More often than not, people go by appearance and taste when it comes to picking fruits when actually, they should be looking at their health benefits. Take berries, for instance. Strawberry is the preferred berry mainly because it looks beautiful, tastes good, and can be used in multiple recipes. People seldom want to ponder on whether it’s actually good for them or not!
What we’re trying to get at is that there are several lesser-known fruits out there, which can offer some fantastic health benefits. And today, we’re going to introduce you to one such fruit, another berry, called Elderberry.
Elderberry – The magic berry
Elderberries are dark purple berries from the European elder tree. Used to make medicines all over the world, they have a tart and sharp taste. These little fruits are packed with nutrition and benefits we bet you didn’t know.
Rich nutrient source
Elderberries are filled with antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart diseases and certain cancers. Fifty grams of elderberries contain 9 grams of carbohydrates, 35 calories, and less than 0.5 grams of fat. They’re also rich in Vitamin C and dietary fiber.
Read – Delicious Elderberry Recipes
Fight cold and flu symptoms
Elderberry extract and flower infusion are effective against influenza. According to research, the berry contains antiviral properties. The study reported that elderberries inhibit the early stages of infection by enveloping the essential proteins which are responsible for the viral attachment and entry into the host cells.
This stops the virus from replicating in the body of the host. Elderberries can do this, thanks to the anthocyanidins present in them.
Rich antioxidant source
Antioxidants are groups of vitamins that act against the effects of free radicals. Research has emphasized the impact of antioxidants in the fight for chronic diseases. The elderberry tree and its constituents are a great source of antioxidants. Anthocyanins present in elderberries are more potent than the antioxidants of Vitamin E.
Other benefits
Elderberries inhibit the growth of bacteria and fight sinusitis and bronchitis. The polyphenols present in elderberries can boost the human immune system by catalyzing white blood cell production. A skin product that contains elderberry extracts is believed to contain a sun protection factor (SPF) of 10.
Read – Are Elderberries Poisonous
To put it all together
The magical effects of elderberries are numerous, but research is still being done to know more about this fruit. Though scientists have proven that as good as it is, elderberry has some dangerous effects when consumed inappropriately.
The extract from the fruit is unsafe when consumed after three months of production. You should also not consume the leaves or stems of this berry. Also, raw unripe elderberries can cause nausea and severe diarrhea, so you should only consume them cooked.