Elderberry Immune support

Given the events that have taken the world by surprise over the past two years, it’s no surprise that the general public and researchers alike have focused their attention on anything and everything that can improve our daily health. From vitamins and supplements to diets and daily routines, most of us have found ourselves searching for the best ways to protect ourselves from attacks to our immune systems, whether it be related to COVID-19 or not.

A particular favorite among those looking to give their health a boost is anything natural, and there are precious few natural remedies that cover as much ground as black elderberries do. As rich sources of numerous vitamins and antioxidants, elderberries have been a common occurrence in medicine since the times of Ancient Egypt. Keep reading to learn more about elderberry immune support.

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What Is Elderberry?

Black elderberry is a naturally occurring berry found in several places throughout the world, and has been used in natural remedies by numerous civilizations over the past few millennia! Let that sink in–people have been using this immune-boosting, vitamin-packed berry for thousands of years, dating back past Hippocrates (the Father of Medicine himself!) all the way back to 3000 BCE. North America (most notably the United States, Mexico, and a few places in Central America) is one of the primary homes of black elderberry, but the European variant (Sambucus nigra) has been found to contain significantly higher levels of antioxidants.

That being said, it’s extremely important to know that you should not eat elderberries raw, as they can be poisonous to human beings thanks to their cyanide levels. However, they can be cooked until they are safe to ingest, and can be used in pies, syrups, muffins, or anything else you might want to add a delicious berry taste to! And, as with most remedies, there are options like lozenges and supplement gummies available for those who’d prefer something easier and quicker.

How Does Elderberry Support the Immune System?

There are so many types of vitamins, supplements, and even activities that can have a huge impact on our bodies. Vitamin C is one of the most well-known options for improving our immune system, which is why we can find so many foods, drinks, and over the counter supplements that include it or say “fortified with Vitamin C”. Vitamin E and zinc are other common vitamins and minerals that are used to fortify our immune systems, both of which are found in the black elderberry! For those who are less familiar with the benefits of these particular vitamins:

Vitamin C

• Vitamin C is an antioxidant and is a vitamin that we cannot produce with our own bodies, so we have to ingest it through foods or supplements. It is a key factor in cell growth and repair, particularly in our body’s tissues and bones. Its innate components can help protect the body from cell degeneration, cancer, and even heart disease.

Vitamin E

• Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant, and it plays a key role in preventing or fighting infections. Again, our body cannot produce this vitamin, so we have to rely on external sources like Vitamin E-rich foods or vitamin supplements. Recently, studies have shown that taking Vitamin E may even improve blood flow and prevent blood clotting.

Zinc

• Zinc plays a part in multiple bodily functions, and while our bodies do produce this mineral, it’s important to make sure that you maintain healthy zinc levels. Not only does it help fight off infections, it’s also instrumental in the creation of DNA, healing of wounds, and function of our senses of smell and taste.

What Are Antioxidants?

But what are antioxidants? Why are they so vital to our overall health? You have likely heard about “free radicals” in a commercial, at a doctor’s office, or even on product labeling, but most of these won’t explain what free radicals actually are.

Free radicals are an unavoidable part of all of our lives. They naturally occur when we digest food, inhale cigarette smoke, are subject to air or water pollution, come into contact with industrial chemicals, or even get an X-ray. Even if you manage to avoid some of these sources, it’s quite literally impossible to avoid them all. And, when they enter our body, they may have harmful effects like inflammation and cell damage.

Antioxidants, however, are the armor and weapons we use against free radicals, protecting us against the damage they cause and helping encourage new cell creation and growth. Most colorful fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, and black elderberries are rich in them!

What Other Benefits Does Elderberry Have?

We mentioned above that raw elderberries can be dangerous because they contain cyanide. However, cooked or processed elderberries do not carry that same risk. This is because the cyanide-inducing glycosides are broken down during the cooking process making the elderberry safe for consumption.

With this in mind, the flavonoids in elderberries are also a key factor in fighting inflammation. Because inflammation has been found to cause numerous illnesses and conditions throughout the human body, making anti-inflammatory substances a regular part of your diet is just one more thing you can do to improve your health!

For those who are uninterested in eating the berries themselves (cooked or in a syrup), elderberry immune support supplements or elderberry extract are alternative options. These tend to be more popular, anyway, because they often come with additional vitamins and minerals to maximize their effectiveness, like Zinc and added Vitamin C. Generally speaking, elderberry gummies and supplements are safe for daily consumption. As with all dietary changes and supplements, however, it is highly recommended that you speak with your primary physician before adding an elderberry immune support gummy or other supplements to your daily routine. Speak with them about your current diet, your health goals for the future, and any concerns you have regarding your past health, so your doctor can ensure they guide you on the best path for your individual health.

Ready to support your immune system? Shop Our Organic Elderberry Gummies!

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.