We are accustomed to live against the clock and, unfortunately, many times we end up sacrificing time that we should dedicate to our personal care. This causes that, as soon as the holidays arrive and we relax, our defenses go down and that is when we fall ill.
(What do I have to have for dinner to wake up with a flat stomach? The advice of the experts)
Nature is wise and We are lucky to have countless varieties of plants suitable for strengthening our health as he elder, one of the most widely used medicinal plants in the world, with a multitude of beneficial properties for the body.
What is elderberry?
The elderberry is a shrub that usually grows in sunny locations, especially in the British Isles. It’s a plant It has been used since ancient times for its enormous antioxidant capacity.For example, the Egyptians used it to heal burns and as a strengthening tonic.
They contain a large amount of minerals and vitamins that give them great properties and health benefits.
Properties
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Fight colds and flu: According to a study conducted at the Technical University of Queensland, elderflowers and berry extract reduce the intensity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
This is because the compounds in elderberries block the enzymes that the flu virus uses to enter cells and inhibit their multiplication. It is a natural and safe alternative that prevents infections and improves the immune response.
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Strengthens the heart: It acts positively on various risk factors for the heart such as hypertension or high levels of sugar and uric acid in the blood. The high anthocyanin content of elderberries explains the beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.
- Improves mood: It is also a good serotonin generator, working with a natural antidepressant effect.
- Help with fluid retention: Stimulates the elimination of excess fluid through urine.
- Fight early aging: The antioxidants, as well as the flavonoids and anthocyanins present in the plant, provide protection to the cells of the body, being able to reduce cell degeneration, reducing the effects of aging in the body.
- Improves the digestive system and helps lose weight: It is rich in fiber, which helps keep waste moving through the colon and helps prevent serious diseases, such as colon cancer. In addition, it has natural diuretic properties, due to its low calories it is an ideal snack to eat between meals and it also has laxative properties, which helps in case of constipation.
elderberry infusions
There are two ways to incorporate elderberry into our diet through infusions.
- Flower infusion: It is prepared with two teaspoons full of fresh or dried flowers in a quarter of a liter of boiling water. Let it rest for a few minutes and take it three times a day.
- Leaf infusion: It is prepared in a similar way to the infusion of flowers, using two level teaspoons of leaves. The only drawback is that, despite having similar properties, its smell is not very pleasant.
Other slimming infusions
- Guarana tea
It is prepared with the seeds of guarana, a plant native to the Brazilian Amazon that has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes for its stimulant and medicinal properties. In recent years it has been gaining popularity around the world for its beneficial health properties, but above all for its slimming properties.
- mint teaAlso known as mint tea, it is an infusion for weight loss that, in addition to its benefits for losing weight, has also gained popularity around the world for its refreshing, but above all relaxing properties. In addition to relax and reduce stress and anxietycan help achieve long-term weight loss while you sleep.
- Infusion of thyme and lemon
This type of infusion to lose weight and with a satiating effect, it can be made naturally at home and is a drink that combines the benefits of the well-known aromatic herb with medicinal properties and on the other hand, lemon (a fruit rich in vitamin C and antioxidants).
- matcha tea
This type of infusion to lose weight and which also helps regulate menstruation is another great ally for weight loss. A type of green tea popular throughout the world for its many health benefits. Caffeine can temporarily increase the metabolic rate in the body, which can translate into burning more calories.
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