9 health benefits of rosehip, as well as contraindications

Rosehip is a small red rose fruit that is located just below the petals. Most often they are taken in the form of tea, which has a delicate floral aroma and a slightly sweet taste.

Since the middle of the 17th century, rosehip has been widely recognized in medicine, and in the 21st century, scientists have confirmed many useful properties of the plant for health, known since ancient times.

Rosehip contains a huge amount of vitamin C and fiber. Its regular intake strengthens the immune system and the cardiovascular system, as well as helps to lose weight and improves the condition of the skin. But it should be remembered that the plant has a number of contraindications.

9 useful properties

Below are 9 facts about the benefits of rosehip, which have a strong evidence base.

1. Extremely rich composition

Rosehip fruits contain the following biologically active components:

Also fruits rich antioxidants that prevent the development of oncology, cardiovascular pathologies, as well as type II diabetes mellitus.

2. Antioxidant effect

Antioxidants are special plant compounds that protect all cells of the body from the effects of free radicals.

Rosehip contains a variety of polyphenols, carotenoids, as well as vitamins C and E. Each of the substances described as claim scientists, it has extremely high antioxidant activity.

Proven that rosehip protects liver and kidney cells from the effects of toxic substances, improves the course of autoimmune diseases of the musculoskeletal system, significantly reduces the risk of type II diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, obesity and cancer.

It should be noted separately that the content of antioxidants varies significantly depending on the type of rosehip, harvest time, growing conditions and even altitude above sea level. Ripe fruits are of the greatest value if they are eaten fresh.

3. Strengthening the immune system

Rosehip – record holder in vitamin C content among other fruits, vegetables and berries.

Vitamin C plays an extremely important role in maintaining the functioning of the immune system .

Multiple foreign studies ( Netherlands, New Zealand , Finland , Iran ) note the following effect of vitamin C on immunity:

1. Stimulation of lymphocyte production and differentiation.
2. Enhancement of the functional activity of lymphocytes.
3. Increasing the ability of all cells of the immune system with macrophage activity to recognize and destroy foreign agents that have entered the bloodstream.
4. Improvement of barrier tissues (skin, mucous membranes). As a result, they become less sensitive to the introduction of pathogenic particles from the external environment.

Rosehip is also a valuable source of polyphenols, vitamins A and E, which normalize metabolism and thus, improve the functioning of the immune system .

With regular use of the plant, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, as well as systemic infections, are much less common.

4. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Numerous studies emphasize the special effectiveness of rosehip in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Employees of the National University of Medical Sciences (Lombard) installed that taking only 47 grams of rosehip per day for 1 month is significantly reduces the level of total cholesterol , as well as its atherogenic fractions (LDL and TAG).

During the normalization of cholesterol levels, the likelihood of atherosclerotic damage to the walls of arteries and the development of pathologies such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke decreases.

A high intake of vitamin C, which is rich in rosehip, is also associated with a low risk of death from heart and vascular diseases.

An equally important role, according to the data British experts, flavonoids are playing. They lower blood pressure and improve coronary blood flow due to vasodilation , feeding the heart muscle.

As a clear example of the effectiveness of rosehip, one can cite research by Swedish scientists . They proved that consuming only 40 grams of rosehip powder per day for several weeks reduces systolic blood pressure by 3.4%, diastolic by 5.8%, and total cholesterol in blood plasma by 6.5%.

5. Weight loss Assistance

Rosehip contains a special antioxidant – tiliroside, which promotes weight loss, as it accelerates the breakdown of adipose tissue cells.

Japanese scientists conducted animal experiment , during which 1% of the animal diet was allocated to rosehip extract. A 3-7% decrease in body weight was recorded after 8 weeks.

Similar results are shown by human studies . After 12 weeks of consuming a similar amount of rosehip (1% of the diet), a marked decrease in muscle tissue volume and body weight was recorded.

6. Prevention of type II diabetes mellitus

Experiments on mice installed that the addition of rosehip to the diet leads to a decrease in plasma glucose levels, as well as to an increase in the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin.

In the works of Iranian scientists it was proven that the extract of the plant significantly reduces the concentration of sugar in the blood of rodents suffering from type II diabetes mellitus.

7. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects

According to the data Spanish scientists, rosehip is rich in polyphenols and galactolipids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Similar composition allows you to use rosehip as a raw material for the manufacture of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant medicines.

Specialists of RMIT University (Victoria) revealed that rosehip powder significantly reduces the severity of pain syndrome. The effectiveness was comparable to the pharmaceutical drug paracetamol.

In one of the small foreign studies it was detected that rosehip extract reduces the severity of hip pain in 96% of individuals, which increases the volume of active and passive movements in the affected segment of the musculoskeletal system.

8. Slowing down skin aging

Vitamin C, which is part of rosehip, activates the synthesis of collagen, the main structural protein of the skin responsible for elasticity.

Scientists from New Zealand claim that ascorbic acid also protects the cells of the epidermis from the effects of harmful solar radiation, improves the delivery of valuable nutrients.

Fruits also contain an important carotenoid, astaxanthin, which possesses anti-aging properties, as it inhibits the destruction of existing collagen.

9. Improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract

Proven that rosehip has a number of medicinal properties for the digestive system. Exactly:

1. Maintenance of microbiocenosis. Rosehip, thanks to the abundance fiber in the composition, supports the growth and reproduction of beneficial microorganisms, inhibits the vital activity of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic representatives of the microflora. Against the background of an adequate ratio of friendly and pathogenic bacteria, enzymes work better, and more valuable nutrients are absorbed.
2. Relief of diarrhea and constipation. The plant slows down the motor activity of the intestine, which is effective in order to get rid of diarrhea (the effect is comparable to the drug loperamide). At the same time, fruits can be used to eliminate constipation, as they improve the consistency of feces, prevent the formation of fecal stones.
3. Prevention of gastritis and peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum. Rosehip alters the acidity of gastric juice, as a result, Helicobacter Pylori bacteria cannot support vital activity in it, which in 99% of cases are responsible for the development of these pathologies.

Harm and contraindications

Rosehip has quite a lot of contraindications and, if used incorrectly, can be harmful to health.

Contraindications include:

1. Gastritis with increased secretory activity. Rosehip accelerates the secretion of digestive juices and provokes significant injury to the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum.
2. Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum (the healing time increases, the risk of bleeding into the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract increases). The plant is effective in preventing this disease, but is contraindicated – if available.
3. Severe liver and kidney diseases with the phenomena of functional insufficiency.
4. Increased individual sensitivity to individual components. All types of allergic reactions are found on rosehip: from urticaria to anaphylactic shock. Angioedema is extremely rare.
5. Taking diuretics. Rosehip has a slight diuretic effect, however, it is able to increase the activity of furosemide (lasix) several times, which can lead to a violation of the water-electrolyte balance in the body.
6. Taking contraceptives (containing estrogens), as well as antipsychotic drugs (flufenazine). High doses of vitamin C in the composition of fruits interact with these medications, reducing their effectiveness.

The issue of using rosehip during pregnancy is extremely controversial. Fruits prevent the development of edema, toxicosis and gestosis, eclampsia, and also increase the immunity of the mother and fetus, reducing the risk of infectious and inflammatory diseases. However, the effect of rosehip on a woman's body during pregnancy has not been studied in any of the studies so far.

How to take it?

There is a large list of recipes based on this medicinal plant. The most common ones are considered below:

1. Tea. Tea made from rosehip fruits, petals and leaves is usually used to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and prevent malignant neoplasms. To prepare, pour 2 tablespoons of chopped fruits with 250 ml of boiling water and let it stand for about 10 minutes. The resulting composition is recommended to be mixed with green tea, mint or karkade. You can also add honey, ginger or cinnamon for flavor. Take herbal tea 250 ml 2 times a day. The course lasts 2-3 months.
2. Decoction. The decoction is used for strengthening the immune system during flu epidemics or the presence of active infections of the upper respiratory tract. To prepare this remedy, pour 2 tablespoons of rosehip fruits with 400 ml of boiling water and cook over low heat for about 20 minutes. Then the composition is removed from the heat and infused for 40 minutes. To improve the taste, it is permissible to add 1-2 tsp of natural honey. Take 200 ml 3 times a day (30 minutes after meals).
3. Homemade tincture. The drug is used to combat arterial hypotension, anemia, as well as to make up for vitamin C deficiency. For cooking, you will need: 200 grams of rosehip fruits, 0.5 tablespoons of honey and 4,000 ml of vodka. All ingredients are mixed in a glass container and tightly closed with a lid. The future tincture should be kept in a dark, cool room for at least 30-40 days.  Take 2-4 ml 6 times a day after meals. The duration of the reception is not limited.
4. Pharmacy tincture. Purchased at the pharmacy. The indications for admission include: asthenic conditions, hypovitaminosis C and the recovery period after respiratory infections. It is recommended to consume 1-2 tablespoons 2-4 times a day.
5. Infusion. Indications: coronary heart disease, decreased immunity. It is necessary to pour 2 tablespoons of dried rosehip fruits into a thermos or a glass jar tightly wrapped with a warm towel. Pour 1,000 ml of boiling water and let it stand for 6-8 hours. Consume 200 ml 2-3 times a day after meals. The duration of treatment is 2 weeks.
6. Juice. Rosehip juice is commonly used to relieve biliary dyskinesia, type II diabetes and constipation. It can be prepared by yourself using a juicer (an extremely difficult task) or purchased in stores. The main thing is to make sure that there are no preservatives and dyes in the composition. Take 100 ml 1 time a day. The maximum duration of therapy is 2 months.
7. Compote. To prepare 250 grams of dried fruits, pour 1 liter of boiling water, place in a thermos and insist for 40 minutes. Then pour the infusion into a saucepan, add 50 grams of sugar (cinnamon, lemon zest to taste) and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Compote can be taken 300-500 ml per day, regardless of food intake, to strengthen the immune system, treat cardiovascular disorders.
8. Syrup. Is taken solely for the purpose of eliminating edema of non-cardiogenic origin. To prepare rosehip syrup, pour 1 kg of sugar and 1200 grams of rosehip fruits with 1200 ml of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for about 60 minutes. Then remove from heat and cool. Take 1-2 tsp. 4-5 times a day.
9. Instant powder drink. Powdered rosehip is purchased in grocery stores. Indications for admission: the period of active course of infectious diseases, heart failure, coronary heart disease. To prepare, pour 2 tsp. of powder with 150 ml of hot water and add (if necessary) sugar. Consume 150 ml 2-3 times a day. The duration is unlimited.

Conclusion

1. Rosehip is characterized by an extremely high content of vitamins (especially vitamin C) and antioxidants.
2. With regular use, it reduces the risk of developing various diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as well as the digestive and endocrine systems.
3. The plant also improves the condition of the skin, strengthens the immune system and helps to reduce body weight.
4. At the same time, the fruits have many contraindications, which necessitates prior consultation with a doctor.