A new study by researchers from Washington State University found that elderberry juice could be an “effective tool” for weight management and improving metabolic health.
The study, published in the journal Nutrients, found that drinking 12 ounces of the drink for a week Elderberry juice Each day led to positive changes in the gut microbiome, a statement from Washington State University said.
“Elderberry is an underappreciated berry, both commercially and nutritionally,” said Patrick Solverson, associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Physiology at the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Solverson is one of the study's authors.
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He said the study results are “very exciting” and that scientists are “beginning to realize” the value of elderberries for human health.
The berries are small and dark, Purple berries Which grows on ancient trees native to Europe. It has long been promoted as a way to improve the immune system, a Washington State University statement noted.
Elderberry is found on the elderberry tree, which is native to Europe. (Istock)
The university said that the results of the study indicate that there may be other potential medical uses for elderberry.
“Food is medicine, and science is catching up to this popular wisdom,” Solverson said.
“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.”
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The study tested the metabolic health of 18 people Overweight adults.
During the experiment, participants drank either 12 ounces of elderberry juice each day, or a placebo that was colored to look and taste like elderberry.
“Food is medicine, and science is catching up with this popular wisdom.”
Their diet did not change, Washington State University said.
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After the experiment, researchers found that those who drank elderberry juice “had significantly increased amounts of beneficial gut bacteria, including Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, and decreased amounts of harmful bacteria, such as Bacteroidetes.”
Study participants consumed 12 ounces of elderberry juice daily for a week. (Istock)
The statement said that those who drank elderberry juice had improved metabolism.
“The results showed that elderberry juice reduced participants’ blood glucose levels by an average of 24%, indicating a significant improvement in the ability to process sugars after consuming carbohydrates,” Washington State University said.
Furthermore, those who drank elderberry juice saw a 9% decrease in their insulin levels.
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Elderberry may also enhance a person's ability to Burn fatThe statement said.
“Participants who consumed elderberry juice showed a significant increase in fat oxidation, or the breakdown of fatty acids, after a high-carbohydrate meal and during exercise,” Washington State University said.
Washington State University said those who drank elderberry juice during the experiment (not pictured) had improved metabolism. (Istock)
Elderberries are high in anthocyanins, which are “bioactive plant compounds that have a variety of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial effects.”
The statement said that the theory of these anthocyanins explains why these effects exist in humans.
While berries and other foods contain anthocyanins, cranberries contain a particularly high concentration of these compounds.
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“A person should consume four cups of blackberries daily to get the same dose of anthocyanins found in six ounces of elderberry juice,” Solverson said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Washington State University for further comment on the study.
