Seaberry / Sea Buckthorn Tea: Discover the Vitamin Bomb!

Seaberry, also called Sea Buckthorn, is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. In this article you’ll learn why Sea Buckthorn tea is so effective for your health and how to make Sea Buckthorn tea. Find out how to use the Sea Buckthorn Berries to strengthen your health and why Seaberry is particularly good for vegans. I’ll also give you delicious ideas for a Seaberry iced tea.

The Most Important Facts at a Glance

• Sea Buckthorn tea offers health benefits through its variety of vitamins and nutrients and can help strengthen the immune system, improve skin health and support heart, digestion and diabetes management.
• Seaberry tea is easy to prepare and can be made with fresh or dried berries.
• The tea is versatile and, in addition to the traditional hot preparation, can also be used as iced tea and in smoothies to give drinks a fruity, tangy note.

Sea Buckthorn Berries: All the Good Ingredients

Seaberry originally comes from Nepal, but has now spread all over the world. Thanks to its long roots, the plant can also thrive in difficult places. The bright orange berries ripen between August and December. Only the bright orange berries are suitable for human consumption; the leaves are not used.

Seaberry fruits can be used in many different ways. They are often processed into jams, liqueurs or teas. And they are even better when refined with other fruits or herbs. More on this later.

The bright orange berries are small but mighty! They can provide the body with a wealth of vitamins and nutrients, including:

• Vitamin C: Seaberry is an excellent source of vitamin C, with significantly higher concentrations than many other fruits. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and promotes skin health.
• Vitamin E: Sea Buckthorn also contains vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress and supports skin health.
• Vitamin A: Vitamin A supports the normal function of vision, the immune system and skin health. Seaberry is a good source of it.
• Vitamin K: Sea Buckthorn contains vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting and bone health.
• Vitamin B complex: Sea Buckthorn contains various B vitamins such as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5) and pyridoxine (B6), which contribute to the normal functioning of energy metabolism and the nervous system. Very special is that Sea Buckthorn also contains vitamin B12, which is very rare in plants.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Carotinoids: Sea Buckthorn tea is rich in carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which can contribute to eye health.
• Fatty Acids: Sea Buckthorn oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-7 fatty acids.
• Minerals: Seaberries contain a variety of minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc, which are important for various bodily functions.

Sea buckthorn contains a total of more than 100 bioactive substances. This potentially has many positive effects on your health.

Buy high-quality dried Sea Buckthorn berries* on Amazon.

Sea buckthorn tea: effects and health benefits

Sea buckthorn tea is not only a treat for the senses, but also a real power pack for your health. As you have just read, the tea is very rich in vitamin C and is one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin B12, which makes it a valuable addition to your diet.

Due to its diverse ingredients and vitamins, sea buckthorn tea can have a positive effect on the following bodily functions:

• Immune System: Sea Buckthorn tea contains vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for supporting the function of immune cells and strengthening the body’s resistance to infections. In addition, Seaberries contain other vitamins and phytonutrients that can contribute to overall health.
• Heart health and cholesterol levels: Sea Buckthorn can have a positive effect on heart health as it has anti-inflammatory properties and high levels of antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E. These compounds can help reduce oxidative stress and support blood vessel health, which can reduce the risk of heart disease (Jiang et al., 2017). In addition, antioxidants in Seaberries could help to regulate cholesterol levels by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and thus help to prevent arteriosclerosis (Olas et al., 2018). By regularly drinking Sea Buckthorn tea, tea lovers could support their heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Digestion: Seaberries could help promote healthy digestion and gastrointestinal function. Its high fiber content may support intestinal health by stimulating bowel movement and promoting regularity of bowel movements. Studies show that Sea Buckthorn extracts can improve the activity of digestive enzymes and support the health of intestinal villi (Yao, 2009). In addition, sea Buckthorn oils have shown both preventive and curative effects against stomach ulcers in animal studies, which can help to relieve stomach irritation (Xing et al., 2002). Regular consumption of sea buckthorn tea could therefore potentially help to alleviate digestive complaints and support the health of the gastrointestinal system.
• Blood sugar level: Sea Buckthorn tea could also have a positive effect for people with diabetes, although more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits. Some studies suggest that Sea Buckthorn could help improve insulin sensitivity due to its high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which could help regulate blood sugar levels (Gao et al., 2017). In addition, the fiber in Seaberries could help to slow down glucose uptake, helping to prevent blood sugar spikes. Regular consumption of Sea Buckthorn tea as part of a balanced diet could therefore play a potentially supportive role in controlling blood sugar levels and promoting the health of people with diabetes (Lehtonen et al., 2010).
  
  

Why Seaberry tea is Interesting for Vegans

Sea buckthorn is one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin B12. This makes sea buckthorn particularly interesting for vegetarians and vegans. Vitamin B12 is otherwise found almost exclusively in animal foods. It is of vital importance for the body as it contributes to normal cell growth and DNA synthesis and helps to keep the nervous system healthy.

What does Seaberry Taste Like?

The aromatic fruit has a refreshing and slightly tart-sour taste, which is accompanied by a subtle sweetness. Its aroma is reminiscent of sun-ripened berries with a slight hint of citrus. As a fruit tea, Seaberry tea can also be wonderfully complemented with other ingredients.

Aromatic Companions for Seaberry Tea

You can add orange peel and rosehips to the berries for an even more intense fruity taste experience. The combination of Seaberries with ginger and lemongrass or mint produces a spicy-fresh taste. Honey is ideal for sweetening the teas and softening the tart and sour notes.

There are also some popular tea blends with sea buckthorn on the market such as this one from Ronnefeldt*

How to Make Sea Buckthorn Tea

The preparation of Seaberry tea is very simple:

1. Put a teaspoon of dried berries in a cup or tea strainer (alternatively 2 tablespoons of fresh berries)
2. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over them.
3. Cover the tea and leave to infuse for 5-10 minutes. Caution: too long a brewing time can make the tea bitter.
4. Ready! Enjoy your Sea Buckthorn Tea.

Whether you use fresh or dried berries is entirely up to you. Both varieties have their own charm and offer a unique taste experience.

Buy high-quality dried Sea Buckthorn berries* on Amazon.

Served Cold: Sea Buckthorn Iced Tea

To make a refreshing sea buckthorn iced tea, first boil the sea buckthorn tea as described above. Then leave it to cool. Now you can refine it with various ingredients. Here are some options:

1. Mix it with black tea, rooibos or mint tea. You can of course adjust the ratio to suit your taste. I recommend 1/3 black tea to 2/3 Sea Buckthorn tea
2. Add frozen or fresh berries or a squeeze of lemon.
3. Add the apple juice.
4. Sweeten the tea with honey or brown sugar to taste.

Enjoy your refreshing Sea Buckthorn Iced Tea!

Summary

In summary, sea berry tea can be used in many ways, both as a stimulant and as a health-promoting drink. Its unmistakable taste, ease of preparation and numerous health benefits make it a true all-rounder. So grab a cup, get some dried Seaberries* and convinced yourself of its benefits.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sea Buckthorn tea used for?

Sea buckthorn tea is good for strengthening the immune system and skin health. It can also strengthen the cardiovascular system and digestion.

Is sea buckthorn good for blood pressure?

Yes, sea buckthorn can help to lower blood pressure and blood lipid levels.

How long does sea buckthorn tea need to steep?

The sea buckthorn tea should steep for at least 6 to 8 minutes to develop its full aroma. Then enjoy the tea warm or as an iced tea.

How do you make sea buckthorn tea?

To prepare sea buckthorn tea, put a teaspoon of berries in a cup or tea strainer, pour 250 ml of boiling water over them and leave the tea to infuse for five to ten minutes, covered.