The Evergreen Benefits of Elderberry For Superior Health
Nature has always been generous in supporting our health. Even Hippocrates once said, “Nature itself is the best physician.” The “father of medicine” knew very well the wonderful things nature has to offer with regards to our health. Almost every common sickness has known natural remedies and one of them is elderberry.
What is Elderberry
A native to Europe, Africa, some parts of Asia, and eventually became widespread in the United States, elderberries have been used as a natural remedy and traditional medicine for thousands of years. There were even elderberry-based recipes dating back to ancient Egypt. Hippocrates even referred to this plant as his “medicine chest” for its vast wealth of curative properties.
The Sambucus nigra variety is the most studied and used for medicinal purposes, and is commonly known as black elder, European elder, and European black elderberry. There are also other varieties such as Black beauty elderberry, Red elderberry, Lemon lace elderberry, and blue elderberry.
In this post, we’ll only focus on the black elderberry, its incredible health benefits, and how you can obtain an adequate supply of nutrients from this gift of nature.
Benefits
Before we zero in on the immensely popular benefits of Elderberry, do you know what makes Elderberry so potent and effective? The secret lies in its rich anthocyanin - an antioxidant that contains anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. Elderberry also has flavonoids, which act like a private bodyguard that prevents foreign invaders from damaging your cells, thereby rendering their threats ineffective. How amazing is that?
Let’s have a look at some of the incredible benefits Elderberry is known for:
1. Reduces the duration of colds and flu
This might be the most popular benefit of elderberry and why not, there have been several researched studies supporting this claim. It may or may not prevent flu, but studies conducted show that elderberry lessened the severity and duration within the first 24-48 hours on the onset of symptoms.
2. Reduces symptoms of sinus infection
In a study that is comprised of 900 patients conducted in University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, a product called Sinupret, which contains elderberry extract and was combined with an antibiotic and decongestant, was used in the treatment of sinusitis. The study found that those who took the combination showed significant results of getting better compared to those who did not.
3. Helps with diabetes
Interestingly enough, a published study by The Journal of Nutrition demonstrated that black elderberry has insulin-releasing and insulin-like activity. The study found that even without an added insulin, an aqueous extract of elder significantly increased glucose transport, glucose oxidation, and glycogenesis - the process by which glucose becomes glycogen, and helps maintain normal blood sugar.
4. Helps reduce heart risks
Elderberry is also said to help decrease heart-related risks by reducing cholesterol levels. Observational studies suggested that dietary intake of flavonoids can significantly reduce cardiovascular disease.*
5. Tames inflammation
Thanks to its rich phenolic and anthocyanin compounds, ass well as vitamin A and C contents, elderberry has been known for its anti-inflammatory activities by mitigating nitric oxide which triggers inflammation in the body.
6. Improves skin and hair 
Another gift of the anthocyanins in elderberry is the improvement in skin and hair. Along with anthocyanin, its rich vitamins A and C also work together to stimulate hair growth, fight free radicals that may damage and cause premature aging, and reduce inflammation and bruising in the skin.
7. Boosts immune system
The highest concentration of anthocyanins is found in black elderberries according to the United States Department of Agriculture. The antioxidant properties of these anthocyanins are so powerful in providing deep support down to the cellular level and increasing the body’s ability to fight illnesses. It’s also rich in fiber, potassium, calcium, folate, and iron that are all essential for your immune system.
Ways to take Elderberry
Now more than ever, elderberry has gained so much popularity. It can be taken in many forms such as juice, tea, syrup, jam, gummies, capsule, and wine. 
But if you’re looking to add this nature’s goodness in your daily routine, you may opt for a safe, excellent, and effective supplement like Purely Optimal Elderberry Capsules. The 825 mg Immune Support Complex made of elderberry fruit and other herbal ingredients are potent enough to boost your immunity, protect your heart health, and tame inflammation. The Respiratory Support Complex composed of natural herbal extracts gives your respiratory system the freedom to function at its best.
If you’re not a fan of taking pills, don’t worry! We’ve come up with Elderberry Gummies, an easy, fun, and yummy way to get your daily dose of a health boost. Both our capsules and gummies contain Vitamin C and Zinc for your body’s added layer of protection and defense.
Never let any illness take the wind out of your sails. Keep your health in tip-top shape by taking Elderberry daily. Looking for more ways to stay healthy? Click here.
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