April 28, 2019 (Medical News Today)
Black elderberries are common throughout Europe and North America and are traditionally used to make jam, syrup, or wine. According to researchers, these berries have much more to offer. New evidence shows that these feisty berries can strengthen immune systems and help fight off the flu.
It is important to eat these berries correctly, if they are unripe and uncooked, they can be toxic if consumed. There have been cases where people got elderberry poisoning due to early harvesting or improper preparation. “Fresh leaves, flowers, bark, young buds, and roots contain a bitter alkaloid and also a glucoside that, under certain conditions, can produce hydrocyanic acid.”
Researchers from the University of Sydney in Australia concluded in their study that these berries have antiviral properties that can help fight off a virus once an infection begins. Researchers also found that the antiviral properties in the elderberries are due to the anthocyanidins they contain. Anthocyanidins can protect cells from becoming damaged since they also have an antioxidant effect.
Read more on how elderberries can help fight off the flu.