Elderberry

Elderberries have been used throughout the world as natural health remedies for centuries. Hippocrates, known as the Father of Medicine, called elderberries his “medicine chest” in 400 BCE, and other classical physicians have been putting these powerful berries to use in their own remedies since ancient times.

Elderberries grow throughout the world, but the European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has some of the highest levels of antioxidants, even among other elderberries. These naturally occurring antioxidants are part of what gives black elderberries their incredible immune-supporting benefits.*

Why are antioxidants such a big deal when it comes to our health? They help fight free radicals that damage our bodies at a cellular level. Free radicals are produced when our bodies break down food and when we’re exposed to environmental toxins, like cigarette smoke and pollution. We can’t avoid them, but we can combat them. That’s where antioxidants come in.

Antioxidants help the body fight off free radicals. They can help bolster the immune system and defend against the damage caused by these invaders. We get antioxidants from the foods we eat and the supplements we take. Colorful fruits and vegetables, including black elderberries, are natural sources of antioxidants.
These free-radical-fighting superheroes are what give fruits and vegetables their distinct colors. Different fruits and vegetables contain different kinds of antioxidants. That’s why it’s so important to eat a diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables.

Black elderberries get their deep purple color from the antioxidants they contain: anthocyanins and flavonoids. They are types of polyphenols, the super important antioxidant found in grapes and red wine. What makes black elderberries so special is that they contain A LOT of polyphenols. That’s why people have been using black elderberries to make wines, tinctures, jams, and more for centuries! (It’s important to note that raw elderberries are toxic, and they must be heated to remove their toxic compounds before they can be consumed.)
Anthocyanins and flavonoids not only help fight damaging free radicals, they have anti-inflammatory properties as well. Chronic inflammation is thought to be a leading cause of many diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Eating foods with anti-inflammatory compounds, like berries and other fruits and vegetables, can help counteract that inflammation and lead to better health and wellness.