What is Sea Buckthorn that PM Narendra Modi recommends young people should consume regularly: 5 ways to add it in daily meals

A lot is being spoken about this Himalayan berry. Sea Buckthorn is a bright orange coloured berry that grows as a thorny shrub in cold and high-altitude regions such as the Himalayas, Ladakh, parts of Europe and Central Asia. It is often counted as a superfruit, rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids (3, 6, 7, and 9). During a convocation ceremony Prime Minister Narendra Modi also talked about the benefits of these rare berries. Scroll down to read the details.

In his speech, he mentioned that this rare plant, found in the Ladakh and Himalayan regions, can survive extreme weather conditions ranging from -40 to +40 degrees. He even mentioned that the medicinal properties of this plant have been mentioned in 8th-century Tibetan literature. As per his speech, many international medicinal research institutes have claimed that the parts of this plant can help reduce blood pressure, fever, tumors, and stones and can even treat seasonal coughs and colds. "As per a study, this plant has sufficient vitamin C content that can fulfill the requirement of all of mankind," he mentioned in the speech. It is now being used in herbal teas, jams, protective oils, creams, and health drinks.

Sea buckthorn, scientifically known as Hippophae rhamnoides L., contains a variety of biologically active compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, polysaccharides, organic acids, volatile oils, and vitamins. It has been widely studied because of its nutritional value and medicinal value, which is limited not only to the fruit but also to its flowers, leaves, stems, roots and other parts, which have high medicinal value and economic value. It has been proven to have tannins, terpenoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, and other active ingredients, which endow sea buckthorn with a variety of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti cardiovascular, antiaging, immunity-regulating, antitumor, and antibacterial effects. Flavonoids are the most widely studied active ingredients in sea buckthorn, and more than 90 flavonoids have been extracted and isolated from sea buckthorn. It has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. The plant sea buckthorn is used for many purposes, such as food production and medicine. It stands out for having a high nutritional and medicinal value. Sea buckthorn contains a diverse array of nutrients, such as vitamins, proteins, amino acids, organic acids, and inorganic elements. Its powerful antioxidant profile helps strengthen the immune system, fight infections, and reduce oxidative stress, especially useful during seasonal changes. It also helps soothe the digestive tract, supports gut lining repair, and may help with acidity, ulcers, and constipation. The healthy fats and antioxidants support cognitive health, memory, and may help reduce inflammation linked to neurological issues. Traditionally, it is used to aid recovery from burns, ulcers, and internal inflammation as well. As per experts, the berry’s healthy fats and antioxidants help improve cholesterol balance, support blood vessel function and reduce inflammation—key factors in maintaining cardiovascular health.

The medical history of sea buckthorn in China dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when it was first mentioned in the Tibetan medical literature. It was later documented in Mongolian and Uyghur medicine.As early as 900 B.C., it was discovered that sea buckthorn could be used to treat stomach ulcers, asthma, skin burns and CVD.

This is best enjoyed in the morning on an empty stomach, and to make it, you need to dilute sea buckthorn juice or squash with a little water and top it with some honey to add flavour and drink it.

It is a clear tea, where you have to simply brew dried sea buckthorn berries or leaves in hot water and top it with some lemon juice and enjoy it twice a day. It is a herbal tea that aids digestion and is good for skin.

If you are into cereal bowls for breakfast, then add a spoon of sea buckthorn pulp or powder to your breakfast bowl and enjoy. It offers a citrusy kick and can be added to smoothies too.

One can whisk sea buckthorn oil or puree with olive oil, lemon, salt, and herbs to make vibrant salad dressings or dips, that can be paired with crackers, chips and even blanched veggies as a healthy snack.

As per PM Modi, one can also consume this superfood in the form of chutney or jam with toast to gain maximum benefits.

Images Courtesy: istock

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is meant for general knowledge only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new routine.