Explore the science-backed health benefits of this antioxidant-rich berry.

It packs the potential to boost your immune system.

Here’s a look at what elderberries encompass, nutritionally.

elderberry benefits

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Elderberry contains flavonoids, however, that may help reduce swelling and fight inflammation.

Planells states that some studies show benefits like a reduction in fever, muscle aches and nasal congestion.

So such supplements may have reduced benefits compared to some results seen in laboratory studies.

Overall, elderberries are effective at reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

They have been shown to moderately inhibit the growth of tumors, for example.

Anti-Bacterial Properties

Elderberries have shown antibacterial and antiviral activities to help keep bacteria and viruses at bay.

Elderberries have been shown to decrease the severity and duration of the common cold for this reason.

And it found that extracts from the plants were remarkably effective and easily accessible sources of natural antidepressants.

That’s why you’ll often see elderberry extract as an ingredient in throat lozenges.

Enhances Skin

Elderberries are packed with polyphenols, which have been studied as a supplement tosunscreenprotection.

You may see elderberry extract as an ingredient in many skincare products for this reason.

you might cook them or buy products with cooked berries, instead.

Elderberries are also sometimes found in wines and other culinary preparations.

Of course, elderberry isn’t only used for health purposes.

As a safety precaution, those taking prescribed medications should ensure there are no drug-nutrient interactions before ingesting.

“Elderberries, raw.”

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Gramza-Michatowska, A. et.

“Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food a review.

“Journal of Functional Foods.

Bode, R. et al.

“A Review of the Antiviral Properties of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Products.

Cejpek, K. et al.

“Antioxidant Activity in Variously Prepared Elderberry Foods and Supplements.

“Czech Journal of Food Sciences.

Lea, R. et al.

Arimi, A. et al.

“Antidepressant activities of Sambucus ebulus and Sambucus nigra.

“European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences.

Aboy A. et al.

“BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies.

Katiyar, S. et al.

“Skin photoprotection by natural polyphenols: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and DNA repair mechanisms.

“Archives of Dermatological Research.