Elderberries have been used for medical purposes for centuries. It’s one of the most common medicinal plants in the world and has been used in folk medicine to treat fever and rheumatism, sciatica, infections, and more. Today, elderberry supplements are mainly used to treat cold and flu symptoms. What exactly is all the rage about elderberry products? I’ll share some of The Health Benefits of Elderberry Syrup in this post.
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What are Elderberries?
Elderberries are small, black-purple berries that belong to the sambus tree, also known as the European elderberry or black elder. The berries can be used as a syrup for medicinal purposes, which may have some potential health benefits.
One should never consume raw, unripe, or any part of the elderberry plant as they contain cyanogenic toxin that can cause cyanide poisoning.
The Health Benefits of Elderberry Syrup
Health Benefit 1: High in Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a huge role in many systems of the body, including a balanced immune function, a healthy cardiovascular system and clear skin.
This high vitamin C count can also aid in reducing the symptoms of the flu and colds. Microbes have to penetrate cells to infect the host. If the binding of a microbe is blocked, infection can be prevented. Some animal studies showed that elderberry juice can effectively prevent influenza by preventing microbes from penetrating cells.
Health Benefit 2: High Antioxidant Power
Freshly pressed elderberry juice is high in antioxidant compounds like protocatechuic and chlorogenic acid, and various phytonutrients (nutrients found in plants) like the flavonoids quercetin and rutin.
Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory effects and protect cells from oxidative damage that can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Health Benefit 3: Promotes Heart Health
Elderberry is rich in antioxidants, which can help lower inflammation as well as cholesterol and blood pressure.
Elderberry may also help reduce blood pressure by lowering the amount of uric acid in the blood. Having elevated uric acid levels in your blood has been found to predict consistently the development of high blood pressure).
Health Benefit 4: High in Fiber
Elderberry’s fiber content promotes a healthy gut, easy digestion, and a strong immune system. Elderberry improves gut health by providing prebiotics, a form of fiber, which feeds probiotics, aka the “good” bacteria, within the gut.
Health Benefit 5: Lowers Inflammation and Stress
The inflammation-fighting properties of elderberries may help reduce stress and improve your well-being and mood.
Health Benefit 6: Good for Blood Sugar Management
Elderberry may help people with diabetes control their blood sugar.
Phytonutrients and polyphenols in elderberry help the body to process glucose more efficiently, which makes elderberry a useful aid for managing glucose and keeping it in balance.
Health Benefit 7: Keeps Skin Healthy
Antioxidants reduce the amount of damage that can happen to skin. Since elderberries are so high in antioxidants, they can aid in reversing some damage that has already taken place and promoting healthier skin in the future.
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