SEABUCKTHORN  LEAF  TEA

     Seabuckthorn tea is an excellent nutritional resource, nourishing as well as a flavorful drink. Seabuckthorn leaves contain most of the biologically active compounds found in the fruit with even greater concentrations of flavonols and sterols.

Flavonols are a sub-group of flavonoids, which recent dietary research and other studies indicate are positive antioxidants. There seems to be growing evidence that flavonoids may help slow down atherosclerosis (a deposit of cholesterol leading to a narrowing of the blood vessels and restriction of blood flow).

A study published in IFR News (The Institute of Food Research) suggested that diets containing a rich supply of flavonoids may play a significant role in protecting us against cardiovascular disease and some cancers. The study acknowledges tea as one of the major sources of flavonoids in the diet.

High in protein (up to 24%) the leaves are also an excellent source of important vitamins and minerals. Seabuckthorn leaves are also an excellent source of calcium, magnesium and lycopene.

There is work that suggests that magnesium may play a very important role in maintaining cardiovascular health post Myocardial Infarction. Magnesium also plays an important part in ridding blood vessels of cholesterol deposits and maintaining cardiovascular health.

Lycopene is an acyclic hydrocarbon cerotenoid. It is transported in the blood by lipoproteins and concentrates in the body's adrenals, testes, liver, kidney and prostate. Lycopene has recently gained notoriety in that it predominantly occurs in tomatoes and lycopene in the diet seems to lower the incidence of gastrointestinal, stomach and prostate cancers while lowering lycopene intake increases the risk for various types of cancers. Seabuckthorn leaves are an excellent source of lycopene