A Closer Look: Anthocyanins

Ten years ago my mom, Marsha, started taking elderberries and passed on the health remedy to our entire family. About five years ago we started taking elderberry in the form of a syrup. Elderberry quickly became a part of our daily regimen- using the herb for its health benefits for myself and my husband, but also for our son who was in preschool at the time. It is important to note that we are not in the medical field and we will always suggest speaking with your healthcare provider about a specific ailment you are facing. We are careful not to make claims about our Elderberry syrup beyond its proven ability to support a healthy immune system and other systems in our bodies. Additionally, we have witnessed firsthand the positive benefits elderberries have provided us personally.

Recently there has been a shift in the way that people are wanting to stay healthy. We are seeing families wanting to put whole foods and whole ingredients into their body and are more willing to try natural routes and products. That is where elderberries come in- they are a natural plant that grows from the earth full of properties that promote health and wellness.  

Elderberries are full of antioxidants, specifically anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are a group of over 700 plant compounds known as flavonoids. Anthocyanins can be found in many fruits, vegetables and berries. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and help rid the body of free radicals that cause oxidative damage. Studies have shown that anthocyanins have a wide range of health benefits including treatment and prevention ranging from cancer and heart disease to bladder infections and urinary tract infections.

The most common use of elderberry is for strengthening the immune system. Anthocyanins contribute to a huge part of the body’s response to elderberries. In addition to high levels of vitamin C, D, and E, the anthocyanins in elderberries combined with their antiviral effects prove to be a powerful, all natural medicine.

Elderberries support respiratory and lung health. Several studies have reported that elderberry supplements help to shorten the duration of common respiratory ailments. In a trial led by Israeli virologist Dr.Mumcuoglu, it was reported that participants receiving elderberry supplements showed signs of recovery from the flu within two days versus six days that it took for those receiving the placebo. Also, check out this study and the results they concluded on a trial of passengers traveling by plane that contracted a common cold (spoiler alert- travelers using elderberry supplements experienced a two day shorter duration of the cold). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651/

Elderberries support digestive health and gut health. A new concept known as the “gut-lung axis” suggests that bacteria in our gut may also directly impact lung health. Studies show that diets with a higher intake of anthocyanins had lower rates of declining lung function. Additionally, one cup of elderberries contains 40% of the recommended daily intake of fiber. We know that fiber supports the good bacteria living in our gut and that a healthy gut is important for not only good digestion but for overall immune health.

Again, we are not medical experts but we have benefitted in many ways from using elderberries as a health supplement, and we love to hear from our customers about the way Sweet Jane is now benefitting them. As always, we encourage you to do your own research on elderberries. If you ever have any questions or would like to say hello, we’d love to hear from you. Sweetjaneelderberry@gmail.com

Xo

Carly

Articles Referenced:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5075620/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15080016/

https://thepracticalherbalist.com/advanced-herbalism/anthocyanins-elderberry-how-works/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31718251/