Elderberry
High in Nutrients
Elderberries are a low-calorie food packed with antioxidants. Plus, they have many nutritional benefits. Elderberries are: High in vitamin C: There are 6–35 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit, which accounts for up to 60% of the recommended daily intake. High in dietary fiber: Elderberries contain 7 grams of fiber per 100 grams of fresh berries, which is over one-quarter of the recommended daily intake. A good source of phenolic acids: These compounds are powerful antioxidants that can help reduce damage from oxidative stress in the body. A good source of flavonols: Elderberry contains the antioxidant flavonols quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin. The flowers contain up to 10 times more flavonoids than the berries. Rich in anthocyanins: These compounds give the fruit its characteristic dark black-purple color and are a strong antioxidant with anti- inflammatory effects.
May Improve Cold and Flu Symptoms
Black Elderberry extracts and flower infusions have been shown to reduce the severity and length of influenza. Commercial preparations of Elderberry for the treatment of colds come in various forms, including liquids, capsules, lozenges, and gummies. One study of 60 people with influenza found that those who took Elderberry syrup four times per day showed symptom improvement in two to four days, while the control group took seven to eight days to improve. Another study of 64 people found that taking Elderberry extract lozenges for two days resulted in significant improvement in flu symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and nasal congestion, after just 24 hours.
Furthermore, a study of 312 air travelers taking capsules containing Elderberry extract three times per day found that those who got sick experienced a shorter duration of illness and less severe symptoms. Elderberry extract has been found to reduce the length and severity of symptoms caused by the influenza virus. While these results are promising, further large-scale human studies are needed.
High in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are natural components of foods, including some vitamins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, that are able to remove these reactive molecules. Research suggests that diets high in antioxidants may help prevent chronic disease.
The flowers, fruits, and leaves of the Elderberry plant are excellent sources of antioxidants. For example, anthocyanins found in the berries have 3.5 times the antioxidant power of vitamin E. One study comparing 15 different varieties of berries and another study comparing types of wine found that Elderberry is one of the most effective antioxidants. Additionally, one study found that antioxidant status improved in people one hour after drinking
May Be Good for Heart Health
Elderberries may have positive effects on some markers of heart and blood vessel health. Studies have shown Elderberry juice may reduce the level of fat in the blood and decrease cholesterol. In addition, a diet high in flavonoids like anthocyanins has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, Elderberries may reduce levels of uric acid in the blood. Elevated uric acid is linked to increased blood pressure and negative effects on heart health.
What’s more, Elderberry can increase insulin secretion and improve blood sugar levels. A study found that Elderberry flowers inhibit the enzyme-glucosidase, which may help lower blood sugar levels. Despite these promising results, a direct reduction in heart attacks or other symptoms of heart disease has not yet been demonstrated, and further studies in humans are needed. Elderberry has some benefits for heart health, such as reducing cholesterol, uric acid, and blood sugar levels. However, further research is needed to demonstrate if these effects are significant in humans.
Maybe Good in Treating Acne
The Elderberry fruit contains high levels of flavonoids. These flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients. These flavonoids are also known as plant chemicals. It is found in almost all fruits and vegetables. Along with carotenoids, they are responsible for the colors in fruits and vegetables. Like other phytonutrients, flavonoids are powerful antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. It also has immune system benefits. The flavonoids protect plants at the cellular level. They are known to serve the plants as cell cycle regulators. Supplied with food for the human body, the flavonoids exhibit high biological activity and display anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-allergic properties. These help to protect healthy cells from harmful free radicals that play a role in skin problems.
Anti- Wrinkles
Elderberries contain high levels of vitamin A. The ANA also says that Elderberries may soothe the skin, help ease the appearance of age spots, and prevent or lessen wrinkles. Just as in acne problems, Elderberries can help the skin regenerate new healthy cells forming new healthy tissue that may result in the reduction and even prevention of premature wrinkles in an individual. This is attributed to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Elderberries found in its flavonoids. As to the high-level content of vitamin A of Elderberries, it is very well known that this vitamin A is an essential nutrient that supports the skin, the eyes, and the reproductive health and as well as immune function. As the skin is said to be a retinoid responsive organ, it is able to readily absorb vitamin A when applied topically. The retinol stimulates the production of new skin cells. Without it, the skin can become dull and overly dry.
Immune System
Elderberries are particularly rich in flavonoids, especially anthocyanins. These powerful antioxidants work to keep the immune system strong and resilient. Research has shown that the anthocyanins in Elderberries boost the production of cytokines – proteins that act as messengers within the immune system – thereby enhancing the body’s immune response. Cytokines play a crucial role in the immune system’s response to disease and work in ways very similar to hormones. They can be both inflammatory or anti-inflammatory depending on what is needed and are released by immune cells either directly into the bloodstream or locally into body tissue during an immune response.
Elderberries are also believed to contain antiviral agents so potent they are thought to deactivate viruses. Viruses are unable to multiply on their own and need to get inside a healthy cell to do so. Elderberries have high concentrations of bioflavonoids which inhibit the action of this enzyme, thus deactivating viruses and rendering them unable to pierce the cell wall and replicate. Research has shown that Elderflowers are also effective in killing common pathogens.
Cystitis/Urinary Tract/Bladder Infections
Most commonly affecting women, although men are certainly not exempt, urinary tract infection (UTI), cystitis and bladder infections cause a world of misery and pain. UTI is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. While cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder where it becomes irritated, red, or swollen. Bladder infection is a urinary tract infection. This refers to an infection anywhere in the urinary tract, such as the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. Most cases of bladder infections are acute, meaning they occur suddenly. The constant urge to urinate, accompanied by a burning sensation can leave the sufferer feeling housebound and depressed.
Elderberry tea may bring significant relief from this debilitating condition – first and foremost acting as a diuretic. This is important as it causes the kidneys to continually flush out toxins whilst increasing urination. This, in turn, helps to flush out the bacteria that cause cystitis, reducing the likelihood of the infection spreading to the bladder and/or kidneys and may also help to reduce its duration.
Allergy Relief
Elderberry has immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a great natural remedy for allergy symptoms. As to the immune-stimulating property of Elderberry, it helps the person to reduce the duration and severity of the illness. One of the biggest immune system boosters of all is vitamin C. In fact, a lack of vitamin C can even make you more prone to getting sick. And since it is believed that Elderberry has a very high content of Vitamin C, it is considered to be an immune booster herb. As to the anti-inflammatory property, this is attributed to the flavonoids content of Elderberry. Inflammation of the sinuses, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, swelling and a runny or stuffy nose can all benefit from this potent herb. It is thought to be particularly good for hay fever and strengthening the upper respiratory tract. Elderflower’s anti-catarrhal action is also effective in clearing congestion and runny noses caused by seasonal allergies.
Digestive Health
The high fiber content of Elderberries can help to eliminate constipation, reduce excess gas and generally increase the health of the gastrointestinal system. The dietary fiber contained in these berries can also increase nutrient uptake efficiency, especially in the gut, helping you to get more out of the food that you eat. Dietary fiber is also known as roughage or bulk. It includes the parts of plant foods your body cannot digest or absorb. Instead, it passes relatively intact through your stomach, small intestines, and colon and out of your body.
Other benefits of a high fiber diet are normalizing bowel movements. Dietary fiber increases the weight and size of your stool and softens it; helps maintain bowel health; lowers cholesterol level; helps control blood sugar levels; lowers the risk of heart disease; lowers the risk of some types of cancer; aids in achieving a healthy weight; and helps you live longer. Eating a high fiber meal has significant health benefits as compared to a lower fiber diet. Fiber helps the body to stay fuller longer.
Fights Oxidative Stress
Elderberry helps fight oxidative stress. What is oxidative stress Oxidative stress is defined as a disturbance in the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species or free radicals and antioxidant defenses is discussed in relation to its possible role in the production of tissue damage in diabetes mellitus. The body’s cell produces free radicals during normal metabolic processes.
However, cells also produce antioxidants that neutralize these free radicals. Factors that may increase a person’s risk of long term oxidative stress include obesity; diets high in fat, sugar, and processed foods; exposure to radiation; smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products; alcohol consumption; certain medications; pollution; exposure to pesticides and other industrial chemicals. These oxidative stresses can be beaten by eating a diet rich in antioxidants. This can increase your blood antioxidant levels to fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of these diseases. One of the foods that contain high antioxidants is the berries, just like the Elderberries that contain good levels of phenolic acid.
Fights Cancer
Elderberry seeds have amygdalin, which is also known as vitamin B17. Amygdalin is a compound that many believe is good for cancer prevention. Amygdalin is a naturally occurring cyanogenic glycoside extract derived from nuts, plants, and the pits of certain fruits, primarily apricots, broken down by enzymes in the intestine to produce cyanide, a known poison. It was first used in Europe and later in the United States as an alternative cancer therapy. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses amygdalin to remove “blood stasis” and to treat abscesses.
Elderberry is also known for its flavonoids, which stimulate the immune system. These flavonoids reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma, and stroke. They may play a special role in protecting the brain. Flavonoids, as antioxidants, do their work in the body by corralling cell-damaging free radicals and metallic ions.
Elderberries have antioxidant properties that can help prevent free radical damage. A diet high in antioxidants reduces the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from the body cells, prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation.
Aids in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Elderberries, particularly the Sambuci Fructus variant, have been shown in a number of studies to have significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Multiple human and animal studies have supported the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Elderberry preparations and it has been used in natural medicine for hundreds of years. Studies examining factors that may decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease have revealed that drinking juices with similar properties to Elderberries are one of the most reliable ways to decrease risk. As such, the investigators wish to determine the effects of Elderberry juice on cognitive decline in a group of subjects at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease, those with mild cognitive impairment. This cognitive impairment is a condition wherein a person suffers from trouble in remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions that affect their everyday life. Cognitive impairment ranges from mild to severe. Elderberry juice is a commercially available nutritional supplement and easily available to this population.
Good Pain Reliever
When a person takes a pain reliever, it does not go directly to the spot that hurts so much. The pain relievers work with your cells, your body’s nerve endings, your nervous system, and your brain to keep you from feeling the pain. Your body is full of nerve endings in your skin and tissues. Some of these nerve endings can sense pain, like from a burn or a blow to a body part. When cells in your body are injured or damaged, they release chemicals called prostaglandins. The special nerve endings that sense pain is very sensitive to this chemical. When prostaglandin is released, the nerve endings respond to it by picking up and transmitting the pain and injury messages through 9the nervous system to the brain. They tell the brain everything about the pain, like where it is and how much it hurts. The brain then will respond. And since Elderberry contains a significant amount of anti-inflammatory and calming properties, doctors have been recommending its use for sinus pain, back and leg pain (sciatica), nerve pain (neuralgia), and chronic fatigue syndrome.
