If you don't know it yet, you will hear about it very soon. elderberry The name actually refers to varieties of the Sambucus tree, which belongs to the Adoxaceae family.

The most common type is Sambucus nigra, also known as European elderberry or black elder. This tree is native to Europe, although it is also widely cultivated in many other regions of the globe.

Various parts of the elderberry tree have been used throughout history for medicinal and culinary purposes. Thus, in folk medicine, the fruits are used to treat colds and flu, infections, headaches and toothache. In addition, the fruits can be boiled to make elderberry juice, jellies, pies and wine. Also, the flowers are often boiled with sugar toThey can also be eaten fresh in salads.

Therefore, both the flowers and the leaves are employed to relieve pain, swelling, inflammation, stimulate urine production, and induce sweating. The bark has diuretic and laxative properties.

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Health benefits of elderberry

Besides being nutritious, it can also fight cold and flu symptoms, protect the heart, and treat inflammation and infection, among other advantages.

Rich in nutrients

Elderberry is a low-calorie food, packed with antioxidants - 100 grams of fresh fruit contains 73 calories, 18.4 grams of carbohydrates, and less than 1 gram of fat and protein. In addition, it has many nutritional benefits, such as:

• High vitamin C content: It has 6 to 35 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit, accounting for up to 60% of the recommended daily intake.
• Fibers: Elderberries have 7 grams of fiber in 100 grams, more than a quarter of the recommended daily intake.
• Source of phenolic acids: These compounds are powerful antioxidants that help reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress in the body.
• Rich in anthocyanins: This nutrient gives the fruit its characteristic dark purple-black color and is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects.

Improves cold and flu symptoms

Black elderberry extracts and flower infusions have been shown to reduce the severity and duration of the flu. For example, a study of 60 people with the flu found that those who took 15 ml of elderberry syrup four times a day showed improvement of symptoms in two to four days, while the other group took seven to eight to improve.

On the other hand, a survey that looked at 64 people found that taking 175 mg of elderberry extract tablets for two days resulted in significant improvement in flu symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and nasal congestion.

However, it is worth noting that most research has been conducted on commercial products only and there is little information on the safety or efficacy of home remedies.

Rich in antioxidants

During normal metabolism, reactive molecules can be released that accumulate in the body. This can cause oxidative stress and lead to the development of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cancer.

Antioxidants are natural components of food, including some vitamins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, that can remove these reactive molecules. Thus, research suggests that diets rich in antioxidants may help prevent chronic diseases.

Thus, the flowers, fruits, and leaves of the elderberry plant are excellent sources of antioxidants. In this regard, a study comparing 15 different varieties of fruit and another comparing types of wine found elderberry to be one of the most effective antioxidants.

It is cardioprotective

Elderberry may have positive effects on some markers of heart and blood vessel health. Studies have shown that elderberry juice can reduce the level of fat in the blood and lower cholesterol.

In addition, a diet rich in flavonoids, such as anthocyanins, has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease. Thus, elderberry may still reduce uric acid levels in the blood. On the other hand, high uric acid is linked to increased blood pressure and negative effects on heart health.

Other benefits of elderberry

• It fights harmful bacteria;

• Increases immunity;

• Protects against UV radiation.

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