7 Amazing Health Benefits of Hawthorn Berries

Hawthorn is a plant, leaves, berries, and flowers of which is used to make medicine.

The hawthorn berries are nutrition-packed and have a tangy taste with mild sweetness. Its color ranges from yellow to deep red to black. It is used in the treatment of diseases of heart, blood vessels, digestive problems, and high blood pressure.

Hawthorns improve the amount of blood pumped out of the heart, widen the blood vessels, and increase the transmission of nerve signals.

Hawthorn berries contain chemical compound and nutrients such as flavonoids, quercetin, rutin, vitexin, choline, Acantolic acid, caffeic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, iron, and phosphorus, which benefit health in numerous ways ⁽¹⁾.

The health benefits are as follows.

1. Rich in Antioxidants

   Hawthorn berry is rich in polyphenol, an antioxidant compound found in plants.

   The antioxidants neutralize free radicals which can harm the body if the levels are elevated ⁽²⁾.

   Due to the antioxidant properties, polyphenols help in lowering the risk of certain chronic conditions such as type2 diabetes, asthma, heart problems, premature skin aging, and some cancers.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

   Hawthorn berries may have anti-inflammatory properties which can help improve health. A study done on mice found that hawthorn berries significantly reduces the levels of inflammatory compounds ⁽³⁾.

   Another study showed that supplementing hawthorn berries extract decreased asthma in mice suffering from the condition ⁽⁴⁾.

   Due to positive effects on animals, it is believed to offer anti-inflammatory benefits in humans as well.

3. Lowers Blood Pressure

   Hawthorn berry has been used traditionally to treat high blood pressure ⁽⁵⁾.

   Hawthorn berries act as a vasodilator, relaxing constricted blood vessels, lowering the blood pressure ^{(6, 7)}.

   Few studies have been conducted but not all agree on the blood pressure-lowering effect of hawthorn berries ^{(8, 9, 10)}.

4. Decrease Blood Cholesterol

   Some studies conducted on animals showed a positive effect of hawthorn berries in lowering the level of cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood ^{(12, 13)}. The researches are promising but more need to be done on humans to assess the effect.

   High triglycerides and low HDL or good cholesterol play a role in plaque build-up in the blood vessels ⁽¹¹⁾.

5. Aids Digestion

   Hawthorn berries are known to stimulate bile and gastric secretion which aid digestion especially of the food rich in fats and proteins. They have been used for centuries for digestive issues such as indigestion and stomach pain.

   The berries contain fiber which acts as prebiotic and reduces constipation and improves digestion.

   Hawthorn berries reduce the transit time of food in the digestive system making it move quickly and alleviate indigestion ⁽¹⁴⁾.

6. Prevents Hair Loss

   Hawthorn berries are commonly used ingredients in hair loss products. A study done on rats showed an increase in number and size of hair follicles, hair growth and healthier hair ⁽¹⁵⁾.

   The polyphenol content may promote hair growth.

7. Heart Failure Treatment

   Hawthorns berries are used along with other traditional medicines in the treatment of heart failure.

   A study conducted on 850 people concluded, those taking hawthorn extract experienced improved heart function and exercise tolerance. There was also less shortness of breath and fatigue ⁽¹⁶⁾.

   Another study found those taking hawthorn berries required fewer medications to manage heart failure ⁽¹⁷⁾.

   People with heart failure are often encouraged to take hawthorn supplements as they are considered safe with fewer side effects.

   Very few people taking hawthorn berries have complained of nausea or dizziness ⁽¹⁸⁾. It is therefore advisable to speak with your healthcare professional before taking any health supplement or herbal remedy.

   Otherwise, hawthorn berry is considered very effective and can be easily included in the diet. It can be added to the tea, eaten raw, put in jams or dessert and can also be taken as a supplement.

   Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking it as a supplement.