Hawthorn Berry: Cholesterol Control & Metabolic Health
- Marc Wasserman Ph.D. L.Ac. Dipl.O.M.
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
A favorite natural remedy for elevated cholesterol/triglycerides and general metabolic health is the Hawthorn berry. It's an effective and easy addition to any health regimen, and unlike many herbal medicines, it tastes delicious.
Let’s look at how recent research is revealing the effects of this fruit to positively influence various aspects of metabolic health. From cholesterol management to blood sugar control, hawthorn berry offers a multifaceted approach to maintaining a well-functioning metabolism.
Understanding Metabolic Health
Metabolic health is more than just about weight; it's a measure of how well our bodies process and utilize energy from the food we eat. Key indicators of good metabolic health include healthy cholesterol and triglyceride profiles, stable blood sugar levels, and normal blood pressure. When these markers are out of balance, it can lead to a cluster of conditions known as metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Hawthorn Berry's Metabolic Benefits
The secret to hawthorn berry's health-promoting effects lies in its rich composition of bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. While beneficial for overall metabolic health, one of its most well-documented effects is on lipid profiles.
Promoting Healthy Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels
Hawthorn berry is most commonly used for its positive impact on cholesterol and triglycerides. It has been shown to help lower levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides. Via ACAT enzyme inhibition and AMPK activation, the triterpenic acids in hawthorn berries increase the breakdown of cholesterol and reduce cholesterol production in the liver. Furthermore, hawthorn is rich in pectin, a type of fiber that can bind to cholesterol in the digestive tract and prevent its absorption, aiding in its removal from the body.
Supporting Healthy Blood Sugar and Insulin Sensitivity
Beyond its effects on cholesterol, emerging research suggests that hawthorn berry may assist in managing blood sugar levels. Some studies have indicated that hawthorn extracts enhance insulin signaling, improving insulin sensitivity.
Simultaneously, glucose production in the liver is slowed and decreased via AMPK activation. And the system wide anti-inflammatory effects also improve insulin sensitivity.
Aiding in Blood Pressure Management
Hawthorn berries can help encourage blood vessels to relax and dilate, which can lead to a reduction in blood pressure. This vasodilating effect, combined with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, make it a valuable dietary option for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
The Power of Antioxidants
Hawthorn berries are packed with potent antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals, protecting cells from damage and reducing inflammation. This antioxidant action is fundamental to its overall metabolic benefits.
Digestion Booster
Healthy metabolism begins with healthy digestion. Hawthorn berries are known to increase the secretion of digestive enzymes, improve the GI tract motility, increase bile secretions, and reduce constipation and bloating. It is a prebiotic food and rich in fiber and antioxidants. By supporting a healthy gut microbiome, improving movement, absorption, and clearance along and through the digestive tract it improves the conditions so that poor metabolism can correct itself.
How to Incorporate Hawthorn Berry into Your Routine
Hawthorn berry can be consumed in various forms:
Supplements: Standardized extracts in capsule or tablet form are widely available.
Teas: Dried hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers can be steeped to make a pleasant-tasting tea.
Tinctures: Liquid extracts offer a concentrated form of the berry's active compounds.
Jams and Syrups: Hawthorn can be used to make delicious and healthy preserves.
Raw berries and dried fruit snacks
Other Herbal Medicine
Of course, there are many other herbal medicine remedies for metabolic health, here's a few more of our favorites:
Summary
Adding hawthorn berries to your diet, either as a healthy snack or a routine supplement, can help to support your metabolic wellness. By improving digestion, lowering cholesterol, improving blood sugar and lowering blood pressure, these berries have a multifaceted approach to boosting health.
And they taste good too…
Sources
For further reading and to review the scientific evidence, you can explore the following resources:
The effects of Crataegus pinnatifida (Chinese hawthorn) on metabolic syndrome: A review. This comprehensive review published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences delves into the various ways hawthorn can benefit metabolic health.
Impressive Health Benefits of Hawthorn Berry - Healthline. An accessible article that summarizes the key health benefits of hawthorn berry, including its effects on cholesterol and blood pressure.
Roles and Mechanisms of Hawthorn and Its Extracts on Atherosclerosis: A Review. A detailed scientific review in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology that explains the molecular mechanisms behind hawthorn's cardiovascular benefits.
Triterpenic Acids Present in Hawthorn Lower Plasma Cholesterol by Inhibiting Intestinal ACAT Activity in Hamsters. A study published in PLoS ONE that investigates the specific compounds in hawthorn responsible for its cholesterol-lowering effects.
Hypotensive effects of hawthorn for patients with diabetes taking prescription drugs: a randomised controlled trial. A clinical trial published in the British Journal of General Practice that examines the blood pressure-lowering effects of hawthorn in people with type 2 diabetes.
Effect of Crataegus extract supplementation on Diabetes induced Memory deficits and serum biochemical parameters in male rats.
