As you’re scrolling through social media, it’s easy to spot all the new trends. One thing however is not a trend, or a fad, and it’s not going away anytime soon- elderberry syrup.
What makes elderberries special?
Elderberries are a dark purple fruit that grow from a shrub and are a rich source of antioxidants and Vitamin C. Due to the elderberry’s high Vitamin C levels and antiviral properties, it has the capability to reduce the severity of common infections. Elderberry doesn’t “boost your immune system,” rather it helps your immune system regulate itself so it can do its job better.
As a scientist, I refer to the elderberry as an immunomodulator. It fosters an appropriate atmosphere for the immune system to function at its best so you can be protected from invaders you encounter.
But watch the sugar content…
Many of the elderberry syrups/gummies available at your local drugstore can be delicious to taste, but unfortunately this means they are made with massive amounts of sugar. Even though they might be tasty, they aren’t as beneficial to your body. Sugar reduces how white blood cells perform and competes with Vitamin C. Due to the competition happening inside your body, the benefits of the elderberries are stunted drastically. Which means when high amounts of sugar are present, the powerful benefits of the elderberries is minimized greatly.
The sugar in elderberry syrup is derived from the type of honey used in their ingredients. Most commercial elderberry syrups are approximately 30% honey by volume… 5 grams of sugar for 2 teaspoons of syrup… that’s a lot of sugar! Elderberry syrup doesn’t need to be sugary or thick to be effective. In fact, any more than 6% honey by volume has zero positive impact and can actually be detrimental.
The type of honey matters
“But honey is healthy, so the sugar in honey is healthy too.” Sorry, but no. Sugar is sugar. In fact, honey is close to 30% glucose and about 40% fructose. Fructose is the sugar found in fruit. It is very easily broken down and spikes blood sugar that signals insulin, hindering the immune system from fighting off viruses. And if honey is heated, it loses it's health benefits and becomes a simple, fast sugar.
The Essential Homemaker’s Elderberry Syrup contains 6% by volume Raw Manuka honey. Manuka honey is a product of New Zealand created by bees that pollinate the Manuka tree. It is a unique form of honey because it activates the TLR4 pathway to activate the innate immune system- meaning Manuka honey has a positive impact on the immune system rather than suppressing it, and Raw Manuka honey also has considerably higher levels of enzymes as well.
What makes Essential Homemaker Elderberry Syrup so effective?
It has just 1 gram of sugar and 1 gram organic elderberries per 1 tablespoon serving, a far lower amount of sugar (compared to other syrups) while still providing potent therapeutic levels of elderberry. This is especially important for those with diabetes, sugar sensitivities such as Candida overgrowth, or for those looking to reduce carbohydrate intake due to dietary preferences.
With the lower amounts of sugar combined with Raw Manuka honey, Essential Homemaker Elderberry Syrup is not thick or overly sweet. It is also steeped slowly at very low temperatures to retain beneficial levels of antioxidants and flavonoids contained within the elderberry. The final product is a potent powerhouse that you can trust to help keep you and family healthy and well all year long.
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