Do you want to take your health game up by another notch? Add some juniper berries to your diet!
The juniper tree has distinct plants for its male and female blooms due to its self-pollinating nature. Smaller cones are produced by male juniper plants compared to their female counterparts. These cones, which originate from the male plant, are toxic since they contain pollen and cannot be consumed by humans. The berries of most juniper species are edible, but those of the Juniperus oxycedrus and Juniperus sabina species should not be eaten. The astringent and antibacterial characteristics of juniper berries have made them a staple in traditional medicine. Here are some other speculated advantages of juniper berries for health.
Extremely High Nutrient And Active Compound Content
To boost your immune system and increase collagen formation, juniper berries are a great choice. If the sun damages the skin, the vitamin C in these berries will help you. It's a powerful antioxidant that shields cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Also, these berries have a lot of healthy flavonoids. You may be able to prevent chronic heart problems by eating a diet high in flavonoids. Researchers looked at the role of flavonoids in lowering the risks of diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Flavonoids, either in their natural form or synthetic, were proven to alleviate some symptoms of various conditions when eaten.
Inflammation-Reducing Effects
Because they are packed with anti-inflammatory essential oils and antioxidants, juniper berries are a popular natural remedy for pain and inflammation. In addition to their culinary and therapeutic uses, essential oils have long been prized for their aromatic qualities. In addition, they shield cells from potentially damaging free radicals and aid in preventing the oxidation of cells, which can cause rapid cell destruction.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, juniper berry oil has found usage in cosmetics and skincare products. In addition, scientific research indicates that juniper berry oil can help treat chronic inflammation and fibrosis.
Possible Diabetic Reversal
In ancient medicine, juniper berries were used to cure diabetes. A study was performed on rats to determine if juniper berry extracts had an anti-diabetic effect. In the study, diabetic rats were given juniper berry extracts via drinking water for 21 days, and their blood glucose levels decreased significantly. This study proves that juniper berry extracts have anti-diabetic effects and may help treat type 2 diabetes. Yet further testing is needed to verify whether or not they produce the same results in the human body.
Could Be Beneficial For Your Heart Health
A study found that consuming juniper berries led to significant increases in good cholesterol (HDL) and significant decreases in bad cholesterol (LDL). In addition, a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke is associated with greater HDL cholesterol levels.
Researchers showed that Chinese juniper berry extracts reduced triglyceride and cholesterol levels by 37% and 57%, respectively, in rats with diabetes. However, more study is needed to determine if juniper berries have the same effect on human cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
