elderberries

Harvested from the indigenous Sambucus elder tree, elderberries have been a source of nutrition and medicine for thousands of years. 

Today, the tart berries are often cooked down to make elderberry pies, jams, and juices, or fermented to make wine. While definitive research is ongoing, many people swear by its healing properties and rely on elderberry syrup or tablets to boost their immune system and overcome common illnesses. 

But are the benefits of elderberry real, or is this vibrant fruit simply riding on its reputation? 

What Are the Benefits of Elderberry? 

Elderberry is highly nutritious 

Medicinal claims aside, elderberries are both low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals — a double bonus in the world of nutrition. Here’s a few antioxidants in Elderberry: 

  • Calcium 
  • Iron 
  • Vitamin A 
  • Vitamin B6 
  • Vitamin C 

One cup of elderberries contains: 

  • A little over 100 calories. 
  • 27 grams of carbohydrates.
  • One gram of fat. 
  • One gram of protein. 
  • 10 grams of dietary fiber. 

All of that makes for an impressive nutritional breakdown. While you shouldn’t eat elderberries morning, noon, and night, they can be a wholesome staple in an overall healthy diet. 

Elderberry may help to fight colds and the flu 

Given its nutritional value, it makes sense why elderberry is sought out to relieve inflammation and support immune health. 

One study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that participants who consumed elderberry syrup felt relief from their flu symptoms four days earlier on average than those who received a placebo. Another NLB-published study of 312 air travelers found that when those who were sick took a 900 mg elderberry extract capsule three times daily, they recovered faster and experienced less severe cold and flu symptoms. 

So, does elderberry work? While these small studies point to a promising verdict, researchers suggest that larger-scale studies need to be conducted in order to confirm elderberry’s role in preventing or treating influenza or the common cold. 

Elderberry could improve heart health and lower the risk of diabetes 

Because elderberries are rich in three types of flavanols — naturally occurring compounds in plants with antioxidant properties — they may help to improve heart health. 

Some studies have linked flavanol to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Research has also shown elderberries can reduce fat levels in the blood, lower cholesterol, and improve blood sugar levels. 

Research on elderberries’ effects on chronic diseases is ongoing and often controversial. Since many studies on elderberries have been performed only on rats, further research on humans is needed. 

Never Miss a Beat!

Get Healthy Tips Sent to Your Phone!

Message and data rates may apply. Text the word STOP to opt out and HELP for help. Click here to view the privacy and terms.

Does Elderberry Have Other Benefits? 

There are other claims about the benefits of adding elderberries to your diet. These potential benefits include: 

  • Lower cancer risk. 
  • Less fatigue. 
  • Decreased constipation. 
  • Help in treating HIV/AIDS. 
  • Reduced toothache pain. 
  • Diminished nerve pain 
  • Help women with constipation. 
  • Aid in weight loss. 
  • Relief from hay fever. 
  • Eased gingivitis. 

How to Incorporate Elderberries into Your Diet 

Elderberry is not necessarily a common berry as it cannot be consumed raw. You can find elderberry in juices, jams, jellies, wine, and even pies. Elderberry also comes in the form of tea, syrup, lozenges, powder, pills, and gummies, such sources are great for helping treat a cold or flu. Elderberry can have a sweet taste with a tartness, therefore it pairs nicely in dishes with sweet flavors. But it can also compliment lean meats like venison. Elderberry can be an accent in a salad dressing, desert, or even breakfast in syrup on pancakes or waffles. 

Can Elderberries Be Dangerous? 

Uncooked elderberries and the plant’s bark, leaves, and roots can be toxic. These parts of the plant contain lectins, a kind of protein that can cause stomach upset. Under some circumstances, they even contain bitter elements that can produce cyanide. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, eight people were hospitalized in 1983 after consuming homemade elderberry juice. An investigation revealed the juice had been made by crushing raw elderberries, leaves, and stems in a juice press. Those who consumed the most elderberry juice became the sickest. 

It’s important to note that most accounts of elderberry poisoning were due to raw consumption and poorly executed homemade recipes. Elderberry tablets, teas, and other products you see in pharmacies and on supermarket shelves are likely nontoxic. 

As a precaution, always discuss any type of nutritional supplement with your doctor before modifying your diet. 

For more living and wellness information or to learn more about Nutrition Services at UPMC, call 412-647-8762. If you have a nutrition-related question, email AskADietitian@upmc.edu to connect with a UPMC dietitian. 

 

311.htm

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .

About UPMC

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, UPMC is a world-renowned health care provider and insurer. We operate 40 hospitals and 800 doctors’ offices and outpatient centers, with locations throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, West Virginia, and internationally. We employ 4,900 physicians, and we are leaders in clinical care, groundbreaking research, and treatment breakthroughs. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside as one of the nation’s best hospitals in many specialties and ranks UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on its Honor Roll of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals. We are dedicated to providing Life Changing Medicine to our communities.