What Is Elderberry Vitamins Good For

Effects: What Does Elderberry Do

The possible effects of elderberry come from its high levels of antioxidants. These substances protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Free radicals are molecules that your body releases as part of normal metabolism. They are unstable and can react with other substances they encounter, causing a chain reaction that creates more free radicals.

A buildup of free radicals can lead to oxidative stress that contributes to diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

Antioxidants can help you stall this process by providing a stable molecule to counteract the unstable one. This can prevent the creation of more free radicals, which helps slow down or prevent cellular damage. Pow! Right in the free radicals.

Elderberry flowers, fruits, and leaves are rich sources of antioxidant polyphenols plant compounds including anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids, and proanthocyanidins, as well as terpenes. So getting elderberry in ya *may* boost your antioxidant levels.

A 2020 study found that elderberries were a plentiful source of antioxidants particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Elderberry is a versatile plant that you can prepare in different ways or buy as a commercial preparation.

Ways To Eat Elderberries

Elderberries have lots of culinary uses. From pies and crumbles, to jams and wines.

• Make a batch of elderberry syrup to use as a cold-fighting cordial or dessert syrup
• Or use up foraged berries in elderberry wine
• Add it as a seasonal twist to your jams and chutneys
• There are lots of elderberry supplement options too, such as gummies, lozenges, syrups and teas

What Is The History Of Elderberries

Sites in Switzerland and Italy tell us that the black elderberry variety could have been the first elderberry to have been cultivated and, that too, by prehistoric man.

In fact, Hippocrates, the ancient Greek who is known as the Father of Medicine, described the elderberry plant as his medicine chest. The fruit is native to Europe and North America. The berries have a long history of being used in folk medicine and are being researched for more than two decades for their medicinal benefits.

There is a reason they are being researched thanks to their varied nutritional profile.

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Our Favorite Elderberry Gummies

Our team has spent countless hours poring over hundreds of different elderberry gummies and supplements, before realizing that the best were of the gummy varieties. They invariably had higher reviews, came from more reputable companies, and were jammed packed with the vitamins and minerals needed to help protect your health and immune system. Our top favorites include:

· One A Day Elderberry Gummies

· Nature Made Elderberry Gummies

What Are The Side Effects Of Elderberries

• Nausea Or Vomiting

Consuming elderberries when they are raw and unripe might cause nausea and vomiting. In certain cases, it might also lead to severe diarrhea.

• Autoimmune Diseases

The berries might cause the immune system to become more active, so much that it might even increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases where the immune system attacks the body. Some of the autoimmune diseases include multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Issues With Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

We have less information on the safety of elderberries during pregnancy and breastfeeding. So stay safe and avoid use.

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Can You Take Elderberry While Pregnant

Unfortunately, there isn’t enough research to know whether it’s safe to take elderberry while pregnant. Elderberry may be popular in a lot of vitamins and supplements, especially those geared toward immunity or cold and flu cures and prevention, but not much is proven about its effects scientifically.

Several studies have been conducted in the 2010s evealuating elderberry and its effects, specficially for upper respiratory symptoms. As recently as 2019, several researchers found that elderberry did signifcantly reduce common cold symptoms. Yet, other researchers saw little effect in those who took elderberry while having upper respiratory problems.

In this case, it’s probably best to be safe than sorry when it comes to taking elderberry while pregnant. Instead, try vitamin C or zinc supplements which are a-Okay to use during pregnancy.

How To Make Elderberry Gummies:

Elderberry Gummies Benefits:

*Reduced Risk Of Heart Disease:

Humans have been using various plant-based medicines for centuries for various ailments. Some of the most common uses of plants in traditional medicine include treating pain, fever, and digestive issues. For example, the plant known as elderberry has been used for centuries as a pain reliever, fever reducer, and effective treatment for colds and flu. Although this plant has been known for medicinal purposes, the active compounds present in elderberries have recently drawn national attention for their potential to reduce blood pressure and fight heart disease.

*Reduce The Risk Of Developing Cancer:

Elderberries, a close relative of the blueberry, possess a long history of use for a variety of medical ailments. In the past, berries were used to treat respiratory infections, diarrhea, and other health problems. Today, the crop is being researched to determine whether it can aid in the treatment of certain cancers.

*Increase Immune Response:

This plant is not only a delicious, all-natural food for humans but have also been used by humans for thousands of years for their medicinal properties. One of the most promising benefits of elderberries, however, is that they are anti-inflammatory. Elderberries have been growing in popularity in recent years due to the availability of supplements that increase the bodys immune response, which is why its important to have a basic understanding of what elderberries do.

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What The Latest Elderberry Study Shows

Recent studies have created even more buzz around this dark purple berry. Two studies showed that elderberry extract supplements shortened the duration of the flu by four days as compared to a placebo. With these seemingly encouraging results and glowing reviews from people from all walks of life, elderberry supplement sales more than doubled between January and March of 2018 to more than $100 million in the US alone.

But not so fast.

While elderberry has become a rock star in the cold and flu-fighting universe, new evidence suggests that that elderberry was not effective in reducing the severity or duration of flu symptoms.

A study led by Michael Macknin, MD, professor emeritus of pediatrics at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, is the largest one to date that has been done to evaluate how elderberry is used in the treatment of patients with influenza B.

Influenza A and B are the two main types that cause seasonal flu epidemics. Influenza A can be very harmful and cause pandemics. Influenza B isnt as common and is far less likely to cause pandemics. While influenza A can be transmitted by birds and other animals, influenza B is mostly found in people.

The study examined 87 patients age 5 and above who tested positive for influenza, or the flu, between January 2018 and April 2019. Only 33% of patients in the study had received flu vaccines.

May Help Cold And Flu Symptoms

Youll see elderberry marketed as an immune booster that can treat or prevent colds and flu, and some limited evidence supports these claims

In a 2016 study, researchers dosed up 312 people with elderberry extract capsules or placebo three times a day before a long-haul flight. They then tracked who became ill 4 days after travel.

They noted a significant difference in the number of colds between the two groups, with 12 in the elderberry group and 17 in the placebo group. Additionally, the elderberry group experienced shorter illnesses with less severe symptoms.

Although these results are promising, further research is needed to confirm elderberrys role in soothing cold and flu symptoms.

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May Help With Blood Sugar Levels

Elderberries might just help balance blood sugar by increasing insulin secretion and boosting the rate that your cells take in glucose. Some experts think it has potential in treating diabetes because of these effects on blood sugar.

A 2017 lab study on rats with type 2 diabetes found that a certain type of elderberry extract can significantly reduce blood sugar. While this doesnt necessarily apply to humans, its a useful finding that could play a role in more relevant studies.

The Top 17 Elderberry Gummies

Finding the top elderberry gummies available to people throughout the United States was an ordeal that took months of diligent work and careful review. In the end, we found that while many manufacturers offer similar products, it is the small differences between them that make all the difference. Of course, we factored in other things such as the price and general availability with our reviews.

What follows are some of the best elderberry supplements available.

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What Is Elderberry Gummies

Elderberry is a small shrub with a distinctive shape. It has a spiny appearance and a deep red color with a slightly bitter taste. It grows in a variety of habitats in a variety of countries, but a majority of the plants in the wild are found in Turkey. Its root, known as samara, is used in traditional medicine.

As a tea, the leaves of the plant have been traditionally placed in cold water and allowed to brew for at least one day or more, depending on the desired strength of the beverage. The drink is made from the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Young Samara is most commonly used, but the flowers may also be used in a similar fashion. Elderberries are not actually berries at all, but rather small berries that are found in the genus Sambucus. The small, red berries are sold dried or fresh, and they are used for a variety of medicinal purposes.

How To Consume Elderberry

Elderberry can be consumed or added into your diet in a variety of ways.

Here are some ideas to include elderberries into your meals:

• Tea Elderberry is often sold as tea. This is a great choice to consume nutrients from elderberry as well as drinking something that can be easy on your digestive system.
• Elderberry syrup Elderberry syrup can be found in some grocery stores or markets, and you can make your own as well. The syrup can be added to any tea, juice, lemonade, or your favorite drink.
• Jams Elderberries can be cooked and turned into jam. The jam can be used on toast or as a great addition to a charcuterie board.
• Pie If youre into sweets, make an elderberry pie. This dessert will fix your sweet tooth craving, as well as provide you with all the nutritional benefits of elderberry.
• A dose of elderberry Some people take a teaspoon of elderberry simply for immune support. This is ideal with the elderberry syrup, or if you want to try an elderberry supplement such as a gummy.

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High Levels Of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that can stop or slow damage to your bodys cells, and foods with lots of the stuff are often called superfoods. While the term gets a lot of bad press remember the Goji Berry fad, anyone? elderberries are the real deal with plenty of positive reviews dating back to ancient Greece and beyond.

It May Help To Fight Colds And The Flu

Given its nutritional value, it makes sense why elderberry is sought out to relieve inflammation and support immune health.

One study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that participants who consumed elderberry syrup felt relief from their flu symptoms four days earlier on average than those who received a placebo. Another NLB-published study of 312 air travelers found that when those who were sick took a 900 mg elderberry extract capsule three times daily, they recovered faster and experienced less severe cold and flu symptoms.

So, does elderberry work? While these small studies point to a promising verdict, researchers suggest that larger-scale studies need to be conducted in order to confirm elderberrys role in preventing or treating influenza or the common cold.

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Elderberries Help Your Eyesight

Elderberries contain a lot of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin A, both of which help eyes stay healthy. They can, for example, decrease the risk of serious eye diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. The antioxidants in berries also help protect the eyes. The anthocyanins in elderberries reduce inflammation, and people have used the berries to treat inflammation of the eyes.

How Should I Take Elderberry

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use elderberry, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms of elderberry at the same time or you could have an overdose.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Sambucol is used to relieve cold & flu symptoms such as stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever, and chills. Take at the the first sign of cold or flu symptoms.

If desired, you may mix elderberry liquid with water, fruit juice, yogurt, or a smoothie.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with elderberry does not improve, or if you have a fever for more than 3 days or cold symptoms for more than 7 days.

Store your elderberry product as directed away from moisture, heat, and light.

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How To Find The Right Elderberry Supplements

Don’t know which Elderberry product is right for you? At Nature Made, we make it easy by offering a variety of different Elderberry supplements with Vitamin C & Zinc. For mom and dad, try our elderberry gummies with Vitamin C and Zinc or our Elderberry syrup with Vitamin C and Zinc. For the little ones, try out our tasty gummies that are both fruity and delicious!

Start supporting your immune system and shop our wide selection of immune support vitamins, including our Elderberry products with Vitamin c and Zinc. We offer several supplements derived from Elderberry and Vitamin C & Zinc that are great for the entire family. Get Elderberry immune support with Vitamin C & Zinc by shopping at Nature Made today.

References

1. Clifford, M. Review Anthocyanins Nature, Occurrence and Dietary Burden. J Sci Food Agric 80:1063±1072 .

What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Elderberries

One ounce of elderberries contains 20 calories, 5.2 grams of carbohydrates, and 0.1 grams of total fat. Other nutrients in elderberries include

• 1 milligrams of vitamin C
• 168 IU of vitamin A
• 1 milligrams of vitamin B6
• 4 milligrams of potassium
• 4 milligrams of iron

Additionally, elderberries can be a great addition to your diet if you are looking for a fiber-rich fruit that can boost your digestive system. A single serving of elderberries is just enough to meet 28% of your daily fiber requirements.

These nutrients are what make elderberries worth taking a look at which is what we will see now.

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Elderberry May Benefit Your Heart Health

Elderberries are rich in bioactive flavonoids, which multiple studies have suggested help lower blood pressure and prevent the onset or progression of heart disease.

In a small 2017 study, adults 50 to 70 years old who were given a bioactive-rich mixed berry drink daily for five weeks saw a significant decrease in cholesterol levels overall and LDL cholesterol in particular compared to those given a placebo.

What *is* Elderberry Then

Theyre tiny black/blue fruits that come from the Sambucus tree. Elderberries have played a role in traditional medicine since well, ever, TBH.

The ancient Egyptians used elderberries for their complexions and to heal burns and scars. These vibrant, versatile berries also boast a place in Indigenous history as a treatment for fever, headaches, dental pain, and rheumatism. And, bonus: theyre a handy amulet against evil .

Although definitive research is in pretty short supply, many people swear by elderberries healing and health-boosting properties. They use this medicinal plant to fortify their immune system against infections and illnesses like colds and flu.

People cook down the tart berries to make delicious elderberry goodies, syrups, teas, or even boozy treats packed with antioxidant goodness. But you have to be careful. Uncooked elderberries, along with the bark and leaves of the elder tree, are poisonous. They can cause nasty digestive upsets.

But are the purported health benefits of elderberry real, or is this punchy little fruit all mouth and no trousers? Here are the deets on the health benefits of elderberries.

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Nutrients And Immune Support

Consuming one cup of elderberry provides some of the vitamins and minerals that are significant to our health and need to be consumed each day.

Here are some of the nutrients that elderberry offers:

• Vitamin C One cup of elderberry contains around 50 milligrams of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential to our health for many reasons, including lowering blood pressure, boosting collagen, and preventing iron deficiency.3
• Anthocyanins This is what gives elderberries its blue and black coloring. Anthocyanins act as antioxidants, and may have a positive effect on blood vessels and help fight off infection and diseases.7