What are Anthocyanins?
Anthocyanins are the pigments that give red, blue, and purple fruits and vegetables (i.e. elderberries) their rich coloring. They’re a type of bioflavonoid, a class of compounds found only in plants that have powerful antioxidant effects. Plants produce these anthocyanins as a protective mechanism; and it turns out, those same bioflavonoids help protect human bodies too.
Historically, anthocyanins have been used in folk medicine for generations as a remedial measure. But it’s only recently that the measurable pharmacological properties of isolated anthocyanin pigments have been conclusively verified by in vivo, in vitro, or clinical research trials.
Basically, today’s science seems to back up yesteryear’s folklore. It’s something Norm has known intuitively all along: that elderberries are a nutritional force to reckon with.
What do anthocyanins do for the body?
We still have a lot to learn about the exact benefits of anthocyanins in the body, but we’re finding out that they play a role in fighting free radical damage, and protecting cells, tissues and other vital organs.
Getting your fill of anthocyanin-rich fruits and vegetables may help boost your overall health by offering up an array of nutrients and antioxidants your body needs to perform at its best.
When anthocyanins interact with microflora (organisms that live inside the intestines to help digest food) it has a positive effect on gut health.
Additionally, anthocyanins have shown to support hormonal balance by reducing estrogen.
And of course, anthocyanins have shown dramatic anti-inflammatory effects, boosting the production of cytokines that regulate your immune response.
Overall, adding foods containing these essential nutrients to your diet increases general wellness.
Elderberries & Anthocyanins
Elderberries are one of the richest sources of anthocyanin pigments. Elderberries produce a small blue-black fruit that is typically made into jellies, wine, extracts or other products and is rarely eaten fresh.
You can get high quality elderberry supplements from Norm’s Farms online, here at our site, or on Amazon, or even in selected Health Food and Fine Grocery stores.
Citations: What Are Anthocyanins?
https://www.longdom.org/proceedings/health-benefits-of-anthocyanins-30841.html
What are anthocyanins and why are purple foods so healthy?
Purple Fruits and Vegetables Are the Newest Superfoods
Anthocyanins: The Health-Promoting Phytonutrient in Dark Fruits and Veggies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/elderberries
https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128135723/polyphenols-properties-recovery-and-applications
Is Pure Elderberry Extract in your Wellness Kit?
You never know when an immune boost might help your day. Be ready!
Sip your way to a thinner you?
One more reason to make our elderberry juice recipe!
A Washington State University-led study has found that elderberry juice may aid weight management and improve metabolic health. In a week-long clinical trial with 18 overweight adults, those who consumed 12 ounces of elderberry juice daily experienced:
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Improved gut microbiome (more beneficial bacteria, fewer harmful ones)
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Better glucose tolerance (24% drop in blood glucose levels, 9% reduction in insulin levels)
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Increased fat oxidation, especially after meals and during exercise
These effects are attributed to elderberry’s high levels of anthocyanins, compounds with known anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties.
The study highlights elderberry's potential as a nutritional and commercial health aid, beyond its traditional use for immune support. The team is pursuing a patent and exploring elderberry-based supplements for weight and gut health, backed by USDA funding.
Further research is planned to assess elderberry’s long-term effects and potential in helping maintain weight loss after stopping medications.
Enhance the elderberry benefits of our extract and wellness syrups by incorporating our Daily Immune Organic Elderberry gummies, which feature DE-111 probiotics with research-backed results!
Elderberry from Ancient Times to Today
Elderberry is one of the most widely used medicinal plants around the world. Commonly taken as a supplement, it is best known for helping to relieve cold and flu symptoms. Because raw elderberries are very tart and potentially toxic, they must be cooked before consumption.
Historically, Indigenous peoples used elderberries to treat fevers and rheumatism, while ancient Egyptians valued the plant for improving skin health and healing burns. Today, elderberries continue to be harvested and used in traditional remedies throughout many parts of Europe.
Elderberries offer a range of potential health benefits. In addition to being rich in nutrients, they may help ease cold and flu symptoms, support cardiovascular health, and reduce inflammation and infections. They are low in calories and high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, including phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins.
Key Benefits of Elderberries
High in Nutrients:
Elderberries are a low calorie food packed with antioxidants.
One cup (145 grams) of fresh berries contain 106 calories, 26.7 grams of carbs, and less than 1 gram each of fat and protein
High in Vitamin C:
There are 52 mg of vitamin C per cup of fruit, which accounts for 57% of the daily value
High in Dietary Fiber:
Elderberries contain 10 grams of fiber per cup of fresh berries, about 36% of the daily value
Good Source of Phenolic Acids:
These compounds are potent antioxidants that can help reduce damage from oxidative stress in the body.
A Good Source of Flavonols:
Elderberry contains the antioxidant flavonols quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin.
Rich in Anthocyanins:
These compounds give the fruit its characteristic dark black-purple color and are a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects.
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