Elderberry is a fruit that has a dark purple hue. But did you know that it can be highly beneficial for your body? Yes, more than just looking pretty, this fruit can be highly advantageous to your body. It is rich in antioxidants, making them perfect for treating a few health issues humans face.
Usually, you can find these in supplements or as Elderberry extract. There have been claims to prove this fruit’s effectiveness in treating some diseases in human beings. The presence of antioxidants called anthocyanins backs the reasoning. Here are listed all the benefits this substance offers to your health.
Benefits For Your Health
- Anthocyanin is a substance that removes the free radicals from the body. These radicals harm the cells up to the DNA level.
- As it has antiviral properties, it can relieve some common infections.
- It also has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cold And Flu
As cold and flu are caused by viruses, the antibacterial properties of Elderberry can benefit. The juice of this fruit is still used in many homes because it is effective against these issues. Some researchers have agreed with this belief.
It is effective in reducing the severity of some infections. It has also been seen that it reduces the duration of a disease to a great extent. A study was carried out in 2016. It explained how Elderberry extracts Anthocyanins & Polyphenols & Fruit Powder before and after a flight reduced the sickness to 50%. Moreover, passengers who had taken this extract suffered neither severe cold nor for long.
However, one result that surprised most people was that it did not stop the cold from happening. Instead, it reduced the effect and duration; still, people had a cold for even a few days.
Pain Relief
The antioxidants present in this fruit are anti-inflammatory and can treat pain. How does it do so? It functions by hindering the making of nitric oxide. Our body’s immune cells produce it, triggering inflammation by signaling the molecules. So even when you get injured or such, the same process causes pain in your body.
Studies are still going on to find more of its benefits. So far, it is used in medicines to treat cuts, burns, bruises, and dental pain.
Prevention Against Diseases
There are many claims on the advantages of this fruit based on the presence of antioxidants in the body. For example, some believe it can significantly help reduce the risk of cancer or even heart disease. Unfortunately, though it is undeniable that an antioxidant-rich diet can help you with this, there are no studies to prove this claim.
Dosage
Since you know about the possible benefits it has to provide, you may be inclined towards using it. But before that, you need to understand how and in which form you should take it. You can find Elderberry in the following conditions.
- Teas
- Capsules
- Elderberry extract
- Syrups
- Gummies
- Tinctures
- Tonics
- Tropical ointments
You need to keep in mind that if you use this fruit, it is not a substitute for medical care. Instead, it is a self-treatment that can be done if the cold or flu is severe. Also, if you are taking it, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
Possible Side-Effects
Naturally, not every person’s body will react similarly to a substance. So, it is better to take precautions beforehand if your body is already vulnerable. However, it is only recommended to take it in moderation, not to harm your body.
If you take in too many elderberries, then there are chances for you to have a stomach ache, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping. While using them as alternative medicine, use only the dried or ripe berries.
You should never give this fruit to a pregnant woman or a nursing mother. It is also not recommended for children. Though no report provides that these are lousy long-term, you shouldn’t do it. Rather than just blindly using it, you need to take advice from a professional.
