We all need fat in our diet.  Fat is critical to both physical and mental functions.  For example, both your brain and your heart require fat to maintain good health. But, not all fats are the same.  Dietitians and other health experts typically divide fats into two categories, good fats and bad fats.  But, AdaptoGenie is here to educate you about a third category, GREAT fats!  What constitutes a great fat?  I define a great fat as a plant sourced fat that not only has a broad array of physical benefits, but one that also helps with mood and mental clarity.

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides), is an adaptogen that is a great source of Omegas 3, 6, 9 and 7, and according to my definition, is a provider of great fat.  The online newsletter Natural Society had the following to say about Sea Buckthorn.

“Sea buckthorn has been used in China for more than 12 centuries to heal various disorders and is used in modern times by allopathic and Ayurvedic practitioners alike. Legend has it that even Genghis Khan, the Mongol conqueror, used Sea Buckthorn to propel the fight against his enemies.

The fruit grows primarily high in the Himalayan Mountains (Spiti Valley), which makes it particularly hearty. It is even called “Holy Fruit’ among the locals there. It is here, under the conditions of high altitude, exposure to extremely strong ultra violet radiation due to its proximity to the sun, and reflected light from heavy snows, severe cold, scorching heat, and dry, ‘barren’ soil, that this plant becomes a ‘super’ food. It is extremely life-giving and enhances both health and beauty.

Sea buckthorn has multiple uses due to its protein building amino acids, vitamins B1, B2, K, C, A, E, and folic acid, over 60 antioxidants, at least 20 minerals, and healthy fatty acids. The fruit is full of carotenoids, xanthophylls, phenolics, and flavanoids, too. Its an absolute power house of nutrients!

The leaves, berries and roots can all be used in different forms. It is a complete food that can support the body in all the following ways:

• Treats gastrointestinal disorders including ulcers
• Reverses gout
• Eliminates skin rashes
• Cures infections
• Improves sight, lessens eye soreness
• Promotes colon health
• Contributes to proper brain and nervous system functioning
• Reduces inflammatory response in the body
• Improves mental clarity
• Treats asthmatic symptoms
• Reduces skin markings associated with measles or mumps
• Reduces illness associated with cancer
• Lowers cholesterol
• Boosts lymphatic circulation and immunity
• Reduces hunger (due to Omega 7s)
• Improves the look of skin and hair (also due to Omega 7, 3, 6, and 9s)
• Neutralizes free radicals in the body
• Slows the aging process
• Supports internal organs
• Boost health of the mucous membranes lining the digestive and respiratory tracts”
• Supports urogential system
• Reduces the condition of a fatty liver
• Helps to increase cellular vitality”

That is quite an impressive list of benefits from just one plant.  It’s easy to see why Sea Buckthorn has been labeled as both an adaptogen and a super food.  With Sea Buckthorn you get your healthy fats to improve a host of physical conditions and simultaneously boost your mental and emotional state.  In short, you get fat and you get happy, all from one legendary plant.