7 Surprising Elderberries Benefits
Aid in Digestion
Dr. Paulo D Picon and his
team of researchers published a report in BMC Complementary and
Alternative Medicine that stated that although most fruits and vegetables can help hit our fiber goals for the day,
few fruits can boast more than 40% of our daily requirements for fiber in a single
serving. Elderberries are packed with dietary fiber that can help
eliminate constipation, reduce excess gas, and generally increase the health of your gastrointestinal system.
Fiber can also help increase the nutrient uptake efficiency in your gut so you
get more out of your food!
Improve Heart Health
A study published
in the Phytotherapy Research revealed that high fiber levels in
elderberries help eliminate excess cholesterol from the system and
make room for HDL (good) cholesterol that the body needs. This can
help eliminate the chances of developing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular issues.
Additionally, a diet rich in flavonoids like anthocyanins has
been found to reduce the risk of heart disease. The high level of potassium in
elderberries also protects the heart by relaxing the tension of blood vessels
and arteries. As a vasodilator, potassium can significantly reduce blood
pressure and keep your heart healthy!
Improve Respiratory Health
When it comes to clearing
up a sore throat, a cough, cold, bronchitis, or any other issue that affects your respiratory
system, elderberry juice might be your best choice. Like many cough syrups,
elderberry syrup contains active ingredients (bioflavonoids like anthocyanins,
to be exact) that can soothe inflammation and irritation. The syrup also acts
as an expectorant and clear out phlegm that can trap foreign agents
in your glands. Elderberry juice is even recommended for people with asthma. According to a study in the Journal of
International Medical Research, flu patients who were given a dosage of
elderberry syrup recovered in 3-4 days earlier than those who were not
given these supplements.
Boost Immunity
Elderberry
syrup has certain antibacterial and anti-infectious qualities
and is very commonly used to ward off influenza during bad seasons where it
seems like everyone is catching it. Furthermore, elderberries can protect
against the effects of autoimmune disorders, even alleviating certain symptoms
and the associated pain of AIDS. A 2011 paper published in the Romanian
Biotechnological Letters, cited a study in which rats who were given
elderberry polyphenols were found to aid immune defenses by raising the number
of WBCs.
Control Diabetes
The active antioxidant
ingredients in elderberries work directly on the pancreas to regulate
insulin and glucose levels. This either provides stability for people who
suffer from diabetes or help non-diabetics to avoid developing
this terrible condition.
Improve Bone Health
The antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory compounds found in elderberries can help alleviate
joint pain and soreness from inflammation. The high levels of essential
minerals help promote bone strength and the development of new bone
tissue. Osteoporosis is a condition that millions of people face
in the later years of their life, but increasing bone density during your
younger years can delay the onset considerably.