Your immune health is a top priority right now and with the onset of the CVvirus pandemic, there has never been a more apt time to take care of your immune system. While no one knows exactly how this virus can be eliminated, staying as healthy as possible is essential for everyone right now.
One little overlooked ingredient that may support your immune health is elderberries. Known for its anti-viral properties, elderberries actually fight viruses – while boosting your immune system. Since prehistoric times, Elderberries have been used as a powerful weapon against colds and flu.
Not only does elderberry fortify the immune system, it has also been used to improve sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation, fatigue, allergic reactions and more. Not only does elderberry have genuine antiviral properties, its also been shown to have a significant effect on cold duration and its cold-associated symptoms. [1]
What Are Elderberries?
Elderberries are dark coloured berries that grow on a wild shrub, commonly found in Europe and North America. The ripened dark berries are used to make jams, jellies and drinks.
Ripe elderberries contain high powered antioxidants that include quercetin, kaempferol, rutin and phenolic acids. They also contain flavonoids which have antioxidant properties that can help prevent cell damage. As it contains a high level of anthocyanidins, these natural chemical compounds can boost your immune system and provide anti-aging benefits.
Ripe elderberries contain high powered antioxidants that include quercetin, kaempferol, rutin and phenolic acids. They also contain flavonoids which have antioxidant properties that can help prevent cell damage. As it contains a high level of anthocyanidins, these natural chemical compounds can boost your immune system and provide anti-aging benefits.
What Health Benefits Do Elderberries Have?
Renowned for its powerful immune-boosting properties, Elderberries are especially beneficial for viruses like colds and the flu. Anthocyanidins in elderberries are most active for shortening the duration of a cold or the flu – it must also help to reduce some of the miserable symptoms. One 2009 study of patients with flu showed significant improvement in their flu symptoms, by taking four doses of 175mg of elderberry extract a day. [2]
One study published in the Journal of International Medical Research, found that Elderberry extract has also been shown to be highly effective when used in the first 48 hours from the onset of flu. Its able to shorten the duration of flu symptoms by an average of four days. [3]
Sinus infections are another symptom of colds and flu – lasting for weeks sometimes. The symptoms of sinus infections include swollen or inflamed nasal cavities, filled with nasal discharge.
Bacterial infections or viral infections are usually the cause of sinus infections. This study done in the University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland examined the use of an elderberry product on bacterial sinusitis. By treating with elderberry, along with an antibiotic (doxycycline or vibramycin) and a decongestant, it was found that this combination medication improved symptoms faster than those who didn’t take the elderberry product. [4]
Are Elderberries Beneficial For Viruses and Immune Health?
Colds and flu are some of the most common viral infections and elderberries’ powerful antioxidants that can actually inhibit this viral replication. Due to their powerful antioxidants, they can block a key viral protein, allowing the flu virus to attach to our cells and gain entry.
Once a cell has been infected with a virus, the elderberry’s same powerful natural chemicals are also effective at stopping the virus from replicating or reproducing. This means that the elderberry is effective at blocking the virus at several different stages of the infection.
Elderberries also stimulate the body’s cells to release cytokines – the immune system’s substances that fight invaders.
Additional Health Benefits of Elderberries
As elderberries have such powerful antioxidants and other phytochemicals, it may play a protective role against heart disease one study showed that mice with high cholesterol and low HDL (protective cholesterol) had lower cholesterol, along with better liver function. [5]
Elderberry extract has also been shown to be beneficial for helping to lower high blood pressure. There is a prevalent theory that this is an inflammatory reaction so it could be that elderberry’s strong anti-inflammatory benefits may extend to hypertension too. [6]
Polyphenols found in elderberries may help to lower blood pressure and reduce side effects of blood-pressure-lowering medications. As it contains antioxidants and anthocyanins, researchers feel that this plant compound may also improve skin’s structure and condition, amongst other benefits.
Adding D.I.P Into Your Daily Routine
Anyone who wants to add Elderberries into their nutritional regime to support their immune system will benefit from taking it in supplement form.
As a recommendation, we suggest D.I.P Daily Immune Protection™ from Good Health Naturally. DIP contains 200mg of Elderberry Fruit Extract. Along with being a convenient option to add Elderberries into your daily routine, it contains the best natural ingredients for improved immune response.
As a unique formulation of proven ingredients for supporting immune health, it contains EpiCor and eXselen™ Selenium to support a balanced immune system. It also has a strong dose (500IU Vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol) that may protect against infections, boost immune response against allergens, and provide extra support for healthy cell growth.
Vitamin D and Zinc can contribute to the normal function of the immune system during and after physical exercise.
Boosting your immune health is a major concern for everyone right now and adding DIP into your daily routine could be the natural solution to help you and your family to stay healthy.
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15080016
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16645287
Recommended Examples
Daily Immune Protection (DIP) – Daily Immune Protection (DIP) contains EpiCor ® and eXselen™ Selenium to support a balanced immune system. Contains Selenium with a strong dose of Vitamin D3 to protect against infections, boost immune response against allergens, and provide extra support for healthy cell growth. Available from Good Health Naturally.
