What are the health benefits of Elderberries?

Elderberries and blackberries are in season, so pick your own.

Hippocrates called an elderberry his ‘chest medicine.’ These berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and have anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory properties. So, what are the health benefits of elderberry?
They science tells us that they can:

????Aid digestion as are high in fiber and ease constipation.

????Reduce inflammation as rich in anthocyanins. These compounds give the fruit its characteristic dark black-purple color and are a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects.

????Lessen stress as excellent source of phenolic acids. These compounds are powerful antioxidants that can help reduce damage from oxidative stress in the body.

????Ease or and prevent cold and flu symptoms as packed with vitamins. High in vitamin C as up to 35 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit which is almost 60 %of your recommended daily amount RDA.

???? They help to keep your heart well as they are a good source of flavonols which are known to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and heart, prevent blood clots, and fight cell damage. Elderberry contains these antioxidant flavonols such as: quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin, they not only good for your heart but studies are ongoing and also suggest excellent for treatment of asthma and bronchitis. The flowers contain up to 10 times more flavonols than the berries, so when an elder flower is flowering make a cordial, use berries too, as still they contains all the goodness, in a bit lesser amount than a flower.

????Anti-ageing as the bioflavonoids they contain help prevent wrinkles from developing.

????‍????Make sure that they are PROPERLY COOKED DO NOT EAT RAW as they can really upset your stomach. You can have them as a syrop, make a wine, jam with blackberry and elderberry. Preserve some for a winter and have it ready as a cough mixture. As always eat in moderation. X