Elderberry Benefits
Elderberry, also known as Sambucus nigra, is a deciduous shrub that bears edible fruits. It displays yellow and white blossoms during the early summer. The berries turn into black or deep blue berries prior to ripening in September. Elderberries have been popular among many countries for centuries and have been used in European folk medicine for years. These shrubs have also been known to possess medicinal properties.
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Antioxidant
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Elderberry contains anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants. It was also found to have more antioxidant properties compared to vitamins C and E. Moreover, it is known to reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol that may lead to cardiovascular diseases.
Immune System Booster
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Conducted studies not only revealed the antioxidant properties of elderberry. It likewise led to the discovery by scientists in the Bundesforschungsanstalt research center for food in Germany that elderberry has the ability to strengthen the immune system. The anthocyanins found in the elderberry boost the production of cytokines, unique proteins that act as messengers in the immune system. The cytokines regulate immunity, hematopoiesis and inflammation.
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Alternative Medicine
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Elderberry has been used for centuries as alternative medicine for the treatment of various illnesses. Its extracts are found to contain a certain protein that prevents the flu virus from attaching itself to the cells, thereby limiting the duration of flu symptoms and preventing it from spreading altogether. Elderberry has also been proven to be effective in treating both influenza A and B. Other illnesses that may be effectively treated with elderberry include tonsillitis, viral and bacterial infections, headache and rheumatism to name a few.
Preventative Medicine
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Apart from being used as an effective alternative medicine, the elderberry may also be used as preventative medicine. In addition, it may also be given to children to prevent the onset of flu, coughs and colds and other illnesses. It may also help in improving heart health as well as vision.
Stress Reduction
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Research has also shown that the anthocyanin contained in elderberry extract has the ability to reduce stress. This discovery was reported by Dr. Sepp Porta, an Austrian endocrinologist who conducted a study on the potential of elderberry benefits. The study concluded that a daily intake of the elderberry extract has a positive result on stress. Elderberry reduces the susceptibility of the body to experience stress and shortens recovery time from exhaustion brought about by physical exertion.
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