Rose hips, or the fruit of a rose, can be quite healthy when consumed or taken as a supplement. Wild Dog Rose is the most common type of rose used for fruit. A rose hip is considered ready to be picked when the flower of the rose has completely bloomed. The benefits of rose hips include providing the body with a range of nutrients, healing injuries, and fighting illness.
Preventative Care for Cancer
Due to various antioxidants present in rose hips, they may provide a wall of defense against the formation of cancer. These antioxidants are carotenoids, catechins, flavonoids, leucoanthocyanins, and polyphenols. While consuming rose hips will not destroy currently existing cancer, it may prevent it from worsening. The same antioxidants that fight cancer also prevent various other diseases, especially those which are cardiovascular in nature.
Better Than Oranges
The concentration of Vitamin C found in rose hips exceeds the amount in oranges. Vitamin C provides a number of benefits to the body; it boosts the immune system significantly, reduces risk of infection and diminishes already existing infections, fosters the production of collagen (which strengthens bones and muscles), and acts as an antioxidant to prevent free radicals from harming the body. It also promotes healthy absorption of iron into the bloodstream, which is particularly great for women who are pregnant (or, of course, those who have an iron deficiency). This is easily the most useful of all rose hips benefits for daily consumption.
Kidney Care
Rose hips contain various acids, as well as the substance pectin, which help flush out and fortify the kidney. They also act as natural laxatives and diuretics, relieving constipation and the inability to urinate. To gain the maximal effect from these resources, dry and grind a tablespoon of rose hips and use them to steep a cup of tea.
Heal Wounds Faster
By dicing and boiling rose hips, a compress can be made that carries healing properties. Simply press it onto a cut, scrape, rash or inflamed area of the skin and let it sit for a few minutes. Many prefer to boil with less water and let the rose hips soak it up, then dry them with a towel and press that against the wound instead.
Relief of Arthritis Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that results in extreme inflammation in the body’s joints, resulting in sometimes debilitating pain. It is found primarily in the hands, wrists, and feet. Rose hips have been found to lessen the pain, though they do not cure the disease itself.
Improving Skin Health
Oil made from rose hips is sometimes used to re-moisturize skin and create new, healthy skin cells in place of dead or dying ones. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also used to heal burns, treat acne, and remove scars. It can be applied topically as an ointment, cream, or oil, but these benefits also result from simply ingesting the fruit on a regular basis.
Health Concerns and Side Effects
Though rare when taken in moderation, low-impact side effects like nausea and diarrhea can occur when consuming rose hips, as well as more serious effects like oversaturation of cholesterol leading to kidney stones. Allergies to this fruit may cause serious breathing problems as well. Rose hips should not be ingested in any form by anyone with already high levels of iron in the bloodstream, nor should it be taken by diabetics. Finally, rose hips may interact poorly with various types of medication; consult a doctor if you are taking medicine regularly and wish to consume rose hips in any form.
Joxito