Lately, Black Elderberry🍇 has been the hype ever since the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting to know this diminutive purple berry and learn how to integrate it into your daily diet would provide you with a defensive immune system🛡️ and help you stay well the whole year round! Let us start with a quick overview of this interesting plant.
What are Black Elderberries🍇?
Black Elderberries are the fruits of the family trees known as Sambucus, with Sambucus nigra (European species) being the most common. Elderberries are one of the most commonly used herbs for boosting the immune system. In fact, these berries are thought to be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of influenza and upper respiratory infections in terms of shortening the duration and reducing the severity of the cold.
History of Black Elderberries
Since the fifth century AD, this plant was discovered and used by both Native American and European herbalists throughout history. Native Americans used the branches of Black Elderberry to make flutes. Hence, it is sometimes called "the tree of music."🎶
Black Elderberry pies🥧 were seasonal treats for early American settlers and it was often made into wine🍷 as well (and still is).
During the old days, the flowers and leaves of the Elder plant have also historically been used for various ailments.
Later on, it is more common to see the berries used in herbal preparations after they became known for their immune supportive properties. That is one of the main reasons people continue to love and use Black Elderberries until today.
Constituents in Black Elderberrries
Black Elderberries are jam-packed with nutrients such as vitamins A, B, and C; iron, potassium, phosphorus, and copper; proteins and dietary fiber.
Most importantly, Black Elderberries are high in flavonoids called anthocyanins, which give the berries their bluish-purple colour, as well as another group called anthocyanidins.
These flavonoids have antioxidant properties which help to fight off free radicals. They have also been recorded to have a high oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC), which is the scale used to measure antioxidant activity. They assist the body's natural defense mechanism to help battle infections🦠.
Possible Benefits of Black Elderberries
They have certain antibacterial and anti-infectious qualities that are commonly used to ward off influenza, protect against the effects of autoimmune disorders, and alleviate certain symptoms and pains.
In addition to an amazing cold and flu remedy, elderberries are also thought to aid indigestion issues, improve heart health, reduce blood pressure, improve respiratory health, improve asthma, boost immunity, control diabetes, improve bone health, ease allergies, skin health, and weight loss.
Can Raw Black Elderberries be Consumed?
Lucky for us, elderberries are quite delicious! However, it is crucial to note that the raw berries must be cooked before it is safe for consumption because uncooked elderberries may contain a toxic substance that could possibly cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Commercial preparations of elderberry such as syrups and lozenges have been processed and do not contain any toxic substance. The bark, seeds, and leaves also contain this toxic substance and should be avoided in home preparations or products. As for the flower of the elderberry, it is edible whether raw or cooked.
Choose the Black Elderberry🍇 That is Right for You!
Black Elderberry supplements are readily available in multiple formulations including delicious gummies, lozenges🍬, capsules💊, and syrups🍶.
Are Black Elderberries Safe for Pregnancy🤰 and Lactation🤱?
No, elderberries are not recommended to be consumed by pregnant or lactating women, as there is no research on this population pertaining to the safety of these berries.
Decided on which formulation suits you best? Shop here🧡
Prepared by: Chew Ee Wei, a HTM Pharmacist.
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