Several fruits and vegetable claim to have the unique ability to help you live longer.
One such fruit is the elderberry – a popular medicinal plant used for centuries by both Indigenous people and ancient Egyptians.
The dark purple berries come from the Sambucus tree – a flowering plant from the Adoxaceae family.
Scientists believe that the berry stimulates the immune system’s chemical responses, bringing relief from flu symptoms and possibly shortening its duration.
But this powerful fruit type has been shown to have far more health benefits and may be key to longevity.
Here we take a look at some of the main health benefits of elderberries.
Can help fight off Alzheimer's disease and cancer
Historically, the flowers of the elderberry plant have been used to help ease pain, reducing both swelling and inflammation.
In folk medicine, the dried berries or juice have been used to help with headaches, influenza, tooth and heart pain as well as well as being a a laxative and diuretic.
The flowers, fruits, and leaves of the elderberry plant are excellent sources of antioxidants.
Oxidative damage and free radicals are associated with a number of diseases including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, ocular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and motor neuron disease.
Many studies have shown the benefits of antioxidants in the prevention or delaying the course of these diseases.
One study published in Science Direct looked at the antioxidant effect of elderberry among participants.
It found that antioxidant status improved in people in as quickly as one hour after drinking 400 mL of elderberry juice.
Elderberry extract syrup was also shown to offer fast results when it came to cold and flu symptoms.
May help lower cholesterol levels
Elderberry may also have positive effects on heart and blood vessel health.
Studies have shown elderberry juice may reduce the level of fat in the blood and decrease cholesterol.
Black elderberries contain sterols which are substances found in plants helping to stop the body from absorbing cholesterol.
"Studies show that adding just 2 grams of sterol to your daily food intake can reduce your “bad” cholesterol by 5% to 15%," says WebMD.
Another study published in the Wiley Online Library further looked at the health benefits of elderberries.
It noted: “Elderberry fruit preparations may provide antioxidant, antiviral and antiproliferative effects.
“Several in vitro studies together with two exploratory studies in humans and one open study in chimpanzees indicate that the aqueous elderberry extract may be useful for the treatment of viral influenza infections.
“These promising effects of elderberry fruit preparations from experimental and clinical studies should be backed by more rigorous studies.”
Possible side effects
Health experts warn that consuming elderberry as a fruit can be unsafe when uncooked leaves, stems, or fruit are consumed.
This is due the plant containing a chemical that produces cyanides in the leaves or other parts in the unripe green fruit.
Possible side effects to be aware of include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and runny nose.
