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6 Lesser-Known Health Benefits Of Juniper Berries
Juniper berries come from the evergreen shrub Juniperus communis L. The shrub produces seed cones that are called juniper berries, also known as common juniper, juniperi fructus, and "boughs of the supernatural."
Juniper berries are mostly blue in colour, have a woody or spicy aroma and pine-like taste. The berries are commonly used as a flavouring agent in drinks and as a spice in cooking and preserving foods. Juniper berries are used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), juniper berries have been used as a stimulant for kidneys and bladder to flush out the toxins from the body. The juniper shrub is rich in aromatic oils, catechins, resins, flavonoids, tannins, lignins, terpenic acids, alkaloids and leucoanthocyanidin [1].
Though the nutritional information of juniper berries is limited, research studies have shown that juniper berries possess some health benefits, which we've listed down in this article.
1. May promote heart health
Juniper berries may help improve heart health by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. Animal studies have shown that juniper berry extract lowered total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats compared to a control group [2] [3]. However, more research studies are needed to show the effects of juniper berries on heart health in humans.
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2. May manage diabetes
Juniper berries possess antidiabetic properties which are due to the high concentration of antioxidants in it [4]. A study published in the International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences showed juniper berry extract that was given to diabetic rats experienced a significant reduction in blood sugar levels and increased good cholesterol [5].
3. May reduce inflammation
Juniper berries are rich in flavonoids and essential oils, which have been shown to exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory properties. A study showed that juniper berry essential oil significantly lowered inflammation on human skin cells [6].
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4. Acts as an antioxidant
Antioxidants are compounds that prevent the damage to cells caused by free radicals. Free radicals play a role in causing cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases. The presence of antioxidants in juniper berry essential oil has been shown to protect cells from free radical damage [7].
5. May fight bacterial and fungal infections
Studies have shown that juniper berries possess strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, thanks to the compounds in juniper essential oil such as limonene, sabinene, myrcene, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. Studies have shown that the antibacterial and antifungal effects of juniper berry essential oil against 16 species of bacteria, yeasts, seven species of yeast-like fungi and four species of dermatophyte [8].
Another
study
also
found
that
juniper
berries
can
help
fight
against
Campylobacter
jejuni
and
Staphylococcus
aureus
bacteria
[9]
[10].
However,
further
research
studies
are
needed
on
humans
in
this
area.
6. May manage cancer
A review study published in the Pharmacognosy Journal showed that juniper berry extract was tested against two cancer lines: colorectal carcinoma cells and cervical cancer cells. The results showed that the berry extract had the ability to stop the growth of cancer [11]. However, more research studies are required to evaluate the effect of juniper berries on cancer.
Possible Side Effects Of Juniper Berries
There
are
limited
studies
regarding
the
safety
consumption
of
juniper
berries.
These
berries
are
used
only
in
small
amounts
to
flavour
foods.
Juniper
berries
are
available
in
dried
whole
and
crushed
form;
however,
fresh
berries
are
also
available.
Juniper
berry
supplements
are
available
in
the
market
and
human
studies
are
lacking
regarding
the
dosage
of
these
supplements.
Pregnant
women
and
children
should
completely
avoid
consuming
juniper
berries.
It is recommended to consult your doctor before consuming juniper berry supplements.
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Ways To Use Juniper Berries
•
You
can
steep
juniper
berries
in
boiling
water
for
10
minutes
and
drink
it
as
a
tea.
•
Use
juniper
berries
in
meat
marinades
and
sauces.
•
Use
crushed
and
dried
berries
in
stews,
soups,
stuffing
and
pickled
foods.
Juniper Berry Recipes
Juniper berry tea
Ingredients:
•
1-2
tsp
of
dried
berries
•
1
cup
of
water
Method:
•
In
a
pot,
add
water
and
berries.
•
Cover
and
simmer
for
15
to
30
minutes.
•
Strain
the
water
and
serve
hot.
To Conclude...
There are limited research studies on juniper berries and more studies are required to show the health effects of these berries on humans. The safety of juniper berry supplements is unknown, therefore it is best to use fresh or dried juniper berries in small amounts in your dishes.
Common FAQs
Q. What is juniper berry good for?
A. Research studies have shown that juniper berries may help promote heart health, reduce inflammation, fight bacterial and fungal infections and may manage diabetes.
Q. Can you make tea from juniper berries?
A. Yes, you can make tea from juniper berries.
Q. Can you eat dried juniper berries?
A. Yes, juniper berries can be eaten in both fresh or dried form.
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