Health Facts On Juniper Berry
Juniper berry is Scientifically called as “ Juniperus communis ”.
ORIGIN OF JUNIPER BERRY
A juniper berry is a Juniperus genus and a species of small tree or shrub in the cypress family Cupressaceae.
The plant grows wild in many parts of Europe and Asia and in North America. In India, it is found in Himalayas at an altitude of 1500-4000 mtrs above MSL. It thrives well on warm sunny places especially in mountain slopes.
OTHER NAMES OF JUNIPER BERRY
Fairy Circle, Hackmatack, Gin Berry, Horse Savin, Gorst, Gin Plant, Baie de Genévrier, Common Juniper, Common Juniper Berry, Enebro, Extract of Juniper, Extrait de Genévrier, Genévrier, Genévrier Commun, Genievre, Genièvre, Ginepro, Huile de Baies de Genévrier, Huile de Genévrier, Juniper Berry, Juniper Berry Oil, Juniper Extract, Juniper Oil, Juniperi Fructus, Juniperus communis, Oil of Juniper, Wacholderbeeren, Zimbro
APPEARANCE OF JUNIPER BERRY
Juniperus communis berries vary from 4–12 millimetres (1⁄8–1⁄2 inch) in diameter; other species are mostly similar in size, though some are larger, notably J. drupacea (20–28 mm or 3⁄4–1+1⁄8 in). Unlike the separated and woody scales of a typical pine cone, those in a juniper berry remain fleshy and merge into a unified covering surrounding the seeds.
TASTES OF JUNIPER BERRY
Juniper berries have a strong, bitter, slightly peppery flavour and gritty texture, slightly piney flavour with a touch of both fruitiness and pepperiness.
VARIETIES OF JUNIPER BERRY
Here are 12 types of juniper shrubs and trees
- Alligator Juniper ,Juniperus deppeana
- California Juniper,Juniperus californica
- Chinese Juniper ,Juniperus chinensis
- Common Juniper,Juniperus communis
- Creeping Juniper,Juniperus horizontalis
- Drooping Juniper,Juniperus flaccida
- Eastern Red Cedar,Juniperus virginiana
- Greek Juniper,Juniperus exelsa
- One-Seed Juniper,Juniperus monosperma
- Rocky Mountain Juniper,Juniperus scopulorum
- Utah Juniper,Juniperus osteosperma or J. utahensis
- Western Juniper,Juniperus occidentalisOther edible juniper berries include:
• Juniperus drupacea
• Juniperus phoenicea
• Juniperus californica
• Juniperus deppeana
NOTE: The berries of Juniperus sabina and Juniperus oxycedrus are not safe for human consumption and should be avoided. Be certain you only consume berries from a variety you know is safe.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENTS OF JUNIPER BERRY
100g of Juniper berries
o Calories: 234kcal
o Proteins: 2.0g
o Fats: 1.2g
o Carbohydrates: 10.0g
o Glycaemic Index GI(CG): 5u(0.5u)
Health Facts On Juniper Berry
Promotes Kidney Health
Juniper is a powerful diuretic herb that increases the flow of urine, cleanse the system of excess fluids and stimulating the kidneys. Juniper flushes out uric acid and excess crystals that include gout, arthritis and kidney stones.
Rich in Antioxidants: Juniper berries are rich in antioxidant phytochemicals including; alpha-pinene, cadinene, limonene, myrcene, borneol, caryophyllene and germacrene, (87 antioxidant compounds found in these Juniper berries). Juniper berries also protect from free radical damage.
Anti- Inflammatory Properties
Juniper berries contain essential oils and antioxidants that give them anti-inflammatory properties. These essential oils have been used for medicinal and flavoring purposes as well. They help in the prevention of oxidation of cells that cause rapid cell damage and also protect the cells from free radicals that cause tissue damage.
Promotes Skin
Juniper berries are a rich source of vitamin C which is essential for immunity and improvement of collagen production in the body, also helps in protecting skin from UV-induced photo damage.
Cures Restless Sleep
Juniper berry essential oil act as relaxant and believe it has a positive impact on brain neuro functioning, relax the nerves.
Manages Heart Function
Juniper berries may improve your heart health by improving your HDL levels and reducing your LDL levels. HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein, which is also called good cholesterol.
Anti- Bacterial & Antifungal
Terpenes is an important compound make the juniper berry an effective diuretic, helps in improving your kidney function and intestinal function.
Cures Leishmaniasis
Juniper berry extract is very powerful against the parasite that causes leishmaniasis, which found in tropical regions or southern Europe.
Controls Diabetics
Juniper Berries are sometimes referred to as “Nature’s Insulin”, that contain certain compounds to increase insulin production, thus lowering blood sugar levels in (type 2) diabetes.
Eradicate Cancer
Juniper berry extract was tested against two cancer stage: colorectal carcinoma cells and cervical cancer cells. The results showed that the berry extract had the ability to stop the growth of cancer, required to evaluate the effect of juniper berries on cancer.
Aids Digestion
Juniper is a diuretic, thus help in cleaning the body system of toxins and impurities, which decrease the risk of urinary tract infections and digestive disorder.