The New Research on Sea Buckthorn

The amazing sea buckthorn berry is at it again, making waves in the media.

We recently came across a new article in IFLScience promoting sea buckthorn as the newest superfood, and we couldn’t agree more. Sea buckthorn has a long history of marveling us with its benefits, but a look at emerging research is showing us even more ways that it shines for supporting health and longevity.

New scientific research backing up what our ancient ancestors already knew! Read on...

Sea buckthorn berries grow on a shrub that’s native to areas of northwestern Europe, Central Asia, and the Himalayan Mountains. For centuries, sea buckthorn harvested from these regions has been cherished for its therapeutic properties. In the late 1930s, sea buckthorn was introduced to the coastal regions of Newfoundland, Canada, mostly as an ornamental plant at the time. In the early 2000s, it was introduced more widely throughout Canada, as interest in the plant’s economic value piqued. 

Fast forward some decades into the future, and research is revealing an interesting secret life of sea buckthorn. There are interesting clues that the therapeutic properties of sea buckthorn may be influenced by the region and the growing conditions it’s exposed to. 

New research, including that highlighted in the article by IFLScience, has the science community, and us sea buckthorn enthusiasts, looking at the plant’s potential to support weight loss and fight against diabetes. 

The focus of the research was to look more deeply into the antioxidant potential of sea buckthorn. The study concluded that sea buckthorn offered anti-obesity and anti-diabetic potential during in-vitro observation. This coincides with other research that supports sea buckthorn for slowing the progression of metabolic disease. 

Does this mean that sea buckthorn is the new miracle supplement for weight loss and diabetes control? The research is still coming in and we’re keeping a close eye on it. Until then, sea buckthorn can be a wonderful addition to any healthy lifestyle – especially considering its high antioxidant power, which is one of the main reasons we can’t get enough of it. 

The term “superfood” is sometimes thrown around with reckless abandon in the way that trends often are. There isn’t a specific definition of a superfood, instead, we use this as a term to label foods that have a higher-than-average level of nutrition properties. In the world of superfoods, one of the main things we tend to look for is antioxidant potential. 

In general, superfoods are shown to fight oxidative stress, reduce cancer risk, support the immune system, fight inflammation, and support the key players in longevity, including cardiac health. 

Does sea buckthorn fit the bill for being labeled a superfood?

The answer is a resounding yes. One article in particular by the Society of Chemical Industry refers to sea buckthorn as a “Bioactive loaded superfood”. Sea buckthorn is loaded with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, but is also an incredibly rich source of omega fatty acids, especially omega 7, which is wonderful for fighting inflammation, but also regulating how the body metabolizes and stores fats and sugars. 

At SIBU, we are absolutely loving all the new research and attention pointed at sea buckthorn. We’re not strangers to the wonders of this fabulous berry, but we’re super enthusiastic to see the rest of the world catching on. Sea buckthorn isn’t a miracle elixir, but it’s arguably the closest thing we have to one in the world of natural health. Pour yourself a shot glass of sea buckthorn and say cheers to good health!