6 Reasons You Need Elderberry Gummies
Herbal medicine is nothing new. In fact, before modernized medicine herbal remedies were the go to source to tackle many illnesses. Many plants are still used today for their therapeutic properties.
But there is one plant in particular that has found new popularity: Elderberry. The elderberry plant is no newcomer to the herbal remedy world. It has a long track record in traditional medicine.
Elderberry boasts numerous health benefits; which we will explore soon. In today’s time, elderberry as a supplement can be found in various forms: Syrups, liquid, and capsules.
Elderberry gummies are another popular form. But do you need them? Let’s explore some of the reasons why you do.
A Brief Look at Elderberry
Before we explore some of the benefits and reasons why you should consider elderberry gummies, let's take a closer look at this popular plant.
Different varieties and species of this small plant can be found worldwide, but it is commonly known as Sambucus. The black elderberry (sambucus nigra) is by far the most common.
Historically, all parts of the plant have been used for medicinal purposes; the flower, leaves, and even the bark. However, its berries are most widely used today.
Those Beautiful Berries
Elderberry is one of the most commonly used herbal remedies for immune health. A lot of that has to do with its beautiful berries. They are rich in flavonoids called anthocyanins, which have antioxidant effects. It also gives them their intense blue and purple coloration.
Reasons Why You Need Elderberry Gummies
Now that we have looked at a brief history of this wonderful plant, it is time to explore some reasons why you need to make elderberry gummies part of your daily routine.
1. Elderberries Are Naturally High in Nutrients
Elderberries themselves are low in calories. Raw elderberries are roughly 80% water, 18% carbohydrate; fat and protein is less than 1%. These little berries are also high in dietary fiber, containing a whopping seven grams in every 100 gram serving — 25% of daily value.
They are also loaded with essential nutrients. Elderberries' nutritional value is rich in many vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin and mineral nutritional values of raw elderberries per 100 g are as follows:
- 36 mg of vitamin C
- 6 mcg of vitamin B9 (folate)
- .5 mg of vitamin B3 (niacin)
- .230 mg of vitamin B6
- 30 mcg of vitamin A
- 280 mg of potassium
- 38 mg of calcium
- 1.6 mg of iron
- 5 mg of magnesium
Vitamin C, as an essential nutrient, is no stranger to immune support. The serving above contains 40% of the daily value of vitamin C. Calcium, as a mineral, plays a key role in the activation of immune cells.
Elderberry gummies pack a nutritional punch.
2. Elderberries Are Naturally High in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are all the rage these days. But they deserve the applause. These molecules play a big role in the body’s fight against the oxidative stress and the damage wrought by free radicals.
In short, free radicals are a waste substance that come as a result of spilt oxygen molecules. When they split that leave unpaired electrons, these free radicals roam the body seeking a bond.
They do damage in the process — damaging DNA, proteins, cells, and causing various illnesses and inflammation. Antioxidants help prevent the damage wrought by free radicals by effectively neutralizing them.
Antioxidant Effects of Elderberry
Elderberries boast some serious antioxidant effects. They provide a good source of phenolic acid, a type of phytochemical found in many plants. These phenolic acids provide a potent defense against oxidative stress.
In addition, elderberries contain high amounts of flavonols, another antioxidant-rich compound.
Elderberry gummies add an antioxidant defense.
3. Elderberries May Provide Soothing & Calming Effects
Their anthocyanins, mentioned earlier, not only give elderberries their beautiful color, but also contain some pretty powerful soothing effects; in addition to their antioxidant properties.
4. Elderberries Gummies Great for Immune Support
Elderberries claim to fame and recent rise in popularity has a lot to do with their role in immune system support. Elderberries provide a good shield of defense for keeping your immune system in check.
This is due to the reasons mentioned above, its high nutrient content and rich antioxidant effects.
5. Elderberry Gummies Are Convenient and Easy to Take
Again, elderberry comes in many forms as a supplement; e.g. syrups and capsules. But elderberry gummies offer an easier and more convenient form — as tastier too.
Elderberry gummies are chewable and contain the juice or extract from the berries. They make a great option for children and adults who have troubling swallowing capsules or who dislike syrups.
Syrups also tend to have high amounts of sugar as well.
Furthermore, elderberry gummies are easy to take on the go. No need to carry around a sloshing bottle of syrup. Throw them in a lunchbox or purse and you’re off.
One thing to watch out for in elderberry gummies is the actual content amount. Some products may contain fillers that lessen the amount of elderberry content. Gummies with 300 mg or more of elderberry extract is the way to go.
6. Elderberries Gummies Have Additional Nutrients
Most elderberry gummies provide other herbal extracts and additional nutrients, especially those that are beneficial for immune support. In addition to the nutrient content already available in elderberries, many gummies are also fortified with vitamin C.
Others pack in other helpful immune allies such as ginger, moringa leaf, and astragalus root extract.
Conclusion
Elderberries have been used in traditional medicine for centuries so it's recent rise in popularity comes as no surprise
Thanks to its flavonoids, elderberries are loaded with antioxidants. These make it a powerful force against free radicals and the damage wrought by oxidative stress. This, combined with its calming and soothing properties also make it a great ally in immune support.
Traditionally, the most popular forms of elderberry supplementation have been in liquid, syrup, and capsule form. However, elderberry gummies have become a popular and convenient alternative for those who dislike syrups or do not like taking capsules.
However, if you still want to take advantage of the benefits of elderberry but prefer capsules over gummies then Shop Hope has you covered. If you’re looking for a well-balanced immune booster with elderberry then check out our Immune+ capsules.
We use an all-natural formula that boasts 300 mg of elderberry extract, as well as vitamin C, moringa, and more.
Sources:
Nutrition facts for Elderberries, raw, recommended daily values and analysis | Nutrition Value
Anthocyanins: natural colorants with health-promoting properties | NCBI