9 Benefits of Elderberry You Probably Didn't Know About
Elderberries have gained a lot of popularity in the past few years as an effective way to complement standard treatment for colds and other illnesses. Check out these nine reasons to start adding elderberry to your diet today!
Elderberry is a fruit that's been used for centuries in home remedies to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
Elderberries are found in North America, Europe, and Asia, and they have dark-blue colored berries with a smooth skin.
Elderberries can be eaten fresh or cooked in pies and jams. Some people make wine out of the berries.
Elderberry extract is also available in liquid form that can be added into water for drinking.
Be warned about eating them fresh and raw because they contain a chemical that can cause nausea and diarrhea.
Elderberry can also be found in supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, softgels, and gummies.
This article will cover the health benefits of elderberry and why they could be important for you in improving your health.
For example, elderberry has been shown to improve symptoms of the common cold and flu.
In addition, elderberry is high in antioxidants which can help protect the body against disease.
If you're interested in learning more about the health benefits of elderberry, be sure to keep reading.
We'll discuss some of the other impressive benefits that this fruit has to offer.
May help improve your immune system
Elderberry has been traditionally used to help improve the immune system.
The flavonoids and other polyphenols in elderberry help to improve immune function by stimulating the body's defenses.
This can help to protect you from infection and speed up the healing process.
Improving the immune function has many benefits including, but not limited to; helping the body fight of infections and diseases more efficiently, helping with tissue repair, improving wound healing and reducing inflammation.
This can be very useful in treating conditions like colds, flu's and ear infections.
Helps fight off the common cold and flu
Elderberry has antiviral properties that allow it to kill the virus that causes colds and flu.
It's a great, natural way for you to prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses in your body, especially if you're around sick people often.
The common cold and the flu are both very prevalent illnesses that can easily be spread from person to person.
Elderberry has been shown to help fight off both of these illnesses, which can be a huge benefit to someone who is looking to improve their health.
Elderberry is a natural way to help boost the immune system, and it is a great way to avoid getting sick during the winter months.
Starting a regimen of elderberry supplements prior to the winter months will greatly reduce the chances of catching the common cold or flu.
Elderberry can also be used to help heal other illnesses, but helping to fight off the common cold and flu is definitely one of its best benefits.
Elderberry is a natural antioxidant
The antioxidants present in elderberry help protect the body against the harmful effects of free radicals.
Free radicals can damage cells and DNA, leading to inflammation, cancer, and other health problems.
Elderberry's antioxidants can help prevent or repair this damage.
Other benefits of antioxidants are protection from cardiovascular diseases, promotion of the immune system and anti-aging properties.
Antioxidant levels in elderberry are higher than in blackberries, blueberries and cranberries.
A carefully chosen elderberry supplement can offer a great source of antioxidants for improving your cell health.
May help relieve symptoms of arthritis
Arthritis is a debilitating condition that millions of people suffer from.
While modern medicine has treatments for arthritis, they can often be expensive and have nasty side effects.
Elderberry has been shown to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis, making it a viable treatment option for people who want to improve their health without resorting to expensive and harsh medications.
Elderberry may relieve these symptoms by inhibiting enzymes that are involved in inflammation, so it's definitely worth giving elderberry a try if you have arthritis.
A study at the University of Mississippi has shown that elderberry extract is just as effective at inhibiting the enzymes that cause these symptoms without any side effects whatsoever.
The anti-inflammatory properties in elderberry are also beneficial to people who suffer from arthritis because it can help reduce the overall pain associated with the condition.
Elderberry may also provide benefits to people by inhibiting other enzymes involved in inflammation, which means it won't only be effective at relieving arthritis symptoms but will prevent cartilage damage that is often caused by this disease.
May help you sleep better
If you have problems with sleeping, elderberry might be able to help.
Elderberry works by stimulating GABA receptors in your brain, which is what promotes relaxation.
GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps inhibit the excitability of neurons, all while promoting feelings of relaxation and sleepiness.
While it hasn't been proven yet, elderberry might even be able to work on people who have anxiety or insomnia due to its GABAergic properties.
Elderberry's ability to help induce sleep allows the body time to relax so that it can recharge and recover from the day.
Elderberry extract is a natural sleep aid that you should try out to help improve your sleep quality without having to resort to prescription drugs or other harsh options.
The anti-inflammatory properties in elderberry are part of its ability to induce sleep.
Elderberry has been found to help reduce inflammation in the brain, which is why it's able to be effective as a natural sleep aid.
You can reap these benefits by simply having some elderberry extract before going to bed.
May help improve vision health
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two important carotenoids found in the eye that are responsible for good vision health.
Elderberry is a good source of these two carotenoids.
In one study, those who supplemented with elderberry had increased levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in their blood serum.
Furthermore, another study showed that supplementation with elderberry extract improved the vision-related functions of eyes.
Elderberry can help you get better at seeing things in dim light regions, such as the peripheral parts of the retina.
Other studies show that supplementation with elderberry can improve the night vision and help you see in low light conditions.
A study including 76 subjects showed that supplementation with elderberry for two months significantly improved the near-work distance and color perception.
Elderberry has a long history of use by various cultures to protect against eye infections, to soothe irritation caused by foreign objects and chemicals, and to reduce inflammation in the eyes.
May boost memory and cognitive function
Elderberry has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function.
This is important because having a good memory and being able to think clearly are essential for living a healthy life.
Elderberry can help keep your mind sharp so you can stay focused and productive.
Elderberry improves memory and cognitive function by protecting the brain from oxidative stress.
Elderberries have a variety of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and free radicals which are harmful to the brain.
Memory and cognitive function is at it's best when inflammation in the brain is at it's lowest.
If you want a natural way to improve your memory, focus, and cognitive function try taking some elderberry extract.
You will need...
-1 cup boiling water -2 teaspoons dried elderberries -2 teaspoons of honey
Directions: Add boiling water to dried elderberries and allow it to steep for about 20 minutes. Strain out the berries. Add the liquid with the 2 teaspoons of honey. Drink twice daily for best results.
May reduce the risk of cancer
One surprising benefit of taking elderberry supplements regularly is that it may help fight off cancerous cells.
While the research is still in its early stages, some studies have shown that elderberry might be effective in fighting off different types of cancers.
This is important because cancer is one of the leading causes of death around the world.
If further research confirms these findings, elderberry could become a very important tool in the fight against cancer.
In a study performed on mice, researchers from University of Buffalo found that elderberry may be effective in stopping the growth and spread of tumors.
The study involved mice that were injected with breast cancer cells.
The results showed that those who received the elderberry extract had a significantly smaller tumor size than those not receiving it.
Further research is still needed to confirm whether elderberry can be effective in humans as well, but there is also some early evidence that it may help fight off other types of cancers as well, including pancreatic and leukemia cancers.
This is a promising development since cancer treatments are often harsh and cause a lot of side effects in patients.
May help slow down cellular aging
As we age, our cells naturally start to deteriorate.
This can lead to a number of health problems, including Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and cancer.
However, studies have shown that elderberry may help slow down this process.
This is because elderberry contains powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage.
Cells deteriorate due to oxidation, which is caused by free radicals like peroxides and superoxides.
Since elderberry contains antioxidants, it can combat these free radicals and slow down the speed at which cells age.
Slow down aging today by adding elderberry to your diet.
May help fight off urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections are a common infection, especially in women.
Elderberry has been shown to help fight off urinary tract infections due to its antibacterial properties.
Elderberry consist of three glycoproteins that have been shown to have antibacterial effects in lab tests.
A study in the Journal of International Medical Research also showed that elderberry was able to inhibit the growth of the bacteria known as E coli, which is often found in urinary tract infections.
By adding elderberry into your diet, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing a urinary tract infection.
Conclusion
Elderberry has a variety of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and free radicals which can be helpful in many health remedies.
Elderberry has a variety of benefits that may help to reduce inflammation and free radicals, both in your body and brain.
This is important because these two factors can lead to serious health problems like cancer or Alzheimer's disease.
One way you can introduce elderberries into your diet is by simply adding a daily supplement.
Looking for an elderberry supplement to add to your diet?
Check out our blog post on the best elderberry supplements available today!
We compare the top five supplements on the market and give you our verdict on which one is the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to take elderberry everyday?
Yes, elderberry is safe to take every day. It's a natural source of antioxidants and has other health benefits.
What are the side effects of elderberry?
Elderberry has no known adverse side effects. If eaten raw and fresh, it may produce an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Who should not take elderberry?
Most people can take elderberry, but if you are allergic to any plant or raw fruit in the Caprifoliaceae family (including blueberries, strawberries and huckleberries), then avoid taking it. In rare cases people may have a reaction to parts of the elderberry plant other than berries so consult with your primary care physician before taking it.
Does elderberry actually work?
Yes, elderberry does work. It is a natural remedy for treating the flu, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections. Elderberry also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help improve health overall.
Should I take elderberry in the morning or at night?
There is no right or wrong answer, as long as you are taking the supplement regularly. Some people prefer to take elderberry in the morning so they have the energy boost throughout the day, while others find it helpful to take at night so they get a good night's sleep.
Can I take elderberry and zinc at the same time?
Yes, you can take elderberry and zinc at the same time. There are no known interactions between these two supplements. However, it's always a good idea to speak with your doctor before taking any new supplement, especially if you're taking other medications.
When should you not take elderberry?
Most people don't experience any side effects when taking elderberry, but it's important to be aware that there are a few instances where you should avoid it. Don't take elderberry if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you're taking medication for diabetes or high blood pressure. If you're not sure whether it's safe for you to take elderberry, talk to your doctor before starting supplementation.
Does elderberry raise blood pressure?
There is no current evidence to support the claim that elderberry raises blood pressure. In fact, elderberry has been shown to have a variety of health benefits. Some of these benefits include its ability to boost the immune system, help with respiratory problems, and improve vision.