The 13 Benefits of Elderberry For Health
The Benefits of Elderberry are diverse, as it possesses a lot of essential nutrients for the general health of the body. In addition, the elderberry is an older tree fruit that has been used for several centuries in countries such as Europe, Western Asia, North America and North Africa as a folk remedy. It is known to possess many medicinal properties and has been used effectively to lower cholesterol, improve the immune system, improve vision, and treat colds, flu, cough and infections.
The therapeutic effect of elderberry is mainly attributed to the presence of high levels of antioxidant flavonoids. The cooked elderberry is used as a flavoring agent in food and wine products. They are also used to make jams and pies. However, the raw elderberry and other parts of the elderberry are poisonous.
Nutritional value of Elderberry: Elderberry is an abundant source of health. As mentioned before, it contains very high amounts of anthocyanin, which is a powerful antioxidant that gives it dark color. It is a fruit that is high in fiber and low in cholesterol, sodium and saturated fat.
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Elderberry is a good source of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C and group B vitamins such as thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. It is also a very good source of several essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, copper, zinc and selenium. Eating elderberry can provide a good amount of omega-3 and omega-6 acids, which are extremely important for your health.
The elderberry has been widely used for its therapeutic effects and medicines for thousands of years in many parts of the world. In fact, it was once considered a Sacred Tree because people believed that it had the ability to improve and maintain health and also to increase life expectancy. Then check it out. The 13 Benefits of Elderberry For Health.
ElderBerry Benefits For The Immune System: Studies conducted in the elderberry showed that the presence of anthocyanins and flavonoids helps to improve the functioning of the immune system by increasing the production of proteins called cytokines. These proteins act as messengers in the immune system and help control the immune response, which in turn helps protect the body against various diseases. Anthocyanins found in elderberry were found to have more antioxidant effects than vitamins such as vitamin E and vitamin C.
Benefits of Elderberry As Antioxidants: The very high amount of antioxidant anthocyanins in elderberry helps in the fight against the harmful effects of free radicals on your body. These antioxidants also have anti-aging properties. By neutralizing the damage caused by free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative stress, antioxidants help slow down the aging process and also to reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.
Elderberry Benefits For Weight Loss: Animal studies have revealed that the elderberry contains a compound known as ursulcholic acid that can be beneficial in promoting weight loss, especially in removing fat around the abdominal area. Another study conducted in Germany also suggested that elderberry may aid in weight loss.
In this study, 80 individuals received elderberry juice enriched with powder extracts and elderflower, along with asparagus-based extracts. Scientists have found that this formula has helped in improving weight significantly. They also found that the formula improved blood pressure as well as the physical and emotional condition of participants.
Elderberry Benefits For Flu: Elderberry has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of influenza. Studies have shown that a standardized elderberry extract, known as Sambucol, may be an effective, safe and natural option for the treatment of influenza type A and B. Another study published in the July 2009 issue of “Phytochemistry” says that the efficacy of elderberry extract is similar to that of conventional Tamiflu and amantadine that are used to treat H1N1 viral infections.
Elderberry Benefits For Infection: Elderberry has been considered as a natural and effective remedy for sinusitis and upper respiratory diseases. It is a rich source of many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help keep your body healthy and disease-free.
Elderberry helps reduce the duration and severity of common diseases such as colds and flu. Elderberry sumus has been considered useful in reducing excess mucosal secretion and is also believed to be beneficial in reducing swelling or inflammation of the mucous membranes which, in turn, helps to improve sinus drainage.
Elderberry Benefits For Antiviral Properties: Hemagglutinin is a spike-shaped protein that viruses use to attack our cells and multiply. This protein has the ability to cause red blood cells to clump together.
The hemagglutinin spikes in the virus help break through the cell membrane, enter the cells and ultimately take control of the cells. The elderberry has been found as a strong antiviral agent known as “antivirin” that is able to negate the harmful effects of hemagglutinin spikes. Antivirin disables the spikes, thus preventing viruses from becoming in the cells and rephering.
Elderberry Benefits For Vascular Diseases: Studies have been conducted to determine the action of anthocyanins in endothelial cells and to discover their possible benefits against various oxidative stress factors. The endothelium is the inner membrane of blood vessels.
The results revealed that anthocyanins found in elderberry had shown protective effects on endothelial cells against certain oxidative stress factors. By protecting endothelial cells, the elderberry improves blood circulation and also protects against vascular diseases.
ElderBerry Benefits For Anemia: Iron deficiency anemia, as the name implies, is a condition caused when your body does not receive adequate amounts of iron in the diet. Eating iron-rich foods can help prevent this condition. The elderberry is rich in iron content and is therefore ideal for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
ElderBerry Benefits To Reduce inflammation: Eating elderberry is a great way to provide your body with an abundance of flavonoids such as anthocyanins. These compounds, in addition to having strong antioxidant properties, also have anti-inflammatory effects that help in reducing inflammation and pain. Hence elderberry is often used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. It was found that the consumption of elderberry tea is more effective and safe when compared to taking anti-inflammatory drugs.
Benefits of Elderberry For Skin: The elderberry is a wonderful detoxifying and is useful for keeping the skin healthy and clear. The sumo has been used in the treatment of various skin problems such as acne, boils, burns, injured and rashes.
Due to its beneficial properties for skin, the eldercan can be found as an ingredient in many skin lotions, creams and moisturizers. The antioxidants in this fruit exhibit anti-aging properties and protect the skin from the appearance of signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots and pigmentation.
Benefits of Elderberry For Blood: Studies show that elderberry has the ability to lower blood sugar levels. This property is particularly useful for people suffering from diabetes. The effects of polyphenols found in this fruit in cases of diabetes mellitus were studied. The results revealed that polyphenolic compounds helped reduce lipid peroxides, inhibit LDL oxidation and neutralize peroxil lipid radicals. The study also suggests that elderberry can be used in the treatment of diabetes.
Benefits of Elderberry Against Cancer: Elderberry has been found to have anticancer properties and, consequently, is sado for the treatment and prevention of this deadly disease. This fruit is rich in antioxidants that can protect tissues from damage caused by free radicals. By protecting cells and tissues from oxidative damage, these antioxidants help prevent many serious diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Elderberry Benefits For Heart Health: Studies show that antioxidants in elderberry can help in lowering levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL).
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Research conducted at the University of Graz in Austria found that elderberry extract reduced the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The elderberry is rich in potassium, which acts as a vasodilator and reduces high blood pressure. This fruit has diuretic properties that prevents water retention and also prevents hypertension.