What are The Elderberry Fruit Health Benefits? | Elderberry Fruit Vitamins Values | Health Benefits Of Elderberry Fruit | Elderberry Fruits
Health
What are The Elderberry Fruit Health Benefits? | Elderberry Fruit Vitamins Values | Health Benefits Of Elderberry Fruit | Elderberry Fruits
From the blueberry with its rich source of anthyocyanins to the high vitamin C content of strawberries, berries are a great choice for any meal or snack. One berry that may be less familiar, but is being increasingly recognized for its health properties is the elderberry. Commonly used in jams, jellies, and wines, the elderberry is an underappreciated nutrient superstar.
The flowers and berries are used most often medicinally. They contain flavonoids, which are found to possess a variety of actions, including antioxidant and immunologic properties. Although hypothesized to be beneficial, there is no definitive evidence from well-conducted human clinical trials currently available regarding the use of elder.
One of the most important health benefits of the elderberry stems from its anti viral capabilities. These richly colored berries are a good source of flavonoids including quercetin and the anthocyanins. It appears these flavonoids have significant anti inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can activate immune cells that help the body to fight off viruses. The elderberry fruit is also a source of components known as lectins which have been shown in the laboratory to stop replication of ten different strains of the flu virus.
The benefits of elderberry on cholesterol levels aren’t as compelling since studies have been very limited. Be cautious when eating elderberries. The unripe fruit, bark, leaves, and stems may contain cyanide which is poisonous. Never eat the green parts of the Elderberry plant. Keep in mind that the anti viral and anti flu effects were seen with Sambucol, the elderberry extract, which would be safest form to use for influenza.
In one European study, people who were given Sambucol, a patented Elderberry extract, showed a greater antibody response to the influenza virus than those who didn’t receive it. The study
also showed that elderberry extract stimulated the immune system to produce infection and disease fighting proteins. The researchers hope this could help in the treatment of other disease including AIDS and cancer, although more studies are needed.
A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that an elderberry extract modestly, but significantly, lowered cholesterol levels. This effect is believed to be due to the presence of cynidine glucosides found in the elderberry fruit.
Dec 17th, 2009 at 12:13 am
I have used Sambucol and I think it is the best cough medicine on the market!! I would love to see MDs adding Sambucol as adjunctive therapy to treatment regimens for patients who are either out-patients or who are hospitalized and who have seasonal or H1N1flu. Now if someone would be willing to fund some studies showing the immunologic properties/benefits of elderberry that would be great. Maria Tadd,