What We Know About American Elderberry & Metabolic Health

A recent study from Washington State University is bringing new attention to something we’ve believed for a long time—elderberry is more than just an immune-support fruit.

New Research Highlights Powerful Benefits

In a clinical trial published in the journal Nutrients, researchers found that drinking elderberry juice daily led to measurable improvements in metabolic health in just one week.

Participants who consumed elderberry juice experienced:

  • Improved gut health with increased beneficial bacteria

  • Better blood sugar control (average reduction of 24%)

  • Lower insulin levels (down about 9%)

  • Increased fat burning during both rest and exercise  

These findings suggest elderberry may play a role in weight management and overall metabolic function.

Why Elderberry Works

The key lies in compounds called anthocyanins—the pigments that give elderberries their deep purple color.

These natural plant compounds are known for:

  • Anti-inflammatory effects

  • Supporting healthy blood sugar levels

  • Promoting cardiovascular and metabolic health

In fact, researchers noted that elderberries contain such high levels of anthocyanins that you would need to eat multiple cups of other berries to match the same dose found in a small serving of elderberry juice  

A Growing Area of Research

While elderberry has been used for generations as a natural remedy, especially for immune support, this study opens the door to new potential uses in metabolic health and weight management.

Researchers emphasize that this is an early study with a small group, but the results are promising and further research is already underway  

What This Means for You

At North Florida Elderberry, we’ve always believed in the power of this fruit—not just from tradition, but from what we’re now seeing confirmed in science.

As research continues to grow, one thing is becoming clear:

Elderberry isn’t just an immune booster—it’s a functional food with real, measurable benefits for whole-body health.


Chase Cannady Chase Cannady

Recipe’s

It all begins with an idea.

This is a great recipe for those who enjoy added antioxidants into their adult beverages. It was actually created by the Tallahassee Historical Society and shared with us. So with no further a do, here we go

Elderberry Old Fashioned With North Florida Elderberry Syrup

1.5 oz Old Forester 100 proof Bourbon

1/2 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon

1/2 oz North Florida Elderberry, Elderberry Syrup

2 shakes each orange, cherry and old fashioned bitters

Directions: Shake the above with ice in a shaker

Pour the liquid (not the ice) over large, chunked ice into whiskey glass.

Wipe an orange peel on lip of glass and drop into drink.

add a Woodford Reserve Bourbon cherry and ENJOY!!

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FLORIDA FARM AND FAMILY ARTICLE

We had the honor of being featured in the Florida Farm And Family Magazine. This was a great experience and really helped share our story with the public. Click the link below to read the article.