Rose hip is actually the round part of the rose flower, just under the petals. Rose hip contains the seeds of the rose plant which are used together to make medicine.
In fact, the fresh rose hip is made up of a lot of vitamin C, which helps to prevent and treat flu, colds, as well as vitamin C deficiencies. When taken orally, rose hip also has the ability to treat stomach problems, including stomach acid deficiency, stomach cramps, ulcers, stomach irritation , and intestinal ailments.
Rose hip is also effective for treating constipation, diarrhea, edema, kidney disorders, weight loss, gallstones, gallbladder diseases, diabetes, fever, urinary tract infections, gout, sciatica, chest ailments, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Topically, rose hip is also used to treat stretch marks.
In foods, rose hip is used for making tea, soup, and jam.
The Health Benefits of Rose Hips
Let’s take a closer look at the amazing health benefits of rose hips.
Prevents Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to some studies, rose hips can bring about significant improvements in arthritic conditions. Rose hip powder is believed to reduce pain in the joints, hips, and knees.
Rose hips also contain the fatty acid known as GOPO, which is the plant version of fish oil. Interestingly, GOPO is one of the reasons for rose hip’s anti-arthritic abilities. Rose hip extract pills are also known to reduce arthritic pain.
Helps Treat Diabetes
Some studies have indicated that a regular consumption of rose hip powder can help lower blood sugar levels and support diabetes treatment.
Prevents Cancer
Rose hip extract helps to reduce the growth of breast cancer cells. Due to the phytochemicals present in rose hips, ome studies suggest that its extract can also reduce the migration and proliferation of breast cancer cells. The fruit extract prevents the cancerous growth in the brain, which is where the breast cancer cells are likely to spread to.
According to a study, rose hip is an active component in diets that can help avert colorectal cancer. The fruit also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which help to prevent cancer. Rose hips contain some bioactive compounds such as tannins, phenols, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), pectins, and beta-carotene. These contains help alleviate oxidative stress, which can lead to cancer.
Rose hips also contain other active compounds known as carotenoids, which are known to slow the migration of certain forms of tumor. Rose hip extract has also shown to be effective in preventing epithelitis, which could be caused by radiotherapy in people with head and neck cancer. The fruit has also been found to help stop and even reverse the growth of some types of cancers.
Rose hips also contain lycopene (the compound that givesthem their red color). Lycopene is well-known for its anticancer ability. It encourages the communication between cells, the damage of which results in the growth of tumors.
Treats Inflammation
This could be similar to the positive effect rose hip has on osteoarthritis. A regular consumption of rose hip can reduce the levels of C-reactive protein, a substance produced by the liver that increases in concentration when inflammation increases. Also, some studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of rose hip are credited to its seed, and not really its shell. The anti-inflammatory abilities of rose hips also help avert cartilage erosion.
Lowers Cholesterol
A regular consumption of rose hip extract is effective for lowering cholesterol levels. In fact, the fruit is particularly potent for people who are obese and want to lose weight. Rose hip is also a safe alternative to anti-cholesterol drugs that have side effects.
Contains Additional Vitamin C Benefits
Rose hips are so rich in vitamin C that about 60 times the vitamin C in an orange. One of the major benefits of vitamin C is collagen production. Collagen is a protein that forms the connective tissue in the body. The vitamin also treats inflammation and improves immunity. It prevents scurvy, a disease that can cause muscle weakness, joint pains, rashes, and tooth loss.
The vitamin C in rose hips also helps maintain the health of blood vessels. And because of the high levels of this vitamin, even the American Indian tribes had used the tea from the fruit to treat respiratory ailments.
Vitamin C in rose hips also helps your body absorb iron better. Iron has several benefits, the major one being preventing anemia and keeping your blood healthy. And yes, vitamin C also treats and prevents cold and flu symptoms. So, you don’t have to worry even if the seasons are changing.
Supports Heart Health
In some studies, rose hip powder is believed to be effective in significantly lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, the antioxidants and flavonoids in rose hip also protect the body against heart-related diseases.
Regulates Blood Pressure
According to some reports, consuming rose hip can significantly lower in blood pressure levels.
Improves Skin Health
The oil gotten from the rose hip fruit can find its way deep into the layers of the skin. The vitamin C in the fruit stimulates the collagen production and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. The fruit also possesses vitamin A that locks in moisture in the skin.
Rose hip oil can also help to fight the UV damage caused by the sun. In fact, the essential fatty acids found in rose hip oil also inhibit scarring and support skin regeneration. The antioxidants found in the fruit improves skin tone and texture, and treats pigmentation.
Side Effects and Precautions
- Although an overdose of vitamin C is not fatal, it comes with some side effects, including dizziness, nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, heartburn, and stomach cramps.
- Excess consumption of vitamin C can also cause kidney stones. So, it is advisable that individuals with kidney problems check with their doctor first before consuming the fruit.
- Since rose hip contains vitamin C, it can interact with estrogen and warfarin, a drug that slows down blood clotting.
- Pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers should avoid the use of rose hip, especially as there is no reliable information on its safety.
