According to latest research, rosehips, the fruit of the rose plant, could be the new powerful weapon against obesity.
Used for healing purposes for thousands of years, rosehips have even been scientifically proven to possess a number of medicinal properties, which can treat a wide range of health conditions.
Although previous animal studies have shown that rosehip extract is effective in preventing weight gain and reducing visceral fat, not until now was it certain that it has the same effect on humans.
However, a recent Japanese study involving32 people with a body mass index between 25 – 30 (a BMI in this spectrum is considered overweight but not obese), found that rosehip extract may be useful as a supplement to safely reduce abdominal visceral fat in pre-obese people.
During this placebo-controlled, randomized 12-week study, the subjects were asked not to make any dietary changes, and were given a chewable tablet containing either a placebo or 100mg of rosehip extract every day. Their abdominal body fat (subcutaneous and visceral fat), body fat percentage, weight, and body mass index were measured at various times during the experiment.
12 weeks later, the rosehip group saw a considerable decrease in abdominal fat, visceral fat, body weight, and BMI compared to their starting numbers and to the placebo group. In addition, this group also experienced a reduced body fat percentage, again compared to their baseline numbers and to the placebo group.
The findings concluded that when used as a supplement, rosehip extract can successfully reduce abdominal visceral fat in pre-obese people. Plus, by cutting down visceral fat, it also decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
How does rosehip extract work?
Tiliroside, the active agent in rosehip seed, is rich in anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial properties. It stimulates fat metabolism and improves glucose clearance. Plus, it prevents fat storage in tissue, and at the same time stimulates fat burning. There was 0.1% of tiliroside in the extract used in the study.
Rosehips contain a high amount of natural vitamin C; 100g dried rosehips pack between 1700 – 2000mg of vitamin C, which equals the amount of vitamin C contained in oranges – 50mg per 100g of fruit. That’s why rosehip supplements are frequently for boosting the immune system and inhibiting or treating colds.
Rosehips are also abundant in vitamins A, E, and B, as well as the minerals calcium, iron, selenium, manganese.
When it comes to including this fruit in your diet, your options are versatile, from jams, jellies, juices, and syrups to herbal tea made of dried rosehips or rosehip tea bags.
Plus, it’s available in supplement form as well.
According to studies, rosehip supplements are quite beneficial for treatment of:
- Chronic lower back pain
- Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Source: TheHeartySoul.com
