الجمعة، 30 نوفمبر 2012

:: Benefits Elderberry

The Benefits of the Elderberry

The elderberry or sambucus is a fruit-bearing shrub that commonly grows in the Northern Hemisphere. The fruits are called elderberries. They are deep blue or black in color.

The flowers of the elderberry are used to make elderflower cordial, an aromatic syrup used to prepare a refreshing and non-alcoholic beverage. Elderberry fruits have many uses. They are used to make wines, marmalades, syrups, pies, pastries and other desserts.

Although the flowers and fruits of the elderberry are perfectly safe for consumption, avoid ingesting the twigs, branches, leaves, roots and seeds of the plant. Ingesting these parts in excess could cause a dangerous cyanide buildup in the body. Some safe and edible herbal teas are made from elderberry leaves. However, these should be consumed with caution.

Elderberries have been used for their medicinal properties over many centuries. Studies are still underway to establish the health benefits of the plants' fruits and flowers. Here are some of the known benefits of elderberries.

Benefits of Elderberries

  • Elderberry juice can treat and prevent many illnesses, especially viral infections. It was used as treatment for affected individuals during the flu epidemic in Panama back in 1995. Elderberries are recommended to ward off illnesses in cancer and HIV patients because they help strengthen the immune system.

  • Like other berries, elderberries also contain antioxidants. Hence, they help protect our cells from damage. They flush out toxins and free radicals that cause early aging and various diseases.

  • Elderberry extract can lower levels of LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol in the body. Hence, they help prevent various cardiovascular diseases.

  • They also serve as an excellent diuretic and can be used to clean out the body's excretory system, preventing urinary tract infections and eliminating kidney stones.

  • Finally, elderberries also have anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain caused by various medical conditions.

0 التعليقات:

إرسال تعليق