The Elderberry Effect - How This Powerhouse Boosts Your Immune System
In today’s modern world, the ever-growing population suffers from weak immunity, and people with severely weakened immune systems fall in the immuno-compromised category. These especially include older adults and working people like teachers and healthcare professionals. While not many people have strong immunity, it is essential to strengthen your immune system now more than ever.
The modern lifestyle with busy schedules does not offer much time to take bigger measures. However, taking a few supplements can make an incredible difference to your immunity. These supplements can strengthen your body, giving you a resilient immune system.
But what kind of supplements are the best? Well, make sure you choose supplements containing antioxidants and other immunity-boosting ingredients. One great choice would be a supplement containing elderberry extract. Let’s learn how this fruit can improve and enhance your immune system.
What is Elderberry?
Elderberry is a fruit that comes from the Sambucus Nigra, also commonly known as the Elderberry plant. The plant is an incredible source of free as well as conjugated forms of amino acids, protein, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and fiber fractions. The Elderberry fruit is a small and dark tart berry.
According to various nutritional analyses of these berries, the fruit is rich in components necessary for biological components such as flavanols, polyphenols, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, terpenes, and lectins.
It has been used in folk medicine for many years for the treatment and ailment of various illnesses. While polyphenols present in Elderberry have antioxidant properties, Elderberries are also believed to have many medicinal properties.
There seem to be around 30 different types of elder plants all around the world, with the European version known as the Sambucus Nigra. This variant of the elder plant is especially beneficial for human health and aids in prevention, healing, and recovery. Even Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, referred to Elderberry as “medicine chest.”
Health Benefits of Elderberry
A powerhouse of nutrition, Elderberry offers a variety of benefits as they are not just enriched with essential minerals and vitamins but are also low in calories. For example, a cup full of Elderberries only contains around 106 calories, making it incredibly low in fats and carbohydrates.
Meanwhile, the same cup also offers to fulfill around 57%of your body’s daily need for Vitamin C and other nutrients. This is especially beneficial for the immune system as Vitamin C does not only supports and helps maintain healthy immunity but also has antiviral effects. These properties can help your immune system in fighting off viruses and protect your body. The Vitamin also has antioxidant properties on free radicals to reduce oxidative stress and stop harmful chain reactions.
Elderberry is also a good source of Phenolic Acids, which offer various health benefits. For instance, phenolic acids serve as potent antioxidants that also help reduce oxidative stress.
Furthermore, you also find Flavonoids in Elderberry, which are plant compounds with numerous benefits for the human body. They have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
For example, kaempferol and quercetin flavonoids can help in relieving symptoms of conditions like hives and hay fever. These strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are also made stronger with the similar properties of Anthocyanins compounds.
Elderberry for Immunity
The Elderberry plant delivers berries enriched with essential antioxidants and vitamins that have numerous benefits on our health. Consumption of these berries can have an effect on the course of disease processes. It does this by counteracting oxidative stress, reducing glycaemia, balancing blood pressure, and stimulating the immune system.
Not only this, but elderberries also possess antitumor potentials and can cause an increase in antioxidant enzymes in blood plasma. Meanwhile, it can also reduce uric acid levels in the blood.
So, Elderberry can tame inflammation in the body, reduce stress levels, and protect the heart. Studies suggest that these berries can also prevent some health conditions such as common colds and flu and other clinical illnesses.
A strong immune system is critical to avoid various infections. However, it is important to understand that strong immunity is only possible when you take appropriate measures to keep your cells, tissues, and organs healthy.
While it is hard to maintain strong immunity, supplements with powerful ingredients like Elderberry can fill in the nutritional gaps in your body. Here is what it can do to support your immune system.
Reduces Inflammation
Harmful stimuli or foreign substances in the body, such as toxic compounds, pathogens, and damaged cells, can cause inflammation of affected tissues and organs. The natural inflammation response is a process through which the body eliminates harmful substances.
While inflammation is a healthy bodily response, it can also have some negative effects. Oftentimes, chronic inflammation can also slow down the healing process. Using Elderberry can help reduce various symptoms of inflammation, including swelling and discomfort.
It can especially benefit patients suffering from conditions like Alzheimer’s with chronic inflammation properties. This is due to the anthocyanins and flavanoids in Elderberry.
Eases Colds and Flu
It is true that viral and bacterial infections that lead to colds and flow tend to go by on their own. While there is no real cure for the common cold and flu, it is possible to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. You can use Elderberry extract supplements to combat the symptoms of flu viruses and reduce the time period.
Research suggests that elderberries have antiviral effects due to high Vitamin C concentrations. It can provide mild inhibition at the early stages of flu while the effect grows stronger post-infection, preventing your body from future viral infections. Make sure you consume Elderberry extract within 24 hours of counteracting a virus.
Other Immunity-Related Health Benefits
- Protects cardiovascular health: The antioxidants in Elderberry can reduce the risk of heart disease while it also has positive effects on blood pressure
- Reduces stress response: Emotional stress and oxidative stress are closely related, and as quercetin reduces oxidative stress, it can also help with emotional and mental stress
- Relieves constipation: Flavonoids like quercetin can help relieve chronic constipation symptoms by stimulating gastrointestinal movements
Bottom Line
Elderberry extract has been used in folk medicinal practices for decades. Nowadays, you can get Elderberry supplements to support a healthy immune system. Consuming these berries can have multiple benefits for your body, including the prevention of diseases and quick healing.
Sources
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464614002400
https://www.webmd.com/diet/elderberry-health-benefits
https://www.healthycell.com/blogs/articles/elderberry-health-benefits