Fast, Free Shipping On Orders Over $99 / Save $5 on your first subscription! Code: EXTRA5OFF
Today we are going to talk about one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world.
We are talking about Elderberry, a variety of fruits from the Sambucus trees, best known for its medicinal properties, and its history dates back to 400 BC. (1)
If you want to know what these amazing fruits can do for you, I recommend you stick around.
AN EXTRAVAGANT AND POWERFUL FRUIT
Elderberries are glossy, tart, deep-purple fruits of the Sambucus tree. Among many varieties, the most common one is the European elder or black elderberry (Sambucus nigra). (3)
The fruits are small, dark-colored berries, sometimes appearing almost black. (4)
Elderberries are low-calorie fruits (100 g of fresh elderberries contain only 73 calories), high in nutrients and antioxidants
The composition depends on many factors like the variety, the environmental and climatic conditions. (5)
“Elderberries contain many vitamins and nutrients that can benefit people’s health.” (6)
“Analysis of elderberry showed that it contains high biological activity components, primarily polyphenols, mostly anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids, and proanthocyanidins, as well as terpenes and lectins.” (5)
It is an excellent source of daily fiber (100 g of them provides 28% of your daily fiber requirement). Plus, the berries are rich in vitamins – such as vitamin C and provitamin A (carotenoids) – and minerals – including iron, potassium, and phosphorus. (6)
Curious Fact: Because fresh elderberries have a tart taste, they're more often preferred to be taken in supplements (pills, gummies, syrup).
Elderberry has medicinal properties associated with the presence of polyphenols, which are compounds with potent antioxidant properties. (5)
Compounds in elderberry can greatly affect the course of disease processes by counteracting oxidative stress, exerting beneficial effects on blood pressure, glycemia reduction, immune system stimulation, antitumor potential, increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the blood plasma, including also glutathione, and the reduction of uric acid levels. (5)
Elderberries are packed with a high concentration of antioxidants and vitamins that boost your immune system!
Elderberry contains a whole host of immune-boosting antioxidants, including vitamins A, B, and C. These antioxidants and vitamins can help keep your immune system strong and allow you to better fight off infections, such as common viruses like the cold or flu. (14)
Elderberry also contains anthocyanins (that’s why berries are red, blue, purple, or black colored).
Anthocyanins are thought to prevent flu viruses from reproducing inside our bodies, which may prevent the onset of flu or decrease the duration of its symptoms. (14)
The cold and flu symptoms could be really annoying. Fortunately, Elderberry has shown to reduce the intensity of these infections and relieve their symptoms.
Elderberry has been used for centuries as a home remedy to treat the cold and flu, both of which are caused by a virus. It is believed to reduce the severity and duration of the infection if taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms. (10)
“Elderberry may be useful for the treatment of viral influenza infections.” (3)
A 2012 study suggested that elderberry could help prevent influenza infection by stimulating an immune response. (11)
But that's not it. Elderberry also may prevent H1N1 infection by binding its flavonoids to the virus. (16)
It is a great immune boosting ally, but how does elderberry work against viruses?
There are probably many mechanisms of action, but a prime one is that elderberry fruit contain hemagglutinin protein, which prevents viruses from penetrating the cells. (17)
We have mentioned that elderberry contains quercetin. This flavonoid is not only good for the brain, it also provides elderberry from its antiviral effects.
“Quercetin is a well-known flavonoid whose antiviral properties have been investigated in numerous studies”. (18)
Scientists have proved that quercetin in combination with Vitamin C could be a promising treatment against COVID-19
Like almost every source of antioxidants, elderberries help to reduce oxidative stress and they keep your body healthy.
It’s good for constipation! Scientific evidence shows that Elderberry may aid in the treatment of constipation. Anthraquinone, a compound in elderberry, has a laxative effect. (10)
Anthraquinones are thought to increase the amount of fluid in the colon and may also serve to stimulate colon contractions. (12)
“In a clinical study of 20 people with constipation, a tea containing elderberry, anise, and fennel, increased the number of evacuations per day and improved bowel movements.” (13)
The berries can decrease inflammation, which may reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease or cancer. (14)
“Elderberry contains a variety of "bioactive" — anti-inflammatory compounds like tannins and flavonoids that can help prevent damage to our bodies cells.” (14)
Anthocyanins are known to reduced inflammation. Those in elderberry do so by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide by the body's immune cells. (13)
We have said that elderberries are rich in bioactive flavonoids, which multiple studies have suggested help lower blood pressure and prevent the onset or progression of heart disease. (14)
“There is a preventive potential of berries with respect to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and associated cognitive decline. Possibly the polyphenols and dietary fiber contributed to the beneficial effects.” (15)
- Elderberry bioactive compounds provide therapy for many diseases.
- Elderberry’s medicinal properties are associated with counteracting oxidative stress.
- Elderberry helps to prevent the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
I started taking elderberry at the beginning of August! This item was great for my immune system!
Work like a charm to keep everyone in the family healthy.
Excellent for your health.
(1) 5 benefits of elderberry for the immune system/ https://www.natures-discount.com
(2) Elderberry: Benefits and Dangers https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/elderberry
(3) A systematic review on the sambuci fructus effect and efficacy profiles https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
(4) Sambucus nigra (elder) https://www.cabi.org
(5) Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review- https://www.sciencedirect.com
(6) Health benefits of elderberry - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
(7) Do Gummy Vitamins Work, and Are They Good or Bad for You? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gummy-vitamins#benefits
(8) Elderberry Gummies: Should You Chew A Few For The Flu? https://www.weedcopywriter.com/elderberry
(9) Elderberry for the Common Cold and Flu in Pregnancy. https://www.natural-beginning.com
(10) The Health Benefits of Elderberry. https://www.verywellhealth.com/elderberry-for-colds-and-flu-can-it-help-89559
(11) Anti-Influenza Virus Effects of Elderberry Juice and Its Fractions. https://academic.oup.com/bbb/article/76/9/1633/5954919
(12) Anthraquinones Benefits and Side Effects. https://www.verywellhealth.com/anthraquinones-1945348
(13) 6 Elderberry Benefits (incl. Colds & Flu) + Side Effects. https://selfhacked.com/blog/elderberry/
(14) Elderberry may be one of the best immune-boosting fruits — here's how it can benefit your health. https://www.insider.com/elderberry-benefits
(15) Effects of a mixed berry beverage on cognitive functions and cardiometabolic risk markers; A randomized cross-over study in healthy older adults. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29141041/
(16) Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19682714/
(17) Elderberries: A Potent Cold and Flu Remedy? https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/elderberries-a-potent-cold-and-flu-remedy
(18) Quercetin and Vitamin C: An Experimental, Synergistic Therapy for the Prevention and Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Related Disease (COVID-19) https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01451/full
