Rose hips are the seed pods of the wild rose. The 2- to 5-foot shrub is a hearty perennial that grows throughout most of North America. Flowers, which are either white or soft pink, bloom from May to July. The seed pods, or hips, are round or oval and orange-red in color. You can find them on the plant throughout the winter. Although a commonly used herb, always consult your doctor before trying new treatments.
Vitamin A
The rose hip is a good source of vitamin A, according to "Rose Magazine." Vitamin A is a broad term for a number of related compounds, including retinol, retinal and retinoic acid. Vitamin A, more specifically, retinal and retinol, are important for night vision. Retinoic acid plays a role in cell determination, which means it directs the cell to become a certain type, for example, a nerve cell or muscle cell. Vitamin A keeps the mucosal linings of your nose. throat and digestive tract intact. It also assists the development of white blood cells.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3, or niacin, is also found in rose hips. Vitamin B3 is needed for the proper functioning and maintenance of the nervous system, digestive system and skin. Niacin, in a combination with other antioxidants, is also reported to decrease risk of pharyngeal and oral cancers, according to a 2000 article in the "International Journal of Cancer." Niacin is a treatment for high cholesterol and may decrease the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Vitamin C
Rose hips are full of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system. Vitamin C has a key role in the making of collagen, a substance that forms the structure of many of your body parts, such as blood vessels, skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. It also helps synthesize norepinephrine, which is needed for brain functioning. The vitamin C in rose hips also acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects you from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Vitamin D
The vitamin D in rose hips, has numerous applications for the health of your body. Vitamin D is needed for the utilization of calcium to keep your bones and teeth strong. It is needed to keep a delicate balance of calcium in your blood for the normal functioning of your nervous system. Vitamin D also has a positive effect on your immune system and has an important part in insulin secretion.
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