Once considered a holy tree due to its ability to improve health and longevity, elderberries are full of powerful nutrition and have incredible health benefits. Research is being done to discover more benefits of this dark blue, purplish berry.
Elderberries are loaded with anthocyanin, which is a polyphenol. Anthocyanin gives elderberries their dark color. Research has shown that anthocyanin can last through periods of intense UV light radiation from the sun. These antioxidants get passed on to those who eat the berry, and research suggests that they provide a beneficial anti-carcinogenic ability.
Immune System
In Germany, research has been done to study the link between anthocyanins and a stronger and more coordinated immune response to viruses. The study showed that these polyphenols boost the production of immune cytokines, which are imperative to help regulate the immune response. Cytokines are best described as the messengers in the immune system. These German studies have found that elderberries have more antioxidant balance than vitamin E and vitamin C in equal doses. In 2004, a study done with 60 test subjects found that elderberry extract helped to decrease the effects and symptoms four days earlier than those who did not take the elderberry. More research is being done regarding how elderberries protect the mucous membranes and reduce the swelling caused by inflammation.
Inflammation
Elderberries continue to be studied for added health benefits. A promising result was found in 2000 when a study was published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine. Elderberries have been shown to help improve circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke because they protect the inner layer of blood vessels from oxidative stress. Studies show that anthocyanins are absorbed by the membranes of the epithelial cells, which gives strong protection fromΒ inflammatory stressors.Β
Fiber
Elderberries are full of fiber. A single serving provides more than 40% of your daily fiber requirement. This dietary fiber can help eliminate constipation, reduce excess gas, and generally increase the health of your gastrointestinal system.
