well-balanced meal, day after day, one may find themselves at a loss of time to supplement their child’s diet. Sea buckthorn is one of those rare natural supplements that are rich in antioxidants, essential amino acids, vitamin E, the rare Omega 7, vitamin C and 190 other bioactive nutrients. This means your children can get just about everything they need from one soft gel a day or a few drops added to some orange juice.

Really? Just One?

Sea buckthorn has been shown to improve a variety of issues, including acne. Every parent knows that their teenager will at some point reach the awkward age where they are plagued by pimples. All well-meaning parents want to help this embarrassing situation, and sea buckthorn provides an easy, effective solution that doesn’t require a prescription.

Sea buckthorn is, as noted, full of nutrients and vitamins, but specifically Omega 7. Omega 7 is a fatty acid that performs various functions within the body and is difficult to find naturally. Omega 7 will target the skin cells called fibroblasts that produce collagen and reduce the amount of arachidonic acid. This specific type of acid creates hormones which may trigger false alarms of the body’s defense system and produce redness, irritation, and drying in the skin. Through this process, Omega 7 will clear the skin continuously in order to sustain a healthy, blemish-free glow so your child can focus on his or her homework rather than worry about being ostracized by classmates.

Weight Gain, a Thing of the Past

Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The prevalence of obesity among children aged six to eleven years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The best way to avoid this is a healthy and balanced diet. Though there are still causes genetically that a simple diet and exercise regime will not fix, sea buckthorn can help with this issue. If a child gets a head start on knowing how to deal with his or her weight issues, they can take what they learn early in life and apply it to their future actions. 

Sea buckthorn works on a hormonal level within the body to help with weight loss. According to Dr. Oz, the berry “signals the body to stop storing unnecessary fat.” By doing this, the berry has been shown to actually curb hunger and promote weight loss. A healthy diet is still very important as far as supporting healthy growth in any child, but sea buckthorn can complement a smart diet because it contains the highest amount of natural Omega 7 of any plant in the world. 

Extra Protection Against Free Radicals

Environmental pollution including poisonous pesticides, electrical radiation from numerous sources including TV and computers has caused serious alarms worldwide. Kids are spending more time in front of a TV or a computer than ever before.  The rich contents of antioxidants in sea buckthorn are reported to provide effective protection against free radicals, UV rays, and much more.

Brain Health

Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely important in the development and proper maintenance of the brain. Superfoods Rx authors Steven G. Pratt and Kathy Matthews note that “some scientists even suggest that it was the ingestion of omega-3 that allowed the brain to evolve to the next stage in human development”.  Brain development in young children is especially crucial.  Sea buckthorn seed oil contains very high levels of both Omega 3 and 6 in an almost perfect 1:1 ratio, ideal for increasing brain health. 

A Parent’s Soothing Remedy

Young children are prone to accidents; it is a fact of life. Whether it is rug burn from roughhousing or falling off a bike, bumps and bruises are inevitable. Although sea buckthorn can’t stop kids from hurting themselves, it can help in the aftermath. Scarring on skinned knees and elbows is never something a parent wants for their child, and sea buckthorn can minimize these unsightly markers of life. And, it should be noted, sea buckthorn can also help reduce the visible effects of chicken pox.

 
Sea Buckthorn and Moms

Children aren’t the only ones who can benefit from sea buckthorn; adults can, too.  Not only has sea buckthorn been proven to help with acne, but it’s also known to smooth out wrinkles. And it can help minimize stretch marks too. Further, sea buckthorn offers gastrointestinal health benefits for all the moms and dads who don’t eat as well as they should, while at the same time strengthening better hair, skin, and nails. 

Sea buckthorn’s multi-faceted benefits make it the one superfruit you and your family shouldn’t live without.

James Liu is the General Manager of SeabuckWonders, Inc., the only USDA-certified organic full sea buckthorn product line.  The family owned company is committed to developing the finest Sea Buckthorn products that are certified organic by strict U.S. and European Standards.  The products are distributed by Health King Enterprises and Balanceuticals group, a company that, since 1994, has focused on maintaining the highest quality possible in the production of Chinese remedies and medicinal teas based on modern science and technology. 

REVIEW: VITAMIN RETAILER MAGAZINE MARCH 2013

Download: Vitamin Retailer Magazine March 2013 Edition

CONCERNED ABOUT CANCER, INFLAMMATION, MEMORY LOSS OR DIABETES? 'HOLY FRUIT OF THE HIMALAYAS' CAN HELP

(NaturalNews) With environmental pollutants, radiation, stress and chemicals bombarding us at every turn, simply consuming a clean diet isn't enough to ensure health - additional fortification with nutrient-dense superfoods is often required to avoid serious disease and illness. Luckily, a bright orange Himalayan berry can tackle many of our modern health issues and encourage a robust future.

Sea buckthorn fruit is loaded with over 190 bioactive compounds, including omega-3 and omega-7 fatty acids - the latter is a rare fat in the plant kingdom which is beneficial for weight loss and healing the gastrointestinal tract. The berry is considered one of the world's most balanced fruits, providing powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Rich in beta-carotene, flavonoids and vitamins C, D, E and K, sea buckthorn also contains a substantial complex of B vitamins and 20 minerals. Moreover, it supplies between 4-100 times more vitamin C than any other fruit or vegetable. With such an impressive nutritional profile, it's no wonder the fruit has long been considered a healing treasure in the mountainous Himalayan regions in which it grows.

THERAPEUTIC MERIT

Modern research has also found sea buckthorn valuable. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition discovered the berry reduced post-meal blood sugar spikes. The researchers believe sea buckthorn is beneficial in keeping blood sugar levels stable and protecting against type 2 diabetes.

Skin aliments respond favorably to the berry as well. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry reports that participants who took sea buckthorn oil supplements daily over the course of four months experienced significant improvement in their atopic dermatitis (a form of eczema). Similarly, a study in Food and Chemical Toxicology found sea buckthorn oil applied topically to burn wounds in rats markedly accelerated healing.

And a review published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology states:

"Sea buckthorn has been scientifically analyzed and many of its traditional uses have been established using several biochemical and pharmacological studies. Various pharmacological activities such as cytoprotective, anti-stress, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, radioprotective, anti-atherogenic, anti-tumor, anti-microbial and tissue regeneration have been reported."

Sea buckthorn is also helpful for:

• Arthritis
• High blood pressure
• Pain and inflammation
• Rosacea
• Mental clarity and memory
• Endurance
• Vision
• Healthy skin and hair
• Respiratory function

Sea buckthorn is available as a juice concentrate, tea, supplement or topical oil and is often used in natural beauty products to reduce the signs of aging.

Sources:

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

http://www.nature.com

http://www.organicauthority.com

http://altmedicine.about.com

http://naturalhealthychoices.weebly.com

www.powerberryseabuckthorn.com

http://seaberry-hippophaerhamnoides.blogspot.ca

www.powerberryseabuckthorn.com

About the author:

Carolanne enthusiastically believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, natural foods chef and wellness coach, Carolanne has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of organic living, gratefulness and joyful orientation for over 13 years. Through her website www.Thrive-Living.net she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision. 

SEA BUCKTHORN FOR LOWERING CHOLESTEROL

Effect of a low dose of sea buckthorn berries on circulating concentrations of cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and flavonols in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies indicate beneficialeffects of flavonoids on  cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To study the effect of flavonoid-richsea buckthorn berry (SBB)on circulating lipid markers associated with CVD risk and plasma flavonol concentration. Also investigated was whether changes in the circulating flavonol concentrations correlate with the SBB induced changes in C-reactive protein (CRP)concentration observed previously.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In all 229 healthy participants completed the randomized double-blind study and consumed daily 28 g of SBB or placebo for 3 months. Fasting blood samples for the analysis of lipid markers and flavonols were obtained at the beginning and end of the study.

RESULTS: Compared to the placebo, the consumption of SBB increased the plasma concentration of the flavonols quercetin and isorhamnetin significantly [treatment differences 3.0 ng/ml (P = 0.03) and 3.9 ng/ml (P < 0.01),respectively]. The increaseof kaempferol concentration was not significant [treatment difference 0.7 ng/ml (P = 0.08)]. SBB did not affect the serum total, HDL, LDL cholesterol, or the serum triacylglycerol concentrations. There was no correlation between the changes inflavonol and CRP concentrations of participants.

CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of SBB significantly increased the fasting plasma concentration of quercetin and isorhamnetin indicating that it is a good dietary source of flavonols. However, this did not convert to affecting the circulating concentrations of lipid markersin healthy, normolipidemic adults having healthy diets.

  

PMID: 19288149 | Eur J Nutr. 2009 Aug | 48(5):277-82. doi: 10.1007/s00394-009-0011-4. Epub 2009 Mar 14.

Larmo PS, Yang B, Hurme SA, Alin JA, Kallio HP, Salminen EK, Tahvonen RL.

Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry,

University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.

SEA BUCKTHORN OIL: THE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT FOR YOU?

By Chris Kilham | Medicine Hunter| Published April 11, 2013 | FoxNews.com

If you want a new nutritional supplement to ponder, you usually have to wait about a month. On an ongoing basis, we are bombarded by the latest, the greatest, and the most fabulous supplement of all time. In the information age, the information never stops – and neither does the flow of new supplements.

So how do you tell a great concept from a mediocre one? One of the best barometers I know is to find out how long an ingredient has been used. If it’s brand new, then in my opinion, we don’t know enough. But if it has been used for hundreds or even thousands of years, then it’s worth knowing more.

A relative new-comer in the nutritional scene is sea buckthorn oil (Hippophae rhamnoides), which is pressed from the fruits and seeds of the orange-colored sea buckthorn berry. Known and used by the ancient Greeks, this berry grows throughout the Himalayas, and I have seen it cultivated on a massive scale in Siberia. The plant shows up in ancient Tibetan texts, the Indian Materia Medica, and early Chinese formularies. The name sea buckthorn has nothing to do with the sea, but its botanical name Hippophae rhamnoides may refer to the plant’s use in antiquity to cure blindness in horses.

New to us in the West, sea buckthorn is a staple super food and adaptogenic plant used for at least two thousand years by millions of people. I like that kind of deep, broad usage over a long period of time. As an adaptogen, sea buckthorn helps to mitigate the effects of both mental and physical stress. The Chinese military used it in the 1950s to aid soldiers suffering from plateau sickness. Since that time, Chinese officials have championed the development of a strong sea buckthorn industry, with widespread cultivation a key factor. From here on, we’re likely to experience a wave of sea buckthorn products, in a variety of forms.

Sea buckthorn juices are hitting the market, and they’re a great way to get a whopping load of highly protective factors – from antioxidant phenols, to vitamin A-producing carotenoids, and to a whole new class of healthy oils. What is catching the attention of researchers and health aficionados alike is the Omega 7 fatty acid value of the oil of this plant. Just when you were getting the hang of Omega 3s and 6s, along come the 7s. These plant compounds derive from both the fruit and the seed of this cold weather berry.

We require fatty acids to live, for proper brain function, cardiovascular health, skin, and organ tissue, as well as a myriad of other important functions. And the Omega 7 fatty acids, notably palmitoleic acid, appear to possess special properties that easily put this supplement in the worth-taking category for your personal health.

Research on Omega 7 and palmitoleic acid in particular, show that these lipids enhance overall cardiovascular health, improve gastrointestinal health by enhancing digestive tissue, and contribute to better skin, hair and nails.  Much of the activity of Omega 7 appears to be anti-inflammatory. We know that inflammation plays a key role in every chronic, degenerative disease. The particular properties of Omega 7 may prove especially beneficial in mitigating overall inflammation. Omega 7 also likely plays a role in blood sugar and weight control.

Russian animal research in the late 1990s showed significant improvements in all aspects of cardiovascular function in animals given sea buckthorn. This action was attributed to a high concentration of potent antioxidant phenols present throughout sea buckthorn fruit and seeds. I personally do not approve of animal testing, but it would be a shame to let the information go to waste.

In cosmetics, the oil of sea buckthorn is making its way into lotions, creams, facial scrubs and other unguents – some with very good success. There is good reason to believe that sea buckthorn oil enhances skin health and renewal.

You can find sea buckthorn oil supplement capsules, and you can also find juices on the market. The capsules offer a convenient way to take Omega 7, and the juices offer a novel and very good flavor. Some producers of sea buckthorn products, like Utah-based Sibu, work with Himalayan villagers on community enhancement programs to enhance their lives in ways they need. In my estimation, sea buckthorn is here to stay.

Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter who researches natural remedies all over the world, from the Amazon to Siberia. He teaches ethnobotany at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is Explorer In Residence. Chris advises herbal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies and is a regular guest on radio and TV programs worldwide. His field research is largely sponsored by Naturex of Avignon, France. 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SEA BUCKTHORN OIL

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY - Systemic inflammation is notably reduced with the constant intake of Sea buckthorn oil. Three months of supplementation has brought forth incredible results.

MENOPAUSE SUPPORT - Omega 7 fatty acids found in this berry work wonders for the mucosal membrane layers found inside the human body. These benefits of sea buckthorn oil extend to genital and digestive system as well. Omega-7 helps retain moisture and can therefore reduce menopause problems to a great level.

EYE CARE - Those who suffer from red and dry eyes must consume Seabuckthorn oil for relief. The anti-inflammatory and moisture retaining ability of this fruit can radically heal such eye problems.

PREVENTING ULCERS AND HEALING GERD - Ulcers and GERD are two very common stomach ailments .A lot of people consume medicines in order to control indigestion and reflux. But on a natural note, benefits of Sea buckthorn oil components can help soothe tissues of the digestive track and heal conditions like GERD and ulcers.

PREVENTING LIVER DAMAGE - The anti-oxidants present in this wonder berry act as a potent agent fighting against any sort of liver damage. The hepatoprotective activity undertaken by the agents in Sea buckthorn oil diminish any possibilities of liver problems.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH - The oil from Sea buckthorn potentially reduces cholesterol levels in blood and hence protects against heart ailments. The extract is known to improve cardio vascular functioning and is the perfect potion for a healthy heart.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT - Consumption of Sea buckthorn oil has positive effects on obese patients and helps systematize metabolic functioning of the body.Omega-7 fats present in the berry inhibit fat deposition within the body.

SKIN HEALTH - The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial property is one of the benefits of Sea buckthorn oil which makes it a favorite for those who love to flaunt that healthy looking skin. It is because of this that a lot of cosmetic companies add this berry to their ingredient list. The anti-oxidants found in Sea buckthorn promote skin elasticity and hydration resulting in a more youthful appearance.

WOUND HEALING - This is one among several benefits of sea buckthorn oil. The regenerative properties of Sea buckthorn promote quick wound healing. The oil can be applied directly on the skin for great results. Even burn wounds can be cured with the topical application of Sea buckthorn oil.

FIGHT DIABETES - The benefits of Sea buckthorn oil extends to those suffering with diabetes. The berry helps keep a check on blood sugar levels and safeguards against type 2 diabetes. As per studies, adding Sea buckthorn to a diabetic’s meal radically controls the upsurge of sugar levels post meal. 

Source of information: http://seabuckthornbenefits.com.au

BBC NEWS: PRICKLY WEED IN SCOTLAND MAY BE NEXT SUPERFOOD

20th August 2013

Sea buckthorn, which grows in abundance around Scottish coasts, may be the next superfruit.

Despite often being viewed as an invasive prickly weed, the plant's bright orange berries are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Now, scientists from Edinburgh's Queen Margaret University are working on ways to use them in drinks and food.

"Sea buckthorn has more vitamin C than a kiwi and more vitamin E than a soya bean."

Previously, Scots have not exploited the nutritional benefits of Sea Buckthorn due to the problems associated with its harvesting and the often bitter taste of the berries.

Popular in China, Norway and Russia, it is usually added to cereal and desserts. It can normally be found growing in Scottish coastal areas near sand dunes, particularly in East Lothian.

If planted correctly it can help stabilise sand dunes next to golf courses, preserve areas of natural interest, and protect other plants by reducing salt spray produced by cars.

Since 2008, Queen Margaret University has been researching the nutritional properties of Sea Buckthorn and has run various trials for small food producers who are looking to enhance the nutritional content of their products while also adding a Scottish twist.

Graham Stoddart, owner of Cuddybridge, a small Scottish hand-pressed apple juice producer, said: "Although, the properties of apple juice are well documented, the effects of Sea Buckthorn, with its excellent antioxidant properties, and its application for the fresh juice market when mixed with apples, have little or no documentation."

Cuddybridge presses a variety of apples throughout the year, but due to the seasonality of Sea Buckthorn, the combined Apple and Sea Buckthorn juice is only available as a fresh juice between September and February.

Dr Mary Warnock, senior lecturer in microbiology at Queen Margaret University, said: "Sea Buckthorn is literally bursting with potential. "We are excited that our work in this area is changing the reputation of this undervalued plant to one which can add nutritional value to the Scottish diet."

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER SEA BUCKTHORN HERB PROTECTS LIVER FROM TOXINS

(NaturalNews) We rarely give one of our most hard working organs, the liver, much thought unless something goes wrong. Located in the upper right hand side of the abdomen, mostly behind the rib cage, the liver produces and secretes bile into the intestine to help digest fat and it also helps purify the blood by changing potentially harmful chemicals, including drugs and toxins, into harmless ones. When the liver can't protect adequately against chemical assaults, the impact on health can be serious and even deadly.

Now comes new research published in the Society of Chemical Industry's (SCI) Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture that concludes an Indian herb may offer a way to help the liver fend off toxins.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), which grows in the mountains of China and Russia, has been shown to be rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, flavonoids and essential fatty acids. Its berries are well known for their cholesterol lowering properties and the leaves are sometimes used to make a tea. Now scientists in India say the herb has even more health benefits: Sea buckthorn's leaves are rich in anti-oxidants and are protective against liver disease.

In a clinically controlled study, scientists gave six groups of rats a liver damage agent, carbon tetrachloride (CCI4) in various dosages and three groups of the animals received 50, 100 and 200mg of sea buckthorn leaf extract respectively for five days followed by a single dose of CCI4 on the 5th day.

The results showed that the leaf extract acted as a protective mechanism in the liver. The group given CCI4 minus the leaf extract suffered significant liver damage compared to the control group that did not receive CCI4. In comparison, livers of the rats given leaf extract at 100mg and 200mg and CCI4 were protected from harm.

If the herb also protects the human liver, it could be an important natural weapon in the arsenal against liver disease. While the liver can regenerate, it is not always able to and, according to the National Institutes of Health's Action Plan for Liver Disease Research report, more than 17,000 Americans are waiting for a liver transplant to save their lives.

The NIH estimates that 1 of 4 Americans will have a disease of the liver or its related bile duct system during their life. Even when liver disease does not require a transplant, it can take a significant toll on a person's quality of life and ability to earn a living due to symptoms including fluid retention, muscle weakness, fatigue and nausea.

http://www.naturalnews.com/023589_liver_herb_sea_buckthorn.html

SEA BUCKTHORN: A LEGENDARY PLANT

SEA BUCKTHORN: ANCIENT HEALER AND MODERN SUPERFOOD

An ancient Tibetan healing secret is finally being discovered in the West.  For thousands of years Tibetans used a fruit that grows wild in the Himalayan Mountains as food and medicine to treat many serious health conditions ranging from breathing disorders to skin problems.  Now science is proving that sea buck-thorn is potent natural medicine.

Like many super-foods, sea buck-thorn contains numerous powerful antioxidants that help the body deal with free radical damage (now linked to almost every illness and aging).  But sea buck-thorn doesn't stop there, it is also an excellent source of important Omega 7s.  That’s not a typo.  You may have heard of Omega 3s, 6s, and 9s, but 7s are also important.  And sea buck-thorn is one of the best sources of this critical essential fat.

Nutrient Powerhouse

Sea buck-thorn also contains over 190 nutrients and phytonutrients, making it an extreme super-food.  It has plentiful amounts of flavonoids—phytonutrients found in research to prevent cancer cells from multiplying while reducing pain and inflammation, and contributing to weight loss in overweight individuals.  The superfruit also contains plentiful amounts of the important healing enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD)—actually, four times more than ginseng, another good source of SOD.

Breathing Conditions and Heart Disease

Asthma, chronic coughs, other breathing disorders, and skin conditions are a few of the traditional uses for sea buck-thorn, but it has also been shown to improve the health of eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.  Other research shows it dramatically reduces harmful cholesterol levels and C-reactive protein, which is known to inflame and damage cells and be linked to illnesses like heart disease.

GI Healing

Its anti-ulcer compounds combined with its natural anti-inflammatory make sea buck-thorn an excellent choice for gastrointestinal complaints.  The oil appears to provide a protective and healing coating to the stomach and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, reducing the effects of harmful microbes like E-coli.

Skin Regenerator

When it comes to skin conditions, it has been shown effective in a wide variety of ailments, including:  acne, burns, dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, stretch marks, and wounds.  Many of its 190 nutrients are likely at work in these conditions but its high amounts of Omega 7s cause skin cell regeneration, minimizing wrinkling and the appearance of aging skin.  Based on research published in the journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications scientists concluded that sea buck-thorn could be used as a therapeutic agent against inflammatory skin diseases.

Cancer Fighter

Sea buckthorn’s cancer-fighting abilities are impressive.  In a study published in ISRN Pharmacology, researchers found that sea buckthorn was effective at killing cancer cells and lymphatic leukemia.  Other research published in the journals Fitoterapia and Nutrition and Cancer showed that seabuckthorn exhibited remarkable antitumor activity and anticancer effects.

Weight Loss

As if all of the above wasn’t enough reason to love sea buckthorn, this overachieving superfruit also helps with weight loss.  Few foods can match sea buckthorn’s high levels of Omega 7s which work as signals to stop the body from storing fat.  It also helps people keep the weight off once its lost.

Cognitive and Motor Impairment

Multiple studies show sea buckthorn’s effectiveness at reducing cognitive impairment and the treatment of a condition called dyskinesia.  Dyskinesia is a degenerative neurological condition involving motor impairment.  Research published in Medical Science Monitor found that sea buckthorn fruit extract has a protective effect against dyskinesia.

Super-immunity, Energy-Boosting, and UV Protection

It’s no surprise that any food this rich in nutrients would also boost the immune system and energy levels.  Sea buckthorn oil also works as a natural sun-protectant.

What to Look For

Hexane is used in the processing of most sea buckthorn on the market, even by many companies claiming “vegetable oils” used in the extraction of sea buckthorn’s therapeutic compounds.  Choose a reputable company that is committed to the highest standards of purity.  There are many different sea buckthorn products, including:  berry oil and berry oil capsules, seed oil and seed oil capsules, powder concentrates and capsules containing the concentrated powder, as well as skin care products.  

Courtesy: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/sea-buckthorn-ancient-healer-and-modern-superfood.html#ixzz2kam2BX9i

WHAT YOUR BODY REQUIRE.....THE SCIENCE OF VITAMINS & THE BODY