Elderberries: What are the Risks Associated and do the Benefits Outweigh the Side Effects?
Elderberries have been viewed as one of the most valuable plants found in nature. Not only the fruit of the plant was taken for the treatment of several diseases and illnesses, its leaves and flowers are also used for healing wounds.
Today many elderberry supplements are available in the market to provide you with the same rich nutrients and antioxidants provided by the fruit of the elderberry plant. These supplements are available in the form of tasty and healthy elderberry gummies like the ones from Gummies Garden, as well as in the form of elderberry pills and elderberry syrups, such as the ones that are offered by California Gold Nutrition.
Before you include elderberries in your daily diet, you should know that there are some side effects and risks associated with misuse and overuse of elderberries. You should know the right amount of elderberries to take to gain maximum benefits from them.
To compare and contrast the benefits of elderberries and their risks and side effects, we must know about the functionality of elderberries in detail and then conclude whether its benefits outweigh its risks and side effects or not?
Benefits of Elderberries
Elderberries are reputed to contain innumerable health benefits. They are used for the treatment of many illnesses since ancient times. Elderberries carry anthocyanins and flavonols, two of the most potent antioxidants that aid in the progression of your body's immune system.
Usually, elderberries are associated with the treatment of respiratory illnesses like cold, flu, etc. apart from respiratory healing, and there are other benefits of elderberries, they are:
Prevention of infections
Elderberries prevent infection by the presence of hemagglutinin protein which is responsible for stopping viruses from replicating by hindering the ability of a virus to penetrate the cell wall. This way, viruses are prevented from causing infection.
Prevention of Heart Diseases
Elderberries have a tremendous impact on blood vessels and heart health. Elderberry juice reduces the cholesterol levels in the body, which reduces the risk of heart disease.
Regulating Constipation
Elderberry tea is used for treating constipation. It aids in constipation through a laxative compound present in it called anthraquinone. This laxative compound constrains water absorption in the intestines.
Increased Urinary Output
Elderberries help in the frequency of urination and the amount of salt excretion in your body. It is suitable for urinary tract infections due to its antibacterial properties.
Strengthens the immune system
Elderberries strengthen the immune system by the antioxidants and nutrients present in them. Elderberries improve the condition of inflammation and reduce stress. It contains an adequate amount of vitamin A, B, and C, which acts as immune-boosters.
Reduces Sinusitis
Elderberries also aid in clearing sinus infections by loosening the mucus. It prevents chronic respiratory diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia. Elderberries also ease the symptoms of various allergies.
Risks associated with the consumption of Elderberry
Although there are rare side effects of elderberry consumption, they could be dangerous.
Following are the risks of elderberries, which should be avoided.
Drops Blood Sugar Level Below Target
Diabetic patients should be cautious when consuming elderberries as these have been reported to drop blood sugar levels surpassing the target. Elderberries react with diabetes medications and make them have a more substantial effect on your body.
Causing Dehydration
Elderberries result in increased urination. If you are taking diuretics, this condition could worsen, causing you to dehydrate. Elderberries grow the impact of diuretics, making them more effective.
Weakens effects of Theophylline
If you are taking theophylline to treat your asthma conditions, elderberries could react with the drug and weaken its effectiveness.
Not Safe for Pregnant or Breastfeeding mothers
There hasn't been much research done to determine that elderberries are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. All health care professionals avoid recommending elderberries for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Interference of Elderberries with Medications
Elderberry consumption should be avoided with certain medications. Especially the immunity suppressing medications should be avoided like corticosteroids or prednisone. Aside from these, medicines used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases should not be paired with elderberries. People who have had recent organ transplants should also stay away from elderberries.
Elderberry Warning
You should be aware of the fact that the preparation of elderberry supplements at home could be hazardous. If your elderberries are not ripe enough, they can be toxic and prove to be dangerous. Raw elderberries also have adverse allergic reactions and are a cause of vomiting and nausea.
Be careful even when choosing from the elderberry supplements available in the market. Look for reputable companies with certifications and a seal of approval from food regulatory authorities. The seal ensures that the supplement contains adequate amounts of nutrients as mentioned on the label and is free from contamination.
Conclusion
Thus from the above overview, we can conclude that there are many benefits of elderberries. Therefore these should be consumed with care and caution to avoid developing the risks and side effects.
If proper caution is taken, we can benefit from elderberries' innumerable advantages, which could improve our health and keep many diseases, illnesses, and infections away. This could lead to a happier and healthier lifestyle.
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