Description and characteristics of red rowan berries, calorie content and chemical composition. Beneficial effect and possible negative effect on the body, use in cooking. Interesting facts about the plant and the non-food uses of the fruit.
Berries of red or red-fruited mountain ash are the fruits of the plant of the same name used for food and medicinal purposes. Sizes - up to 1 cm in diameter; the shape of each is like a small apple; color - red, orange, purple, yellow-red; the skin is thin, smooth; the flesh is the same color with the skin, juicy, with many small black or brown seeds. The taste is bitter-sour, but when frozen it becomes sweetish. Therefore, the fruits are often harvested after the first frost, but they are practically not eaten fresh.
Composition and calorie content of red rowan
In the photo there is a red rowan
For food purposes, berries pre-seasoned in the refrigerator are more often used. They are less juicy, but soft, with a pleasant taste. The chemical complex of the composition of the fruit is largely determined by the region of plant growth and climatic conditions.
The calorie content of red rowan is 50 kcal, of which:
- Proteins - 1.4 g;
- Fat - 0.2 g;
- Carbohydrates - 8.9 g;
- Dietary fiber - 5.4 g;
- Ash - 0.8 g;
- Water - from 81 g.
Vitamins per 100 g:
- Vitamin A - 1500 mcg;
- Beta Carotene - 9 mg;
- Vitamin B1, thiamine - 0.05 mg;
- Vitamin B2, riboflavin - 0.02 mg;
- Vitamin C, ascorbic acid - 70 mg;
- Vitamin E, alpha tocopherol - 1.4 mg;
- Vitamin PP - 0.7 mg;
- Niacin - 0.5 mg
Macronutrients per 100 g:
- Potassium, K - 230 mg;
- Calcium, Ca - 42 mg;
- Magnesium, Mg - 331 mg;
- Phosphorus, P - 17 mg.
Trace elements are represented by iron, Fe - 2 mg per 100 g.
As part of red rowan berries:
- pectins - when they enter the digestive tract, they swell, absorb toxins, which are then removed from the body;
- tannins - reduce the permeability of the mucous membrane lining the stomach and intestines;
- essential oils - stimulate taste buds, stimulate the nervous system;
- flavonoids - structurally similar to human hormones, the main action is antispasmodic.
In addition to the above substances, it should be noted the rich amino acid composition of red rowan with a predominance of lysine, arginine, histidine and tyrosine. These substances are responsible for the integrity of the DNA chain and metabolism at the cellular level. There is also a high amount of fruit acids, for which these fruits are valued. Most of all lemon, wine, grape and amber. Essential oils and acids give the fruit the desired astringency and original taste.
The benefits of red rowan
Dried bunches are often used as an ingredient in medicines. But ripe fruits, juicy and bitter, also have a healing effect and have a beneficial effect on health.
The benefits of red rowan berries:
- normalize intestinal metabolism;
- increase the acidity of gastric juice;
- stabilize the work of the hematopoietic system;
- lower blood pressure;
- increase sweating;
- have immunological and bactericidal properties;
- prevent the development of iron deficiency anemia;
- increase bile secretion;
- suppress the malignancy of existing neoplasms and block the formation of new ones;
- restore the work of the thyroid gland and the endocrine system in general.
For middle-aged and older men, a wellness course will reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks, help normalize the functioning of the prostate gland and restore urine flow due to its antimicrobial effect. The vascular tone increases, the permeability decreases.
These same properties will help women cope with increased stress on the body during pregnancy and during the transition to menopause. Blood flow improves, and varicose veins do not develop, and normalization of heart contractions relieves hypertensive crises. Women are advised to eat red rowan berries if they have irregular periods with heavy blood loss. During menopause, due to the acceleration of metabolism, the introduction of berries into the diet will help not to gain excess weight.
It is worth paying attention: the diuretic effect is mild, and with the excretion of fluid in the body, a supply of potassium and calcium is retained. The acid-base and water-electrolyte balance is normalized.
Children taste red ashberry out of curiosity, but they don't like the bitter taste. Pediatricians advise filling fresh fruits with honey or sprinkling with sugar and still introduce a child into the day's menu. Such an addition to the diet has immunomodulatory properties, helps to prepare for the season of SARS epidemics and not get sick or avoid complications if the virus nevertheless invades the body. In addition, the supplement improves digestion and stimulates growth. You can give it to children at the age of 1-1, 5 years.
Fresh juice and pulp of red mountain ash accelerate the regeneration and epithelization of the skin and mucous membranes. They can be used as an external agent, as an ingredient for cosmetic masks, and in case of inflammatory processes of the skin, lubricate wounds and scratches, especially at the onset of inflammatory processes. Gargling with juice will help cure periodontal disease, stomatitis, suppress the development of tonsillitis and pharyngitis.
