AMERICAN ELDERBERRY
The Amazing Elderberry
Native Americans and early North American settlers were well acquainted with the medicinal uses of elderberry, and for good reason: these tiny berries are an excellent source of essential vitamins A, C & B6, anthocyanins (potent antioxidants), and other beneficial nutrients.
Elderberry is best known for its immune-boosting properties and ability to minimize the duration and severity of viral illnesses, but its benefits don’t stop there...
Counteracting Oxidative Stress
As an antioxidant powerhouse, elderberry may also help neutralize free radicals, protecting the body from oxidative stress that can lead to disease.
Oxidative stress occurs when an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants exists in the body. This imbalance can damage tissues and organs and lead to health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, neurodegenerative disease, cancer, and inflammatory conditions.
A WEALTH OF ANTIOXIDANTS
Avoiding all exposure to free radicals is impossible, but healthy habits related to lifestyle, exercise, and diet can minimize the effects of oxidative stress on our bodies. Increasing your intake of antioxidants is a great place to start, and elderberries are one of the best sources available.
AMERICAN VS. EUROPEAN
When it comes to elderberries, "American" and "European" aren't just geographical distinctions; they're two different elderberry species: Sambucus canadensis (American) and Sambucus nigra (European).
An overwhelming majority of elderberry products in today's marketplace contain imported, European elderberry (nigra) — commonly dried, ground, and combined with water or glycerin to make a syrupy base.
Enter the American counterpart — farm-fresh and gaining traction as a commercially viable alternative to imported berries. No nutrient-diminishing heat processes and no added water. Just pure elderberry, plain and simple.