Hawthorn berries have started to appear in the garden of Suzuki Herb Loboratory.

 

Cute bright red hawthorns have borne fruit.

Hawthorn berries are widely used as an ingredient in liquor, dried fruit, and confectionery.

They are also used in Chinese medicine because of their excellent nutritional qualities.

The berries are rich in dietary fiber, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals.

In particular, they contain five times more polyphenols than red wine.

What are polyphenols?

We often hear about polyphenols, but what are their benefits?

Polyphenols are pigments and other components found in plants.

They are important for plants to resist stresses such as ultraviolet rays, low nutrition, salt, and dryness.

Plants use their precious energy to produce polyphenols and other chemicals.

Hawthorn also contains high amounts of catechins, which are polyphenols.

Catechins have antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and cholesterol-lowering effects.

Antioxidant action, in particular, removes "active oxygen" produced in the human body.

Reactive oxygen species oxidize lipids in the body and change them into a substance called lipid peroxide, which causes a decline in immune function and aging.

In addition, it has been reported that they may cause arteriosclerosis and lead to diseases such as cancer.

It can also oxidize lipids in the skin, causing blotches and wrinkles.

Hawthorn, which removes active oxygen, is a superfood that is very useful for health maintenance and beauty.

Hawthorn is also available as juice and herbal tea.

Hawthorn is also effective in alleviating anxiety by working on the central nervous system, so it is good for relaxation.

It is also good for relaxation.