The Benefits of Rosehips

The rose is one of the most loved flowers the World over. With a delicate yet intoxicating set and a stunning concertina of petals, a rose bush makes a gorgeous addition to any garden.

Whilst rose petals themselves are fantastic for drying to use as tea, the rosehip is also a very underrated yet incredibly nutritious part of the plant that we can all enjoy and gain the benefits from.

Rosehips are the red ‘berry’ like fruit that grow on the rose plant. It has a sweet yet tart taste. Our rose bushes seem to be packed with these powerhouses at the moment. If you too have an abundance of rosehips and have never considered using them before, then let this article change your mind!

Rosehips offer a variety of health benefits, primarily due to their high vitamin C and antioxidant content. They are known for supporting skin health, boosting immunity, and potentially aiding in heart health and arthritis relief. 

Rosehips are a potent source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. They also contain other antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids, which contribute to overall health. 

The high vitamin C content in rosehips supports collagen synthesis, which is essential for skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Rosehip oil, derived from the seeds, is also popular for its potential to moisturize and improve skin texture. Ciara (daughter of FYS founder Sam) can vouch for this - she uses rosehip oil every day on her skin and people are always saying she is getting younger!

Vitamin C is crucial for a healthy immune system, helping the body fight off infections. Rosehips can be a natural way to boost your immune defenses - so harvesting a few of these in anticipation of the coming months can only work in your favour!

Some studies suggest that rosehip extracts may help reduce joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis due to their anti-inflammatory compounds. 

Rosehips may contribute to heart health by helping to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and  can be beneficial for digestion and may help soothe the stomach and promote healthy bowel movements. 

Research indicates that rosehips might help decrease abdominal fat, potentially aiding in weight management. 

Rosehips can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Ensure you scrape out the inner ‘hairs’ of the fruit before consuming, as this can be an irritant of the gut for some people.

• Fresh: Rosehips can be enjoyed fresh in salads or as part of puddings. 
• Dried: They can be dried and used to make tea or infusions. 
• Powdered: Rosehip powder is a convenient way to add them to smoothies or other foods. 
• Oil: Rosehip oil is a popular topical treatment for skin. 

At Feed Your Soul, we have made a rosehip syrup with is fantastic to add as a topping to porridge!

Have you ever tried Rosehips before? Let us know if you give them a go this season, and how you find them!