Are Elderberries Good For Your Immune System?
Elderberries have been a fruit of medicinal importance for centuries. Many of our ancestors believed that elderberries have some vital ingredients that may help them fight against different ailments. Later, research proved most of it right.
Elderberry is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. It supports your immune system, maximizes blood flow, and improves weight loss. Let’s learn some benefits of elderberry for our immunity that makes us its lifetime fan!
What Are Elderberries?
Elderberries are dark blue/purple berries native to Europe and America. Though there are many known species, Sambucus nigra is the most popular one. Leaves, twigs, and barks are poisonous and inedible.
However, flowers and berries have multiple medicinal benefits. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, called elderberry “a medicine chest.”
Elderberries contain anthocyanins, which impart different colors like black, blue, purple, or red to the berries. The most popular is the black elderberry which is used in jams, syrups, juice, and wine.
What Makes Elderberries A Good Choice For Your Immunity?
Is elderberry good for you? This question might pop up in your mind since you heard about using these berries to treat colds. The answer is yes! They are great for your body and health.
Earlier, people consumed berries for the treatment of cold and flu. Later, the research opened a gateway for extending its use to gain other benefits, including fever, stress, joint ache, constipation, burns, wounds, and breathing problems.
Though the research was small-scale, it backs up the claim of the ancestors that elderberries can be helpful for the treatment of various conditions.
Reduces Inflammation
Today’s environment and unhealthy eating habits increase inflammation in the body. Excessive inflammation can cause some severe medical conditions. Elderberries play a significant role in countering inflammation.
They contain bioactive, which are flavonoid and tannin-like compounds and can reduce inflammation. Hence, eating elderberries daily can decrease inflammation and consequent compilation.
Antimicrobial Activity
The antiviral properties of elderberries are more pronounced than all other effects. The majority of research so far is based on investigating this aspect of elderberries.
Elderberries reduce the duration and severity of the illness, particularly cold and flu. Recent studies also support the claim of traditional practitioners that eating elderberries give relief from cold and flu.
In a nutshell, elderberries help to lower the likelihood of catching a cold. If you take it after catching a cold, it can reduce the severity of the symptoms.
High level of Antioxidants
The high amount of antioxidants accounts for its benefits in treating heart diseases and boosting immunity. These antioxidants destroy free radicals and prevent your cells from damaging. It improves your immune system and reduces the chance of chronic disease.
Although more research is required, the current studies show promising results. Per the research, 400 ml of elderberry juice increases the production and activity of antioxidants.
Elderberries also contain a high amount of vitamin C – 52 gas in one cup. It also improves the body’s immune system and provides defense against free-radical damage.
Elderberries contain ample antioxidants, but their effect diminishes as the berries are processed to form juice or extract. Using the best elderberry gummies with vitamin C and zinc is the best way to meet your body’s antioxidant demand. They are easy to eat, sweet in taste, and contain all the essential nutrients in precise amounts.
Prevents Diseases
Elderberries also regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In a 2017 study, people aged 50-70 were given elderberry-rich drinks for over a month. Test results showed that it reduced LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. These effects, combined, improve cardiac health and prevent heart diseases.
Elderberries also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. They increase insulin production, lower the sugar level in the blood, and prevent diabetes.
Fights Against Cancer
Though it is still under research, elderberries have shown promising anticancer activity. They fight off and destroy cancer-causing cells, decreasing the chances of getting the disease.
Other Benefits Of Elderberry For Your Health
Some other significant health benefits of elderberries are as follows:
- Fight off pathogens – It prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori. It reduces the chances of infections, including sinusitis and bronchitis.
- Reduce UV damage – elderberries decrease the damage caused by UV rays, preventing the chances of skin cancer.
- Diuretic effect – the berries have a diuretic effect; that is, they increase urination. Increased urination may ease the removal of harmful toxins from the body.
Takeaway!
Elderberries are still under research, and not many benefits are science-backed. Yet, the remedy has lasted for years and centuries. From reducing inflammation to providing enough nutrients, it is nothing but the best. Include elderberries in your diet to get your daily need for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. With a balanced diet and healthy life choices, elderberry can be a blessing for your health!
