The Ultimate Heart Supporting Herb

In the United States, someone is affected by cardiovascular disease every 42 seconds.^[1] If you or a loved one are experiencing heart-related health problems, then you should be aware of natural herbs that support heart health. Among these beneficial herbs, hawthorn berry is the most used and effective. For centuries, it has been cherished for its culinary and therapeutic value.^[2] While its popularity has waned in the United States, the herb is popular across Europe as a way to promote normal heart health. Research confirms the heart-related benefits of hawthorn berry include reduced chest pain, normal blood pressure, normal cholesterol levels, and healthy arteries.

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How Hawthorn Berry Works

The main parts of the hawthorn tree—the berries, leaves, seeds, and flowers—have therapeutic value. Each is packed with beneficial flavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), saponins, phenolic acids, and other phytonutrients that encourage good health and stimulate internal healing mechanisms.

Promotes a Healthy Heart

The flavonoids and OPCs in hawthorn berry are specialized nutrition to support a healthy heart. They are potent antioxidant agents that help reduce free radicals, promote circulation, and support normal health of the arteries.^[3] These heart-related benefits are the main reason hawthorn has such a long history of use.

Heart failure, which exists in two forms—diastolic and systolic—routinely results in injury or death. Diastolic is when the heart can’t fill with blood correctly; systolic is when the heart can’t pump blood efficiently. In a study involving over 800 patients with chronic heart failure, hawthorn berry provided significant benefit.^[4]

Supports Normal Blood Pressure

Twenty-nine percent of adults in the United States suffer from high blood pressure, and all signs suggest that number will continue to grow.^[5] High blood pressure can damage blood vessels and, left unchecked, it may even lead to heart attack or stroke. Several studies have found that hawthorn may promote balanced blood pressure.^[6]

Encourages Balanced Cholesterol

There is good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL). The accumulation of bad cholesterol can lead to serious health complications. High cholesterol may double your risk of heart disease.^[7] Studies suggest that hawthorn berry supports normal cholesterol levels. One animal study found that extracts of the plant given to rabbits with high cholesterol helped reduce cholesterol levels.^[8] In another study involving mice, hawthorn berry reduced LDL levels.^[9]

Antioxidant Activity of Hawthorn

This herb’s primary antioxidant activity comes from two compounds—flavonoids and OPCs. They help support a healthy heart, and they can support your health in other ways, too.^[10]Antioxidants protect against free radicals. Unchecked, free radicals damage cells, cause aging, and negatively affect well-being.

Other Benefits of Hawthorn Berry

Hawthorn berry does more than support heart health. It has a long history of use in folk medicine and Ayurveda to support overall health in many capacities, including digestive health and skin health. In one study, hawthorn berry demonstrated gastro-protective benefits in mice.^[11] In another study, hawthorn supported the development of healthy skin cells.^[12]

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