ELDERBERRY
- Sambucus nigra |
Anthocyanins found in elderberries possess appreciably more antioxidant capacity than either Vitamin E or Vitamin C.
Health benefits of Elderberry
Elderberry fruit contains high levels of flavonoids, which means it might have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These help to protect healthy cells from harmful free radicals that play a role in skin problems.
Used for its antioxidant activity to lower cholesterol, improve vision, boost the immune system, improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis. Elderberries have been a folk remedy for centuries in North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, hence the medicinal benefits of elderberries are being investigated and rediscovered. Bioflavonoids and other proteins in the extract destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. People with the flu who took elderberry extract reported less severe symptoms and felt better much faster than those who did not.
Elderberries contain organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, sugar, rutin, viburnic acid, vitamin A and B and a large amount of vitamin C. They are also mildly laxative, a diuretic, and diaphoretic. Flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic actions of the elderberry flowers and berries. According to test tube studies these flavonoids include anthocyanin's that are powerful antioxidants and protect cells against damage.
Elderberries were listed in the CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs as early as 1985, and are listed in the 2000 Mosby's Nursing Drug reference for colds, flu, yeast infections, nasal and chest congestion, and hay fever. In Israel, Hadassah's Oncology Lab has determined that elderberry stimulates the body's immune system and they are treating cancer and AIDS patients with it.
Elderberries contain high levels of vitamin A, which helps soothe the skin, help ease the appearance of age spots, and prevent or lessen wrinkles.
People have used elderberries for their potential health-boosting properties for many years, most notably to fight colds and the flu.
Elderberries contain high levels of fibre. Consuming elderberries as part of a healthful diet may lead to some health benefits, including protection from cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer.
