“Golden berries” may reduce the risk of diabetes and obesity

Canada – A new study revealed that the orange (or golden) berries of the sea buckthorn shrub found in several parts of the world are a rich source of natural antioxidants.

This type of berry grows on a thorny plant found along the coasts of northwestern Europe and temperate regions of Central Asia, and is widely used for its nutritional, pharmaceutical and functional properties.

Sea buckthorn oil is also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins E, B, A, and polyphenols.

Now, researchers have found that growing berries in Canada, specifically, could open the doors to even more health benefits.

“Sea buckthorn is a unique crop with huge potential for use,” explained Renan Danielski, study author and doctoral student at the University of Newfoundland. “This variety is very popular in Asia and northwestern Europe, and there is an opportunity to emulate this success in North America by taking advantage of the unique qualities of locally grown varieties.”

The researchers set out to characterize the unique composition of polyphenols, a class of compounds with antioxidant properties, in Canadian raspberries.

The results revealed the presence of major polyphenolic compounds in sea buckthorn seeds and fruits, each of which has potential health benefits, including cardiovascular protection.

The researchers also identified several distinct compounds with enhanced bioactivity, which are found only in the sea buckthorn variety grown in Newfoundland.

Sea buckthorn extracts have shown promising anti-diabetes and anti-obesity potential in vitro, paving the way for further research into its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.

“This is a first step in understanding how sea buckthorn polyphenols can modulate bodily functions in a beneficial way,” Danielski said. “Future research needs to focus on understanding the mechanisms behind these effects and conduct further experiments using animal models and humans.”

This may lead to golden berries being used to treat serious medical conditions.

The study was published in the Journal of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Source: Express