If you keep track of different methods besides medicine that could give you a healthy life, you must have heard about Elderberries. They are medicinal plants that have been in use for centuries to treat infections and fever. Today, they have been converted into different supplements.
One among such supplements are the healthy and nutritious elderberry gummies which are used to treat cold and flu. Although the leaves and raw berries of the plant are considered dangerous to use directly, elderberries can be used in various beneficial ways. However, if you do feel suspicious, read through our article, and you can make your judgment call.
Do Elderberries impact positively?
Elderberries were used decades ago by the ancient Egyptians. They were used initially for fever and cold. Now, times have changed, and new research is published every day. Now, it is considered to prove effective for various treatments.
Helps with respiratory infections:
The elderberries have been used for treating respiratory infections, mainly cold and flu. The flowers and the leaves of the berries have been used to manage pain. Swelling and inflammation has been known to reduce along with the production of sweat and urine in unfortunate times. The conventional side of the medical world still uses it for several different purposes, like treating tooth pains, heartburns, and nerve inflammations. The intake was chosen to be dried berries.
Helps with immunity:
New research has shown that the elderberries promote immunity boosts that are powered through with the help of vitamin C. This plant is rich in both vitamin C and antioxidants that make it a great addition to the diet you had been long planning to get healthy.
Impact on heart health:
Elderberries have a significant impact on heart health. The elderberry juice is known to reduce fat in blood vessels that promote a healthy beating of the heart that eventually keeps the cardiac system long and running. Furthermore, the plant itself can help maintain the sugar levels in the blood and in reducing the uric acid levels in the blood. It does keep the heart pumping, but other fatal conditions of the heart are not yet confirmed to be reduced.
Apart from these obvious benefits, many studies are being carried out on animals to determine its effect and benefits. The benefits have not yet been applied to humans, but the results are promising. It is expected to provide protection against ultraviolet rays, help in battling cancer, promote a healthy immune system, tackling bacteria, and minimizing depression. All of these benefits have been tested on animals, but research is still being carried on humans. The prominent danger that these berries have exposed is that they should not be eaten raw.
How are Elderberries used?
The elderberries can be used in a variety of ways to ingest the elderberries. Many methods involve its cooking, and only a few allow them to be eaten raw. The flavor of the berries is known to have a strong citrus flavor. They can be used in mocktails, fresh juices, extracts, syrups, pies, jellies, and jams. They are also available in different supplements, gummies, tea, and even tablets.
The elderberry syrup is a sweetened version of the berries, while the extract is more concentrated. If you want to enjoy its beneficial nature, you should try the extract because the syrup has high sugar content.
The elderberry gummies are the popular option in the market when it comes to supplements. Most of them are certified, which also marks them as a safer option than others. The only thing that should be kept in mind is that reputable brands should be trusted with the gummies’ use. The reason being that they have the official stamps, proper quality control, and beneficial ingredients.
Misconceptions about Elderberries
The main misunderstanding is that the berries are poisonous. If the elderberries are eaten raw, they can be poisonous. They can induce vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. If taken many raw berries, the result could be fatal. However, if the berries are cooked, they do not produce a damaging effect.
People should take precautions in taking supplements. It is best to set your dosage according to the instructions mentioned on the product by the manufacturer. However, the recommended dosage is taking 2 teaspoons of syrup or 4 grams of a tablet four times a day.
Berries and flowers of this plant are kind of the same thing. The main difference comes in their taste. The flowers taste a bit lighter while the berries are sort of rich. You can use either in different recipes, but they should be cooked before ingestion.
Children can use some supplements, but it is always better to consult a pediatrician before starting its consumption. There is not much research on the subject as of now. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should also consult your gynecologist before ingesting them.