Getting older includes some unique challenges. But luckily, we are able to make the most of a number of nature's strongest superfoods to fight disease and sickness and keep our youthful glow.
What are rose hips?
Rose hips would be the fruits which come from the wild rose plant. They are able to range in color from deep red to orange to dark purple, and they're typically ripe for the picking around late summer to early fall. Rose hips happen to be used historically in Chinese Traditional Medicine, and therefore are regarded as a powerful kidney tonic and diarrhea remedy. Though we do not typically consume rose hips the way you do other fruits, modern research shows that they boast much more impressive nutritional benefits.
What are the benefits?
For one, rose hips are a powerful anti-ager. You may recognize the ingredient from a number of your anti-aging beauty items, and even for good reason. Rose hips are full of antioxidants including vitamin C, which is an immune-booster as well as a precursor to wrinkle-fighting collagen. Furthermore, rose hip oil, which is obtained from the seeds of the rose hip fruit, is rich in polyunsaturated fats. These fats support a proper skin membrane and protect skin from inflammation brought on by such things as ultraviolet (UV) rays and pollution.
Research suggests that both topical application of rose hip oil and consuming rose hips in supplement form will benefit aging skin. One small study demonstrated that taking three milligrams of rose hip powder daily led to a decrease in skin wrinkles and significant increase in skin moisture and elasticity. Other research suggests that topical products full of ascorbic acid (such as rose hip oil) increase cell turnover revealing fresher, more radiant looking skin.
Consuming rose hips could also assist you to manage conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Rose hips contain antioxidants including vitamin C, catechins, quercetin, and ellagic acid. These compounds might help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, cutting your chance of cardiovascular disease. In a single small study, consuming a glass or two created using 40 grams of rose hip powder daily led to a significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, and blood pressure in comparison to the placebo group.
Rose hips may also help you prevent or combat obesity, which could therefore reduce your chance of a host of other health conditions like heart disease and cancer. This is because rose hip might help your body to eliminate stored fat. In one study, subjects going for a 100-milligram dose of rose hip daily had a significant decrease in excess fat – particularly round the belly area. They speculate this is because of a compound in rose hip called tiliroside, which may speed up fat metabolism.
How are you able to incorporate it into your routine?
Luckily, it’s easy to incorporate rose hip to your daily routine, there are several ways to do it. If you're looking to make use of rose hips because of its anti-aging skin properties, consider using a topical rose hip oil such as this one from Aria Starr (Buy on Amazon, $16.95). Don’t expect it to smell of roses, though: Rosehip oil actually has a mild, woody scent.
You can also consume rose hip internally for skin benefits, in addition to the rest of the health benefits mentioned. However, there are a few things to note: Since rose hips contain such a high amount of vitamin C, taking too much might be a risk to anyone with recurring kidney stones, sickle cell anemia, and hemochromatosis (an iron disorder). Rose hips also communicate with lithium, antacids, estrogen, and blood-clotting medications. As always, talk to your doctor before trying any new supplement. For any rose hip supplement we love, do this one from SolaRay (Buy on Amazon, $8.99).
