Benefits of Elderberry for Smokers

Recent antioxidant studies conducted at Germany's Bundesforschungsanstalt Research Centre for Food suggest that anthocyanins found in elderberries have more antioxidant potential than either vitamin E or vitamin C. Anthocyanins are antioxidant flavonoids that impart inherent color, fragrance and flavor to fruits and vegetables. Research indicates that elderberry anthocyanins enhance immune functioning by boosting the production of cytokines, proteins that act as messengers. For smokers who suffer increased health risks due to smoking's free radical damage, these findings are promising.

Elderberries' Range

• Two varieties of elderberries are common. The European variety (Sambucus nigra) has historically been cultivated for medicinal uses and health-promoting properties. American elder is native to eastern and central North America. It can be found from Nova Scotia, Canada, south to the state of Florida, and west to Manitoba, Canada, and the state of Texas.

Smokers, Illness and Free Radicals

• Smoking is a prime factor in heart disease, stroke and chronic lung disease, can cause cancer of the lungs, larynx, oesophagus, mouth and bladder, and has been linked to cancers of the cervix, pancreas and kidneys. Research through the National Institute of Health (NIH) confirms that free radicals are involved in many smoking-related diseases. While tar deposited by smoke in the lungs has free radicals, it is the smoke that is concerning. Free radical concentrations in smoke are so high compared to smog, that "radical-mediated reaction" is certain to occur in healthy tissues. For years, it's been known that a number of antioxidants protect a variety of experimental animals against the effects of many types of chemical carcinogens.

Smokers and Antioxidant Flavonoids

• The anthocyanins in elderberry have been used for a wide range of vascular and pulmonary functioning. As support, researchers in a study at Tufts University in Boston found elderberry anthocyanins are quickly taken up into endothelial cell membranes where they prevented oxidation from hydrogen peroxide and other oxidants. In another study at the University of California, the relationship between a diet rich in antioxidant flavonoids, smokers and the risk of lung cancer was studied. Food intake and diet were evaluated in the sample comprised of 558 patients who had lung cancer and 837 healthy individuals and evaluated their food intake. Researchers found that certain flavonoids, especially those with catechins and quercetin were associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer.

Incorporating Elderberry into Your Diet

• Incorporating elderberry into your diet is quiet simple. Though the raw fruit is potentially toxic with high levels cyanide and can cause nausea and diarrhea, you can enjoy the fruit dried, cooked in syrup form, in pies, juices and in vitamin form.