Unexpected Health Benefits of Elderberry
Written By Dr. Kristen Burris, DAcCHM Dual Board Certified and Licensed in Acupuncture and Herbal medicine and a functional medicine provider
Belly Bulge
Weight Management: A new study was published in the Nutrients online magazine found that a mere 12 oz of elderberry juice for one week augmented the fecal microbiota suggesting improvement in the glucose tolerance and fat oxidation in the body alluding to the possibility of aiding healthy weight loss. At the genus level, Elderberry Juice (EBJ) increased Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcaceae, and Bifidobacterium and decreased Bacteroides and lactic acid-producing bacteria, indicating a positive response to EBJ. In addition to facilitating the positive changes to the microbiota in the gut, the EBJ treatment significantly reduced blood glucose in participants. And finally, oxidation also increased significantly both during the 30 min of moderate physical activity with the EBJ treatment.
Super Powerhouse Anti-Oxidant: Freshly pressed elderberry juice is high in antioxidant compounds including chlorogenic acid and protocatechuic acid. Additionally, it boasts highly sought after phytonutrients including highly favorable flavonoids: quercetin and rutin. We want flavonoids in our diet because they have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and protect our cells from toxic, age-withering, oxidative damage that can lead to poor egg quality, heart and cardiovascular disease, diabetes increase, cancer risk, and cognitive diseases dementia and even Alzheimer’s.
Heart Health
The potent antioxidants not only help in functional medicine with egg quality for the aging woman wanting a baby, it also helps protect her heart. With heart disease on the steep incline this is a supplement to keep your eye on to add to your daily repertoire. The phytonutrients found in its plant compounds, combined with the fiber content binding to unhealth cholesterol help to lower circulating cholesterol in your bloodstream. It is also known to lower blood pressure by reducing uric acid in the blood. Another reason elderberries are used in functional medicine is to help with gout pain. Those who have consistently elevated uric acid in their bloodstream often end up with high blood pressure over time.
Stress and Brain Health
Inflammation is a killer. The innate inflammation fighting chemical properties of elderberry juice, jam, syrup and gummies can reduce stress and improve your overall mood. The dark purple ignites the polyphenol flavonoid benefits, reducing inflammation in your gut and your brain, both of which we need to work well for a healthy mental outlook.
Immunity and Lung Health
If you haven’t heard elderberry is good for your immune system by now, you may want to introduce more reading about natural health into your social media feeds. Elderberries are well known for aiding fevers, coughs, chills, sore throats and overall flu season type ailments and even help those suffering from asthma. Made into a soothing elixir and often used as an additional ingredient in cough syrups, it is relatively easy to find these days. Beware, the sweetness can be a bit overwhelming if you are also suffering from nausea so diluting the syrup with a bit of water may make it go down a little easier.
Warning About this Little Miracle Berry
Do not go walking out into nature and just pick and eat these berries as you would a blueberry or raspberry. These little gems must be cooked to a minimum of 180 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce the risk of consuming raw elderberries resulting in cyanide poisoning causing vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Avoid all aspects of the plant on your own or they may cause an unwanted laxative effect. There are many safe products on the market for purchase, eliminating these risks. And elderberry is a relatively affordable supplement to take regularly.
For The Road
We hope you enjoyed learning about the benefits of elderberries. If you would like to know more about this or any of our excellent services, we are happy to help. Just contact us and we can go over your options and help you find the best path for your health and fertility goals. Don't live near us? No problem. We offer telemedicine with our mastery in complex conditions treated with herbal medicine, supplements and lifestyle changes. We hope these tips have helped you along your journey. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please reach out to us HERE.