Good Lifestyle

Cold season and flu comes every year where temperatures fall. The cough choir and sneezing begins at his in the office, and at the same time, coming tea, hand disinfectant, and vitamin C to keep the germs away. The search for anything and everything to stimulate the start of the immune system. And one of the latest superaliments touted to help you stay healthy during the cold months is the elderberry. "Recipes" are elderberryon pinterest trend, And the purple bay is popping in tons of supplements support immunity,gummies pelletsyrup.

But are elderberry actually a legitreminder of immunity? We asked for an RD and a doctor to weigh on the health benefits of the elderberry.

What are elderberry?

"Elderberries are in North America, Europe, Asia and North Africa," said Registered Based in Seattle Dietitian Ginger Hultin, spokesman for theAcademy of Nutrition and Dietary and owner ofChampagne Nutrition. "They can be used in cooking, often in desserts like other berries, and also have medicinal virtues that are likely to come from their unique antioxidants. »

As with other types of berries, elderberry are also rich invitamin C andfiber.A first cup of elderberry Nutrients contains 10.2 grams of fibers and 52.2 milligrams of vitamin C.

The Surreau plant, called Sambucus Nigra, has many regions, but it is the flowers and berries that pack the punch of immunity.

What are used for elderberry?

Sceau have been found to help reduce the symptoms of influenza in a number of small studies, thanks to their antiviral properties. "There is evidence to show that they can take care of human immune systems in the time of the disease, so it's not surprising that they are becoming a superimate now," says Hultin of the berries.

A 2019 study published in theFunctional Food Journal found that compounds called anthocyanidines (phytonutrients that give their purple elderly color) were found to inhibit the entry and replication of the influenza virus in human cells. Not only that, but it was also found to helpStrengthen the immune response to the Body Influenza Virus.

Another study published in theJournal of International Medical Research Also found that the elderberry syrup has been effective in shortening the symptoms of the flu. Study participants have a placebo or 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup four times a day for five days. The group that took the elderberry reported an improvement in the symptoms of influenza after three to four days, while the placebo group reported the same seven to eight days in the disease.

There is also a third study that had similar results. A 2009 study published in thePharmacology and online pharmacology log Used Scenau Extract for Losanges his participants in the study. Sixty-four participants in the study were divided into two groups, a placebo group and another that was given four doses of elderberry extract pellets for two days. After 24 hours, the significant improvement Autodéclared Group Event of their pseudo-influenza symptoms. And within 48 hours, 28 percent of the Event group indicated that they were totally empty of all the symptoms, so none in the placebo group reported the same thing.

If you try ecoureau supplements?

Like all herbal supplements, the FDA does not regulate them, which means safety and normalization (ensuring each batch has the same / correct power) are in place for manufacturers and distributors.

"It does not mean that there is no good quality, the trusted supplements there, because there is," said Hultin. "Many companies pay for a third party to ensure the purity and normalization of their products, so always something to check on a label. She also suggests checking theThe FDA website For tips on how to find the bestfood supplements.

And while many recipes are available online for the elder's syrup, it is important to know that it can be extremely risky.

"You have to be very careful if you do your own at home," saysElizabeth Bradley, MD, Medical Director of the Functional Medicine Center at Cleveland Clinic. "You do not want to take whole flowers and bays and raw materials. Uncooked elderberry can ingesting lead to intoxication. »

Scenau also contain cyanogen glycosides, A toxic compound, so they must be cooked to avoid cyanide poisoning. For this reason, you are better than buying elderberries already created.

"I would not recommend raw, and I suggest breaking yours," says Dr. Bradley. "You should take it if you are exposed to more people and more situations where you could get the flu (like the flu season), but pay attention to the dosing instructions to avoid ending with GI symptoms. "

RELATED: Sugar-free recipes, you can not wait to eat.

Are there negative side effects of eating commodities?

In addition to the risk of cyanide poisoning (which you should not have not if you use a secure endpoint), other side effects to take too much more Sunderberry include gastric problems, such as nausea, Vomiting and diarrhea, declares Dr. Bradley.

And because many commodities are at syrup or a gummy form, you will also want to pay attention to the sugar content. Dr. Bradley recommends searching for scrubs or syrup with less than five grams of sugar per serving.

Of course, students do not replace the influenza vaccine or medical help if you really do not have a bad case of influenza.

"The most important thing to understand is that if a person has flu symptoms, they need to seek medical care," says Hultin. "They can ask whether older people or not are safe for them because some potential interactions with medications may require guidelines, including immunosuppressants. The flu is a very serious illness and should be supported by a medical team for safety. "

If you encounter influenza flu symptoms, commodities can be a useful way to relieve some of the pain associated with the disease. But influenza is still a serious condition that requires medical treatment and commodities are aextra charge, No replacement of medical assistance.