Top 7 beneficial properties of black elderberry, as well as contraindications

Elderberry is an unusual shrub from the family of Adoxaceae, the fruits of which have an ambiguous effect on the human body.

Due to the content of a number of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, elderberry has medicinal properties for our health.

With rational use, it helps to fight many diseases of the heart and blood vessels, endocrine and digestive systems. The berry is also able to reduce the risk of malignant tumors and eliminate depression.

But when taken in large quantities, it can cause poisoning. Therefore, it is extremely important to observe the dosage (no more than 200 grams of fresh berries per day) and study the list of contraindications.

7 useful properties

Below are the 7 main facts about the benefits of elderberry based on the evidence base.

1. Rich composition

Elderberry is a fairly high–calorie product (about 73 calories per 100 grams).

Berry contains the following vitamins and minerals (per 100 grams):

In addition, elderberry contains a large amount of fiber (up to 7 grams per 100 grams of the plant), as well as phenolic acids and anthocyanins, which have an antioxidant effect and reduce the risk of developing malignant tumors and diseases from the cardiovascular and endocrine systems.

2. Relief of respiratory infections

American specialists installed that extracts and infusions from black elderberry reduce the severity and duration of the flu.

Experts associate the effect with pronounced antimicrobial and antiviral activity of fruits. On average, as claimed Israeli scientists, the duration of the disease is reduced by 4 days.

Several commercial pharmaceuticals are even produced based on this natural product.

According to the information of the scientific community of Australia, elderberry is also effective in the prevention and treatment of "traveler's diarrhea"

3. Antioxidant effect

Entering the physiological course of metabolic processes, our body produces free radicals and causes oxidative stress.

It is oxidative stress directly related with the early appearance of malignant tumors and the development of many diseases from the heart and blood vessels, the endocrine system.

Multiple studies American and Italian Scientists demonstrate that antioxidants contained in various fruits, vegetables and berries (including elderberry) are able to prevent the damaging effects of free radicals. And, as a result, reduce the risk of manifestation of chronic diseases.

Flowers, fruits, roots and leaves of elderberry are extremely valuable sources of antioxidants (anthocyanins). The activity of the plant is 4.5 times exceeds The action of one of the most powerful antioxidants – vitamin E.

Also these antioxidants depressing chronic inflammation in the walls of the large intestine, which is associated with type II diabetes mellitus and obesity, as well as cancer of the distal gastrointestinal tract.

4. Improving the health of the heart and blood vessels

Works of Chinese specialists show what elderberry is capable of reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood . As a result, the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of arteries is prevented, which can lead to rupture or complete blockage of the vessel due to the imposition of thrombotic masses.

This pathological process underlies the development of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke.

During experiments on rats has been discovered that elderberry is also capable of causing regression of atherosclerotic plaques on the aorta and liver vessels.

Due to the high content of polyphenols, the plant can reduce blood pressure and reduce damage to target organs against the background of these diseases (heart, kidneys, visual organs).

5. Anticancer effect

Laboratory studies show that elderberry has the ability to inhibit the growth and development of malignant cells, prevent their metastasis to various organs and tissues.

For example, American specialists identified the ability of berries to block the effects of human papillomavirus on cells, during which they degenerate into malignant ones.

Employees of the University of Illinois (USA) proved the ability of elderberry to reduce the activity of enzymes responsible for the replication of cancer cells.

6. Prevention of depression

Iranian pharmacologists in the process of conducting experiments on rodents installed that the use of elderberry significantly reduces the severity of symptoms depression and various depressive disorders.

Berries boost your mood and craving for life, improve the tolerance of various stress factors of a psychogenic and physical nature.

7. Prevention of gastritis

Chronic gastritis is an inflammatory disease of the stomach that affects up to 40% of the population of developed countries.

99% of the cause is infection of the gastric mucosa with the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori. This microorganism is also associated with the manifestation of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.

Foreign scientists proved that elderberry inhibits the growth of this bacterium and contributes to the onset of long-term remission of chronic gastritis.

Safety and possible harm

Elderberry has a number of beneficial properties for humans. However, if consumed excessively or if there are contraindications, it can cause significant harm.

The side effects of the plant include:

1. Dyspeptic disorders. Are caused by the high amount of fiber in the composition and unreasonable use. They usually manifest as nausea, feelings of heaviness in the epigastric region, bloating.
2. Poisoning. Elderberry contains cyanide, which causes intoxication and can even lead to death. The lethal dose is 3,400 grams of berries at a time.
3. Allergic reactions. Hypersensitivity of the body to the components of berries is extremely rare and is usually characterized by a severe course (anaphylactic shock).

The issue of using elderberry berries during pregnancy remains controversial. On the one hand, fruits contain a lot of useful substances, on the other – toxic components. In addition, there are no clinical studies that have proven at least the safety of including elderberry in the diet of children under 18 years of age and pregnant women. Therefore, it is better for these groups of people to abandon them.

How to use it correctly?

Below are the most common questions and answers:

1. Method of administration and dosage. Elderberry is useful only in reasonable amounts (up to 200 grams per day, but not more than 0.5 kg per week) and fresh. Any heat treatment (heating) or contact with metal surfaces (pots, blenders, juicers, etc.) significantly reduces the antioxidant activity of berries, and, consequently, the biological potential.
2. Reception time. Do not eat berries in the morning on an empty stomach (due to the possible irritating effect on the mucous membranes), as well as in the evening and before going to bed. Elderberry is distinguished by a huge amount of fiber in its composition, which can provoke an overload of the digestive system and disrupt the physiological process of going to bed.
3. Use in cooking. Syrups, jams, juices, compotes, jams, teas, as well as other dishes and drinks are usually prepared on the basis of elderberry. The bark of the plant is widely popular for making seasonings.
4. Properties of kvass. Elderberry kvass is usually used to quench thirst, strengthen immunity and reduce fever during infectious diseases. Kvass also has a mucolytic effect and other medicinal properties.
5. Properties of wine. Elderberry wine is used to combat atherosclerosis, as well as to reduce blood pressure (in low doses).

How to save it for the winter?

Elderberry is a non–standard plant. The methods of long-term preservation of fruits are radically different from all other berries. The most preferable option is freezing (frozen elderberry retains maximum vitamins and antioxidant substances).

For proper freezing, you should:

1. Thoroughly rinse and dry the berries. Remove the pedicels.
2. Put the fruits on trays.
3. Put them in the freezer for 10-12 hours.
4. Then pour into a bag and put in the freezer. The maximum shelf life there is 6-8 months.

The flowers and leaves of the elderberry are dried. To do this, they are harvested in summer weather (at least 24 hours should pass after the last precipitation).

Cooking Recipes

Below are several recipes based on elderberry.

1. Compote

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of black elderberry;
• 150 grams of sugar;
• 1,500 ml of water.

Cooking scheme:

1. Sort through the elder, remove the stems.
2. Pour water into a saucepan, add berries.
3. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 7-8 minutes.
4. Using a colander, separate the berries, add sugar to the water and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat. The dish is ready.

2. Morse

Needed:

• 800 grams of black elderberry;
• 100 grams of sugar;
• 500 ml of water.

Preparation:

1. Select the berries, remove the stalks. Rinse it out.
2. Bring 500 ml of water to a boil, add the berries, remove from heat.
3. Let the mixture brew for 10 minutes. Then separate the berries from the water using a colander.
4. Crush the berries with a pestle, squeeze out the juice.
5. Mix the juice, pre-separated water and sugar. Bring to a boil and cool.
6. Keep the composition in a glass container for 1-2 days in a dark, cool place.

3. Tea

You will need:

• 1 tbsp elderflower (dried);
• 1 tbsp elderberry leaves (dried);
• Mint and sugar – to taste;
• 400 ml of water.

Recipe:

1. Pour all the ingredients with water heated to 90 degrees.
2. Let it brew for about 15-20 minutes. Strain it.

Conclusion

1. Elderberry is a unique plant that has healing properties, but at the same time contains substances that are poisonous in large quantities.
2. Berry improves the health of the cardiovascular, digestive and endocrine systems, eliminates depressive disorders and reduces the risk of developing malignant neoplasms.
3. But elderberry has a number of side effects. It is contraindicated for persons under the age of 18 and pregnant women.