Underappreciated Berry Shows Significant Weight Loss and Metabolic Benefits

An underrated berry has become the subject of high interest to scientists as a new study showed its potential game-changing weight loss benefits after just one week. Here’s what you need to know. A clinal trial recently published in the Journal of Nutrients discovered that the humble elderberry appears to offer benefits for gut and metabolic health, while delivering more efficient sugar processing and fat burning qualities. The good news is these elderberries, a small, dark purple berry, are grown all over the world and its juice is widely available. Elderberry’s prowess is owed to its high concentrations of plant compounds that are known as anthocyanins believe the experts.

What makes elderberry stand out?

“Elderberry is an underappreciated berry, commercially and nutritionally,” says the study’s corresponding author, Patrick Solverson, who is an assistant professor at the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. “We’re now starting to recognize its value for human health, and the results are very exciting.”

How was the study carried out?

Eighteen overweight adults aged between 22 and 75 years were given either a daily 12-ounce (355ml) elderberry juice, or a similar-looking placebo drink, and later tested on a range of health indicators such as blood glucose and plasma and insulin levels, gut microbiota, and weight changes.

What were the results?

After just one week, those who drank the elderberry juice benefitted from positive microbiota changes in addition to an average of 24% lower blood glucose levels and a 9% decrease in insulin levels. The elderberry drinkers also received significantly increased fat oxidation, breaking down fatty acids more readily.

Implications and Next Steps

“Food is medicine, and science is catching up to that popular wisdom,” comments Solverson. “This study contributes to a growing body of evidence that elderberry, which has been used as a folk remedy for centuries, has numerous benefits for metabolic as well as prebiotic health.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of elderberry as a natural remedy for weight loss and metabolic health. With its high concentration of anthocyanins and ease of availability, it’s an option worth considering for those looking to make a change. As research continues to explore the benefits of elderberry, it’s exciting to think about the possibilities this berry could bring to the field of health and wellness.

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FAQs

Q: Is elderberry only available in its juice form?
A: No, elderberries can be found in various forms, including whole berries, jam, and supplements.

Q: Can I consume elderberry on my own without medical supervision?
A: It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements or making significant changes to your diet.

Q: How much elderberry would I need to consume to get the same anthocyanin content as in the study?
A: According to the study, you would need to consume more than three times the amount of blackberries to get the same anthocyanin content as elderberries.