Have you heard of sambucus or perhaps elderberry, which is a more common name for it? These dark berries are found in different parts of the world with subtropical totemperate climates. It is used as a food source, and because of its many health benefits, it’s also being used to treat other medical conditions. However, before using sambucus or other herbs for treatment, it’s best to consult your doctor first.
So how do sambucus benefit our health exactly?
1. Antioxidant
According to Purdue University, sambucus as a medicinal treatments mostly due to its antioxidant contents. In addition, based on the Harvard School of Public Health, these same substances can also prevent cell damage that can cause chronic health conditions like heart disease and cancer. Among those that belong in the berry family, sambucus has one of the highest number of antioxidants. Forinstance, Vitamin A in sambucus is10 times that of cranberry and even more than 10 times thatof blueberry. When it comes to Vitamin C,it contains upto four times than cranberry and blueberry. As a result, itis highly capable of flushing out free radicals and reactive molecules that wreak havoc to our cells.
2. Antiviral
Sambucus also has antiviral properties that are capable of removing a protein causing viruses from the cells, and thus protect your cells from infection. According to a journal published in 2012 called, “Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry”, animal laboratory findings include how concentrated elderberry juice boost the immune system that drives away the influenza virus. Furthermore, Rush University Medical Center explains that when you have caught the flu virus, sambucus may also help you get rid of the infection faster as it makes you sweat, killing pathogens.
3. Managed Diabetes
Also published in 2012, the journal “Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine” states that sambucus prevents oxidation and osteoporosis ind iabetics, based on a laboratory animal study that was done. Based on findings, intake of elderberry helps reduce levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, more commonly referred toasHbA1c, indicative for levels of blood sugar throughout a three-month period preceding the test. Other health benefits of elderberry include decreasing of oxidation lipids, restoring glutathione levels, which isan essential antioxidant that the liver utilizes to flush out toxins from the body, and enhance bone density.
4. Reduced Blood
Pressure In a study published on the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” in 2007, elderberry is listed as a natural diuretic. It says that shows promise as a blood pressure-lowering supplements. In another study published in the July 2008 issue of“Phytotherapy”journal, elderberry combined with flower extracts, powdered berry, and powdered asparagus helps in weight loss and reduce blood pressure of the participants. The supplements were approved by the participants who reported an improved state of their well-being.
Currently, these are the known health benefits of the sambucus or the elderberry. Studies have been continuously conducted to find out the other uses of this herb.
