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By breaking it into jam, or drying it and sipping it like tea, elderberry It has been used by indigenous people and in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
Native Americans have relied on the small purple fruit to reduce fevers and treat respiratory illness, but the berries’ immune protective properties have also been supported by Western medicine. Americans to spend $175 million on elderberry products in 2024
Some studies conducted in the last decade have shown that consuming blackberries as a supplement, in syrup form or can tea relief from cold symptoms And reduce disease.
“Elderberry cannot cure a cold or flu, but it may be beneficial for relieving symptoms for some people,” said Dr. Kelly Erdos, clinical pharmacist at Banner Baywood Medical Center. statement,
Part of the magic may be berry related AntioxidantSubstances that help prevent cell damage that can cause chronic disease.
“It can also increase the risk of things like colds and flu, because if your cells are working to fight free radicals from smoke, allergens or pollution, they may not be able to fight the virus as efficiently,” Erdos said.
Small Berries, Big Impact
Elderberries contain anthocyanins – pigments that give the berries their color. Anthocyanins are also powerful antioxidants that have been linked to lowering blood pressure and provide natural compounds known as flavonoids.
After bacteria in our gut break down flavonoids, they are used to benefit various parts of the body. cleveland clinic,
And berries contain good amount of Vitamin C, which also reduces the duration of cold.
“If you’re going to have a common cold that lasts about seven days, that might cut it to about 13 hours,” said Dr. Jesse Bracamonte, a family physician at the Mayo Clinic. Said about Vitamin C,
there are six to 35 mg Every 100 grams of elderberry contains Vitamin C. According to federal health guidance, women should get about 75 milligrams of vitamin C daily and men should get 90 milligrams.
Some doctors further cite A protein in elderberry called hemagglutinin It has proven helpful in preventing infection.
“This protein may block the virus’s ability to copy and penetrate cell walls, thereby preventing the virus from spreading infection throughout the body,” the Lamm Clinic says.
So, should you include these in your diet?
poisonous truth
Elderberries are Toxic to humans when rawWhich results in diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. But they are safe when cooked, which eliminates toxicity In elderberry.
They are commonly sold in pies, jams, juices and jellies as well as as dietary supplements. Elderflower tea comes from the same plant that produces the berries, called sambucus,
Elderberry dietary supplements are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and people should talk to their doctor before taking new products.
Still, berries claim benefits beyond immune health and researchers have found that Drink 12 ounces of juice every day for a week can do Improves gut health and aids weight loss,
Products Using Elderberry Extract can soothe the skin,
“If you like elderberry syrup or jam, you can eat it. It’s a healthy food when cooked properly,” said integrative medicine expert Dr. Naoki Umeda. cleveland clinic,