The fruit of certain types of rosebushes are called rose hips. These oval seed pods are harvested a little while after the rose petals fall. When ripe, they are up to 1 inch long and range from yellow to red in color. Rose hips contain substances that make them both delicious and nutritious, with additional health benefits that may relieve inflammatory reactions within the body and help defend against viral infections.
Source of Vitamins
Rose hips contain the vitamins A, B3, D and E. They are also high in vitamin C and have been traditionally used for this vitamin when other sources, such as citrus, were unavailable. Vitamins A, C, and E are powerful antioxidants that scavenge free radicals, chemicals within the body that damage cells. Vitamin D contributes to proper tissue development, particularly bone. Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, helps with cardiovascular health. While rose hips alone can't provide 100 percent of the daily recommended intake of any vitamins, they can contribute as part of a healthy diet.
Oxidative Processes
Rose hips also contain high levels of phytonutrients known as polyphenols. These are present in rose hips in the form of flavonoids and tannins that can help to improve overall physical health. Polyphenols act as antioxidants by positively altering metabolic processes within the body to reduce the negative oxidizing effects that can damage cell structures.
Cold and Flu
Increased vitamin C levels in the body may help to avoid or combat viral infections, including those that cause colds or the flu. According to "The Healing Herbs" by Michael Castleman, rose hips, being high in vitamin C, can significantly contribute to the total intake per day and help to protect against attack from these pathogens.
Arthritis
According to University of Maryland Medical Center, rose hip tea may help reduce inflammation within the body. This may assist in relieving the painful and debilitating symptoms of Rhematoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The article "In Pain? Stop and Smell the Roses" by Erin Richards on LiveScience.com shares that recent presentations of studies at the Osteoarthritis Research Society International World Conference indicated a constituent of rose hips actually protects cartilage and might even stimulate its regeneration.
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