How To Boost Your Immunity During Cold And Flu Season With Elderberry

For centuries, elderberry has been used as a natural way to boost the health.

Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and a lot of people believe it can help alleviate colds, fight off the flu, and strengthen the immune system.

However, there’s scarce scientific data on the effect of this fruit on the overall health. However, there are evidence-based health advantages of consuming elderberries on a regular basis and we’ll mention them below.

Elderberries are fruits from the Sambucus tree and the tree has white or cream elderflower clusters and several small blue or black elderberries.

For a long period of time, Native Americans and Europeans herbalists have used them for their potential health advantages.

Below, check out why you should consume elderberry syrup and tea more often and boost your overall health…

Best Health Benefits of Elderberry Syrup & Tea

  • Helps fight off colds & flues

The antioxidant and antiviral effects of elderberry may be of aid in speeding up the recovery from the flu and colds.

In one study, 60 people with flu-like symptoms who took 15 ml of elderberry syrup 4 times per day experienced symptom reduction 4 days earlier than those from the placebo group.

  • Lowers wrinkles

Elderberries are rich in vitamin A and may help nourish the skin, reduce the appearance of age spots, and avert the formation of wrinkles.

  • Alleviate chronic constipation

If you’re dealing with chronic constipation, elderberry tea may help you alleviate this problem.

In one study, a team combo of elderberry and senna consumed three times per day helped reduce constipation.

  • Supplies you with pivotal nutrients

Elderberries are low in calories yet rich in antioxidants.

When you consume them fresh or in the form of syrup or tea, you supply your body with vitamin C, fiber, phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins.

  • Helps in the fight against free radicals

Antioxidants can help in the fight against free radicals that contribute to chronic disease. Its flowers, leaves, and fruits are rich in antioxidants.

In one study comparing different types of berries, elderberries had one of the most potent antioxidants.

Moreover, in another study, those who consumed 400 ml elderberry juice had improved antioxidant levels an hour later.

  • Benefits your heart

According to some studies, elderberry juice helped lower the fat in the blood and lower the cholesterol levels.

Plus, a diet abundant in flavonoids was also found helpful for heart illness.

Elderberry can also boost the secretion of insulin and better the blood sugar levels. This is important for reducing type 2 diabetes- a major risk for cardiovascular illness.

Sources:

EATING WELL

CLEVELAND CLINIC

HEALTH LINE