Elderberry and Diabetes: A Natural Remedy Or Hidden Risk?

What is Elderberry?

Elderberry is a fruit from the Sambucus tree, a common medicinal species. This purple berry grows on an elder tree and often in clusters. You can quickly identify the Elderberry by its deep purple hue.

The Elderberry is common in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia. Its combination of fiber, Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and anthocyanins makes it a potent cure for flu and colds. This is effective because these nutrients are active antioxidants that help defend the body against oxidative stress.

There are different Sambucus elderberry benefits. The commonest is that elderberries are effective in reducing inflammation and strengthening your body's immunity. It can be consumed in teas, gummies, syrups, jams, and supplements.

And if you ask, 'What does elderberry taste like?', well, elderberry is not precisely a sweet taste. It has a woody, earthly, and slightly bitter aftertaste.

While conducting our research, we discovered an insightful YouTube Video by Dr. Jen who talks about Elderberry and what are the benefits of it.

How Does Elderberry Relate To Diabetes?

Elderberry polyphenols, fibre, and antioxidants contribute to the body's ability to regulate insulin, reduce inflammation, and lower blood sugar fast and safely. While these minerals greatly benefit the body, studies are ongoing to discover the direct connection between Elderberry and diabetes.

ALSO READ: Can Cinnamon Lower Blood Sugar and Manage Diabetes?

How Elderberries May Affect Blood Sugar Levels?

Several studies show that elderberries may affect the body's sugar regulation. Here are possible ways elderberries might help diabetics.

1. It may improve the body's sensitivity to insulin.

The main problem in type 2 diabetics is the body's resistance to insulin. Studies show that anthocyanins present in elderberries have the potential to help the body increase its sensitivity to insulin. This makes it easier for the body to absorb and utilize glucose efficiently, leading to better control over blood sugar in the long run.

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2. It may lower high blood sugar levels.

The fiber in Elderberry allows the body to slow down its rate of digestion and ability to absorb sugar, reducing the body's heightened blood glucose levels after meals. This benefit is vital for diabetic patients who battle with post-meal hyperglycemia.

3. Anti-inflammatory impact on complications related to diabetics

As earlier established, inflammation contributes to the body resisting insulin and triggering complications related to diabetics like kidney issues, nerve injury, and how to improve heart health conditions. The anti-inflammatory components in Elderberry reduce these dangers by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress in the body

Patrick Solverson, PhD, Assistant Professor at Washington State University Spokane, was quoted in a Health article, says

Blood glucose and insulin levels were measured at regular intervals—every 30 minutes for three hours—during the test. Participants who drank the elderberry juice experienced improved blood sugar levels and increased fat metabolism compared to the placebo group.

Can Elderberry Replace Diabetes Medication?

The answer is No. While Elderberry has possible benefits to your body's sugar levels, it should not be taken as a replacement for prescribed medication. However, to acquire full elderberry supplement benefits, you can add consuming elderberry supplements as a healthy lifestyle habit alongside exercising, a balanced diet, and prescribed medication.

How To Consume Elderberry?

Elderberries can be enjoyed in different ways. However, it is safest to consume different forms of elderberry when it's processed. Raw elderberries can be poisonous, inducing vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Here are safe ways to consume elderberries:

1. Elderberry syrup

This syrup is a common way of consuming elderberries. It is obtained from gently steaming blueberries in the water alongside honey or other sweeteners.

2. Elderberry tea:

If you are a tea lover, you may ask, 'Is elderberry tea good for diabetics?'. The answer is yes. The elderberry tea is obtained by soaking dried elderberries or their tea bag in hot water. You can add sweeteners to taste.

3. Elderberries juice:

Obtained from mixing elderberries with other refreshing juices or diluted with water.

4. Elderberries gummies:

Elderberry supplement comes in gummies and are convenient methods of consuming elderberries. Elderberries gummies are good options for children.

5. Elderberries capsules or supplements

Cooking elderberries can be time-consuming; therefore, some prefer a quicker and easier way to consume elderberries. In that case, you should try an elderberry capsule or its supplements.

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While consuming elderberries is good for your health, you must be careful when preparing them. Elderberries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be poisonous if not properly processed or cooked.

How to Choose a Safe Elderberry Product for Diabetes?

If you have low blood sugar and want to include elderberry in your meal, here are some tips you should follow:

• Choose elderberry products with little or no sugar
• Purchase a product that uses only organic elderberries
• Check the ingredients section to confirm that there are no excess additives, preservatives, or colours before you purchase.
• Opt for elderberry capsules or extracts, as they do not contain unnecessary ingredients.
• Follow your Doctor's recommendation when buying and taking elderberry products.

Who Should Consume Elderberry and How Much Is Safe?

With the potential risk of consuming Elderberry, you may ask,' Who should not take Elderberry?'. Well, elderberry, can show adverse effects on breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, and people with autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Also, If you find yourself asking, 'How much elderberry should I take daily?' Or 'can you take elderberries every day?'. The answer is to begin with small doses of elderberries daily. Also, monitor your sugar levels and your body's reaction to the Elderberry as you consume it.

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