United States: A new study suggests that elderberry juice could be a surprising ally in managing weight and blood sugar. People who drank 12 ounces of elderberry juice daily for just one week saw notable health benefits.
According to research published in Nutrients, those who participated in the study experienced 24% lower blood sugar levels, a 9% decrease in insulin, and even improvements in fat burning and gut health. Could this fruit-packed juice be the secret to better health?
“Elderberry is a relatively unknown berry in terms of commerce and nutritional value,” senior author Patrick Solverson an Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Washington State University College of Medicine, said in the press release from the college. “Science is only now beginning to appreciate the asset it is as a food for humans and the outcomes are really quite enticing.”
As reported by the HealthDay, Elderberry is a small black berry that comes from elder trees common in Europe. They said in background notes that commonly used in areas with a high threat of malaria, AIDS or various illnesses as a medicinal plant and supplement of immune system.
To achieve the study, 18 overweight adults were by trial divided into groups to take daily elderberry juice nectar or placebo drink of the same color and taste as the elderberry juice.
Surprisingly, those who received elderberry juice reported higher concentrations of the good bacteria in their digest tracts, as well as lower levels of unwanted bacteria, the studies showed.
Higher concentrations of the right bacteria enhance nutrient management in the process of digestion, and also are associated with enhanced glycaemic regulation.
It also found that elderberry juice increases the rate at which fat is utilized by the body for energy.
Though finding was small-scale, the participants who had the juice, particularly when combined with high carb meal, had better fatty acid breakdown during exercise, the researchers noted.
Elderberries are packed rich in anthocyanins which are deep red, purple or blue pigments in plants.
This is because anthocyanins have been found to lower inflammation, regulate blood sugar and are antimicrobial, the researchers pointed out.
“People have been saying for years that ‘food is medicine’ and the science is starting to catch up,” Solverson said. Therefore, this particular study adds to a growing pile of research that supports the use of elderberry as a folk remedy because of its benefits to metabolic and prebiotic health.
Other types of berries has these anthocyanins but in lesser amount than what is found in black berries. For instance, six ounces of elderberry juice have the same amount of anthocyanin as four cups of blackberries, according to Solverson.