Elderberry Health Benefits And Its Side Affects

Elderberry Health Benefits,Side Effects and a delicious Recipe for our favorite Gummies.

" Never Fall Sick Again"

Elderberry, (not to be mistaken for American Elder, Elder Flower or Dwarf Elder) is a medicinal, dark purple berry obtained from the Elder Tree, indigenous to Europe.

It dates back to the ancient Egyptians who used it to make their skin lighter and to also heal burns, it's still to this day used as medicine all over Europe

Elderberry can be made into pies, jelly, tea, Jam, syrup and gummies. But they are quite tart and must be cooked before use.It also has an effect on the immune system as it's believed to fight against cold and other viruses, some people even believe it could help them fight Covid-19 but it hasn't been backed by science. It seems like I've only scratched the surface of it's uses, let me further explain just how useful the Elderberry is.

1. Nutritious

Not only are elderberries highly nutritious, they also help prevent heart diseases and inflammation.

2. Low in calories

With 100grams containing about 73calories; an ideal edible if you're watching your weight.

3. Dietary fiber

With 100grams of berry containing about 7grams of fiber. This would help you maintain good bowel health/movement, ittl also help harden your stool if you're struggling with loose stools.

It helps you fight off infections and boost your immune system because it's very rich in vitamin C They contain powerful antioxidants that help you feel relaxed while also preventing oxidative damages.

4. Good for your heart

Studies have shown that a good amount of elderberry helps reduce cholesterol accumulation in the body by reducing level of fat deposits in the blood. Another way it improves heart health is by reducing the levels of uric acid deposited in the blood as an increase in uric acid is linked to an increase in blood pressure..

This may sound promising but a decrease in heart attacks or symptoms of heart diseases haven't yet been recorded from taking elderberries; it's still under more testing.

5. Helps prevent diabetes

Elderberry actually increases the secretion of insulin which is necessary for converting carbohydrates into glucose which is needed for energy. This is actually very important as a decrease in insulin levels would lead to the "drainage" of carbohydrates out of the body - this is what diabetics suffer.

6. Fight against cancer

Both the European and American elderberry have been found to possess some properties that slow down the growth/manifestation of cancer cells.

7. Protect against UV rays

The elderberry can be made into skincare products which, when applied, acts as a "sunblock", thus shielding us from the sun's harmful UV rays. Helps prevent stomach ulcers: Elderberries have efficient antibacterial properties. This means they can fight against bacteria like Helicobacter pylori which is responsible for stomach sores called ulcers.

Are there any side effects?

Well, it's very hard to find something good for your health that dosent have side effects and unfortunately, Elderberries are no exception. 

It could cause severe stomach issues

Unripe Elderberries as well as its seeds and barks contain lectins which are present in small amounts. However, if you consume them too much, get ready for some serious stomach aches.

Can cause weakness, vomiting, dizziness and numbness

There was a case where 8 people drank the juice of freshly squeezed elderberries as well as the leaves. They ended up falling very ill and experiencing the symptoms I mentioned above

This is because elderberries contain other toxic substances apart from lectin. However, to avoid this fate, it's best to focus on the berries and avoid the leaves and branches altogether.

" It's not safe for pregnant moms lactating moms, children and basically anyone below 18."

Even though there hasn't been any recorded case of an adverse effect, authorities still don't trust it enough to allow it for those category of persons.

One Of Our Favorite Eldeberry Recipes

Ingredients:

1/4 Cup Elderberry Syrup
2-3 TBSP Agave Sweetener
1/4 Cup Water
3 TBSP Cornstarch

Directions

1. Combine the Elderberry Syrup, Water and the Cornstarch in a pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Stir the mixture until the Cornstarch is completely dissolved.
4. Once the mixture has called down some, add the Agave Sweetener and mix thoroughly.
5. Use a Dropper and fill the Elderberry Gummy mixture into molds.
6. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours until its set.
7. Store the Gummies in a airtight container in the refrigerator.