Elderberry benefits

These little berries offer big benefits. Elderberries are a great way to support the immune system. They are a natural source of vitamins C, E and A and contain more free radical-fighting antioxidants than cranberries, blueberries or pomegranates.

Elderberries are valued  for their incredible health benefits, providing powerful immune support straight from nature. It’s no wonder people have been using these immune-boosting berries in folk medicine for thousands of years.

Elderberries have been used around the world for centuries as a natural health support. Known as the father of medicine, Hippocrates already called elderberries his “medicine box” in 400 BC, and other classical physicians have used these powerful berries in their medicines since ancient times.

Why are antioxidants so important to our health? They help fight free radicals that damage our bodies at the cellular level. Free radicals are produced when our bodies break down food and when we are exposed to environmental toxins such as cigarette smoke and pollution. We cannot avoid them, but we can fight them. That’s where antioxidants come into play. Antioxidants can help strengthen the immune system and protect against damage caused by “invaders”. We get antioxidants from food and supplements. Colourful fruits and vegetables, including elderberries, are natural sources of antioxidants.

These free radical-fighting superheroes give fruits and vegetables their special colour. Different fruits and vegetables contain different antioxidants. That’s why it’s so important to eat a diet full of colourful fruits and vegetables.

Elderberries get their deep purple colour from the antioxidants they contain: anthocyanins and flavonoids. These are polyphenols, or the all-important antioxidant found in grapes and red wine. What makes elderberries special is that they contain a LOT of polyphenols. That’s why people have been using elderberry berries for centuries to make wines, tinctures, jams, and more! It is important to note that raw elderberries are poisonous and must be heated to remove toxic compounds before consumption.

Anthocyanins and flavonoids not only help fight harmful free radicals, but also have anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is believed to be the root cause of many diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Eating foods with anti-inflammatory compounds, such as berries and other fruits and vegetables, can help fight inflammation and improve health and well-being.