Elder Berries

What are elder berries?

People think of the elder tree as either a bush that has grown too big or a small tree that does well in sunny places. Even though the elder tree is from Europe, Africa, and some parts of Asia, it is now found all over the United States after being brought there. The blue or purple berries and the wood of the elder plant, Sambucus nigra, are both important. Hydrocyanic acid and sambucine, which are both active chemicals in the Sambucus nigra plant, are known to make people feel sick. These chemicals are found in the elder plant's raw berries, leaves, bark, and seeds, so they should never be used to make medicine.

How do I use elderberries?

There are numerous elderberry supplement options and preparations, including lozenges, syrups, gummies, and beverages, but syrup is the most popular and effective method to ingest elderberry.

Elderberries benefits.

Elderberries have antioxidants and vitamins in their berries and flowers that may help your immune system. They might help control inflammation, reduce stress, and protect your heart. Some experts say that elderberries can help stop colds and ease their effects.

◉ High in Vitamin C: Elderberries have 52.2 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C per cup. Vitamin C helps keep your immune system healthy, keeps you from getting sick, and even helps your muscles recover. Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD, a registered dietitian, told Health that vitamin C helps fix tissue and reverses oxidative damage, both of which speed up and improve healing. Vitamin C also keeps cells working and helps the skin stay healthy.

◉ High Antioxidant Power: Elderberry juice that has just been pressed is full of antioxidants like protocatechuic acid and chlorogenic acid, as well as phytonutrients like the flavonoids quercetin and rutin. Flavonoids reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative damage, which can cause heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and diseases of the brain like Alzheimer's and dementia.

◉ Promotes Heart Health: Elderberry is full of vitamins, which can help lower inflammation, cholesterol, and blood pressure. "The phytonutrients and fiber in elderberries help lower the amount of cholesterol in your blood by binding to it and sending it out of the body," Best said. Elderberry may also help lower blood pressure by making the blood contain less uric acid. Researchers have found that having high amounts of uric acid in your blood makes it very likely that you will get hypertension (high blood pressure).

◉ Boosts Your Immune System: Elderberries may help people with lung illnesses get better faster. Jones said, "Eating elderberries may shorten the length of the common cold, upper respiratory infections, and influenza." Elderberry might make you feel better faster, but it probably won't stop you from getting sick in the first place.

Where can I buy elderberries?

Buy elderberries from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

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