Spiky seaside shrub that could hold the secret to fight against obesity

A SPIKY Scottish seaside shrub is being tested by scientists who believe its sap could help treat obesity.

Sea buckthorn, long used in India as a health supplement, also grows round the Scottish coast, and scientists at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health at Aberdeen University believe our harsh weather could concentrate levels of so-called ‘phytochemicals’ in the plants as they work hard to survive.

The chemicals are known to boost the energy created by the body to digest food, leading to a hope that the hardy Scottish perennial could prove to be a natural weapon in weight management.

Sea buckthorn is a spiky, deciduous shrub which bears bright orange berries and is particularly common on the NorthEast coast, around sand dunes.

Scottish wild garlic and berries are also being tested by the team at the Rowett Institute for their effectiveness in speeding up metabolism and burning fat.

Dr Viren Ranawana, of the Institute’s lifelong health team, said that while foods such as chilli, mustard and horseradish were known to increase metabolism, the usefulness of Scotland’s native plants had so far been ignored.

Dr Ranawana said: ‘No one has actually tested these foods that are native to Scotland.

‘The objective is to see if having these foods on a regular basis can increase fat burning and be used to control weight gain. The traditional approach to weight management is to reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure and although this method works, it does not seem to be sustainable given the rise in obesity in Scotland.’

Wild garlic has long been well regarded for medicinal properties, and is found in many areas round Scotland.

Dr Ranawana, who will also use raspberries, brambles and blueberries for the study, added: ‘What we are doing is a little bit different for the Scottish diet and we are looking forward to seeing if these Scottish foods can make a difference in the grander scheme of things.’