A regular intake of elderberry juice is associated with an enhanced blood glucose tolerance, fat oxidation and gut microbiota profile, new research has suggested.
Individuals who consume 355 grams of elderberry juice per day tend to see a 24% reduction in their blood glucose levels and nearly a 10% reduction in their insulin levels, as well as a 27% increase in fat oxidation, according to latest evidence.
The new study has found that regular consumption of elderberry juice also benefits an individual’s gut microbiota profile by improving microbial communities.
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These results suggest that drinking elderberry juice for as little as one week may help people with a BMI of more than 25 kg/m2 to better manage their weight.
Approximately 18 adults living with overweight took part in the study. They were randomly placed into either the intervention group or the control group.
Participants in the intervention group had to drink elderberry juice two times per day for one week, while those in the control group had a flavour and colour matched placebo beverage daily for one week.
All of the participants had to follow a 40% fat diet during the study.
Each participant also had to fill in surveys throughout the trial.
The research has shown that a high intake of elderberry juice boosted the abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria and reduced the abundance of Bacteroidetes at the phylum level.
Participants in the intervention group experienced a significant reduction in respiratory quotient during moderate physical activity compared to those in the control group, the study has reported.
Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.
Previous research has found that a Mediterranean-style diet can combat health problems linked with obesity. A Mediterranean-style diet contains higher amounts of fruits and vegetables.
High amounts of cyanidin-based anthocyanins are found in elderberry juice. Anthocyanins are a subclass of flavonoids with known health benefits against obesity-related morbidities, such as dyslipidaemia, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
The study was published in the journal Nutrients.
