After the rose bush is done blooming and the flower petals have fallen off, the rose hip is what is left hanging on the bush. They are typically red or orange but may also be dark purple to black in some species. They are oval in shape and appear fleshy, shrunken and wrinkled.
Rose hips are the fruit portion of the rose, just below the petals. The rose hip seeds are the true “fruit” of the plant. Dried rose hip and the seeds are used together to make medicine.
Rose hips are one of the best sources of vitamin C and other vitamins. A single serving of rose hips contains 426mg of vitamin C, exceeding the RDA of 90mg for men and 75mg for women! Fun fact: Rose hips contain 20 to 40 percent more vitamin C (dependent on variety), 25 percent more iron and 28 percent more calcium than an orange. Additionally, rose hips also contain vitamins B-3, D, E and A as well as citric acid, flavonoids, fructose, malic acid and zinc.
During World War II when imports of citrus products to Great Britain were limited, tons of rose hips were harvested there from the wild to make rose hip syrup as a vitamin C supplement for children.
Why is it important to get Vitamin C? Unlike fat soluble vitamins which are able to be stored in our bodies, vitamin C is water soluble vitamin that continuously needs to be replenished. This was easy when humans were eating from the wild but today’s food has been processed so much and is genetically altered; as such, less vitamin C.
Vitamin C is imperative for…
*Tissue growth and repair
*Adrenal glands functioning
*Connective tissue & Collagen
*Metabolizing B complex vitamins,
*Iron absorption
*Increasing function of our immune system which alone protects us from cancer
*Over 300 metabolic functions.
Vitamin C is also an antioxidant. It protects us against cancer and works synergistically with vitamin E – both in rose hips! While vitamin E attacks free radicals in cell membranes. Vitamin C attacks free radicals in our biological fluids. Vitamin C is also helps to regenerate other antioxidants within the body. So powerful!
Both our signature and seasonal blend of elderberry syrup are full or rosehips! We’ve even doubled up on the seasonal blend because we know that Spring and Fall are known for a much lower immune system response and could use the extra support.
xx
Trish
To learn even more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7AZlJ1bN3c
Additional Sources:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factshe…/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
https://vegetarian-nutrition.info/rose-hips/
https://www.drlam.com/…/vitamin-c-and-e-antioxidants-b…/816/