New research published in the journal Nutrients suggests that regularly drinking elderberry juice may improve weight and metabolic health through positive gut microbiome changes, improved glucose tolerance, and better fat oxidation.
The randomized controlled trial included 18 volunteers who were overweight or obese but who did not have other chronic health conditions. Participants were randomized in a 5-week crossover trial that included consuming either elderberry juice or placebo twice daily for week-long periods while maintaining an otherwise standardized diet. During the trial, participants underwent clinical testing that included monitoring of their gut microbiotas as well as testing of metabolic factors such as blood glucose and fat oxidation. The goal of the study was to see whether elderberry juice, which has long been used as a medicinal plant, may affect glucose regulation and the gut microbiota.
The results of the study showed that consumption of elderberry juice was associated with positive changes to the gut microbiota, including increases in bacteria considered beneficial and decreases in harmful bacteria. Elderberry juice consumption was further associated with improved metabolism; participants who drank elderberry juice had their blood glucose levels reduced by 24% and their insulin levels reduced by 9% compared to placebo. Consumers of elderberry juice also saw significantly increased fat oxidation, or the breakdown of fatty acids associated with burning fat, during exercise and after high-carbohydrate meals.
The authors believe the positive changes associated with elderberry juice consumption are due to the high concentration of anthocyanins in elderberry juice. Anthocyanins are bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-microbial properties. Many berries contain anthocyanins, but elderberries have a particularly high concentration. In the future, elderberries and elderberry juice may become a popular and more natural way to manage weight and metabolism.
Sources: Nutrients, Science Daily
