Step aside, strawberries. Move over, blueberries. There’s a new (well, lesser known) berry in town and you need to sample it ASAP!
The elderberry (a.k.a. Sambucus nigra) is a purplish-black berry produced by the European elder tree, which is part of the honeysuckle family. Rich in antioxidants, it has been used to support immune health for centuries, and has slowly gained popularity in recent years.†
Wondering how you can incorporate this tiny, tart fruit into your diet? We’ve rounded up eight great ways to enhance your life with nourishing elderberries:
1. Elderberry juice
Who can resist a tall glass of sweet, refreshing fruit juice? Satisfy your craving with organic Biotta Elderberry Juice, which “can have a positive influence on the immune system and may be effective in relieving colds and flu.” Packed with potassium, it’s gluten-free, vegan and contains no GMOs!
2. Elderberry syrup
Concentrated syrup, like Vitacost Sambucus Elderberry Ultra-Concentrated Black Elderberry Extract Syrup, is another wonderful way to reap the rewards of the mighty elderberry. This rich, flavorful syrup contains 5,000 milligrams of black elderberry extract per teaspoon and should be taken four times daily with water. It even comes in a BPA-free bottle!
3. Elderberry drops
If juice and syrup simply aren’t your thing, consider taking elderberry drops. Nature's Way Sambucus Drops™ are made from “unique cultivar black elderberries with higher levels of naturally occurring flavonoids.” This ultra-strength elderberry solution can be added to water or taken directly.
4. Elderberry capsules
Add multi-purpose elderberries to your life in convenient capsule form with NOW Foods Elderberry Capsules. These easy-to-swallow vegetarian capsules have a 10 to one concentrate of elderberry extract and can be taken two to three times daily as a dietary supplement.
5. Elderberry gummies
If you’re a fan of candy (and really, who isn’t?!), you’ll appreciate elderberries in chewy, gummy form. Gluten- and gelatin-free, Nature's Way Sambucus Gummies taste delicious and “supports healthy immune function.”
6. Elderberry lozenges
Did you know that you can also enjoy the nourishing properties of elderberries in lozenges? Slow-dissolving Quantum Elderberry Lozenges, for instance, provide “immune defense” with 200 milligrams of elderberry, vitamin C, echinacea and more. And they have a delicious raspberry flavor!
7. Elderberry powder
The smart, soothing elderberry fruit is even available in powder form! Add one to two tablespoons of Eclectic Institute Elderberry Instant Immune Powder to hot or cold water three to four times daily. Freeze dried at its freshest, this potent powder is “harvested by hand in the Pacific Northwest to ensure peak activity and flavor.” Plus, it contains no preservatives, fillers, added sugars or alcohol.
8. Elderberry tea
The next time you’re craving a cuppa, enjoy a spot of elderberry tea. We recommend Traditional Medicinals Organic Echinacea Plus® Herbal Tea with Elderberry. It’s ethically sourced, caffeine-free and boasts a rich, fruity flavor you’re sure to savor (as well as all the benefits that come with consuming elderberries!).
†This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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