Hawthorn is a small tree that bears nutritious berries possessing a sweet and tangy taste. Historically, hawthorn berry extract has been widely used to help treat various gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health conditions. Hawthorn berry extract is an abundant source of bioactive and potent compounds called polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant.

Hawthorn is a small tree that is native to temperate regions across the world such as Asia. Historically, hawthorn berry extract has been widely used in order to help treat various gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health conditions.

Hawthorn berry extract is an abundant source of bioactive and potent compounds called polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant  These compounds are associated with health properties including anti-inflammation, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health management, and anti-premature aging, among other benefits.

How do antioxidants help fight disease?

Within our bodies, there are naturally-occurring molecules called free radicals, which are unstable atoms that can play a role in different kinds of illnesses and diseases. Antioxidants respond to these free radicals by destroying them.

The most commonly consumed antioxidants are Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Beta-carotene, and Zinc.

Among popular antioxidants, there is a rising blend of synergistic antioxidants: CoQ10, hawthorn berry extract, and Vitamin E.  This triple antioxidant formula can provide heart support—helping lower cholesterol, manage blood pressure, and encourage blood circulation in the body

How will taking hawthorn berry extract benefit me? Can it cure my health problems?

Antioxidants like hawthorn berry may help combat pre-existing health problems or reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses in the future, but they are by no means a cure. Listed below are the reported benefits of taking hawthorn berry extract.

Cardiovascular health

1. Improve blood pressure - There is some evidence that suggests the potential of hawthorn berry to improve blood pressure. Previous animal studies, for instance, have shown that it can dilate constricted blood vessels.
   
   
2. Reduce Cholesterol - An animal study conducted in 2016 found that mice who were given doses of the extract had lower levels of bad cholesterol and liver triglyceride levels compared to those who did not receive it.
   
   
3. Heart failure - In a study on a group of 952 heart failure patients,  those who took hawthorn berry extract supplements were less likely to experience fatigue, shortness of breath , and palpitations compared to the people who did not take it. 

Digestion

Hawthorn berry has been used in Chinese medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion and stomach pain in individuals. Berries are known for being rich sources of fiber, and can thus help control or manage the movement of food through the digestive system.

Inflammation

Our cells are hard at work 24/7. Most cells are strong enough to withstand the stress of ensuring proper bodily function, while others grow weak or die—giving rise to constant cellular inflammation. Chronic or persistent inflammation is known as inflammaging and can give rise to numerous health complications.

Hawthorn berry extract may thus help combat these unwanted effects, as it has already been linked to lowering the risk of having type 2 diabetes, asthma, cancer, and other diseases.

Where can I find hawthorn berry extract? How can my body absorb it?
Information sourced from Healthline

Hawthorn berry is difficult to find at grocery stores and supermarkets, but hawthorn berry-infused food, drinks, and supplements can readily be purchased online. Another way to take hawthorn berry extract is through supplements which usually contain an infusion of the leaves and flowers’ extracts.

How much hawthorns berry extract should I be taking?

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) states that the recommended dosage ranges from 160 to 1,800 milligrams divided into two or three doses daily, and this may depend on the health conditions that you wish to manage. 

Are there any side effects or precautions I should be worried about?

Caution is advised for those taking medications for pre-existing heart conditions, pregnant women, and those about to undergo surgery. 

IMPORTANT: Consult your healthcare professional before taking supplements containing Hawthorn berries.

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