Health Benefits of Elderberry: Learn the Many Health Benefits of Elderberry Juice and Diet
The Health Benefits of Elderberry
If you have ever seen an elder tree or the Sambucus Nigra, you could not have missed the dark purple berries that grow on it. This is the elderberry_._ Elderberries primarily grow in temperate climates and thrive in Europe and North America. Hippocrates referred to this plant as the “medicine chest” and recently various researches have proven the health and medicinal benefits of the elderberry.
The elderberry has long been used as a folk remedy in different parts of the world. Recently, researches have revealed that the benefits of elderberry come from the various nutrients that are present in this dark purple berry. These nutrients include tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, rutin, and vitamins A, B and C.
Research has found that one of the major benefits of elderberry include its immune-boosting properties. Its immune-boosting properties provide relief in common conditions such as colds, flu, nasal and chest congestion, and yeast infections. In fact, elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995. This wonderful immune-boosting property of the elderberry has even led scientists to use it in the treatment of life-threatening illnesses such as cancer and AIDS.
The benefits of elderberry also include positive effects for chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes. Elderberry extract has been found to reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (or bad cholesterol), thus preventing cardiovascular diseases. The flavonoids found in this berry include anthocyanins, probably the most powerful antioxidants known to mankind for preventing cell damage caused by poor diet, environmental pollution and stress. The elderberry juice also helps improve vision, especially night vision.
Consuming Elderberry Juice
The best way to reap the benefits of elderberry is to drink 10 ounces of elderberry juice daily. The juice of this purple fruit helps in improving digestion and elimination and provides energy to the body. However, large doses can cause diarrhea and, therefore, the juice should be taken with care. Elderberry extracts can also be found in health food stores and 250-500 mgs of elderberry extract with high anthocyanins are ideal for consumption. Another way to consume elderberries is to cook them and use them as a garnish or flavoring for food. Uncooked berries should never be consumed since they contain toxins that can cause nausea and vomiting. Also make sure that you only use purple, black, and blue berries and avoid the red ones.
Classical Greek healers considered the elderberry as one of the best known healing plants found on this earth. And this has now been proven by researchers as well. So, if you want to get some of these wonderful health benefits of the elderberry, consider including it as a regular part of your daily diet. Whether you consume elderberry juice or use the extract in your pies, jams, and syrups, the benefits to your vision, heart, and immune system that this purple berry can provide are truly amazing.
References
https://www.medicinehunter.com/elderberry2.htm
https://www.vitaminstuff.com/herbs-elderberry.html
https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-elderberry.html
https://www.bulkherbbenefits.com/benefits-of-the-elderberry-herb/
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/66176388@N00/3861843057/