We’ve always thought it was a good idea to trust the wisdom of our elders, but does that include the elderberry? Unless you remember this famous Monty Python insult, many of you are probably scratching your head right now at the mention of that unfamiliar fruit. But don’t let the silly name fool you – the health benefits they can deliver are no joke, according to Science Daily: “Elderberry juice shows benefits for weight management, metabolic health.” A recent study found that drinking elderberry juice daily for a week may bring about a number of positive effects on blood glucose levels, fat oxidation, and microbiome health. It appears that the juice helped participants process sugars and fats after their meals, possibly due to the high concentration of anthocyanins found in the berry. They also discovered a helpful antimicrobial effect that seemed to reduce bad bacteria in the gut, while preserving beneficial bacteria. That reminds us of the benefits of apple cider vinegar, which you learn about in this recent story: “Is Apple Cider Vinegar Really That Good For You?” ACV is also known to have useful antimicrobial properties, specifically related to E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus (the bacteria that causes staph infections). Like elderberries, ACV can also help you manage blood sugar levels, lowering your risk of developing conditions like diabetes or heart disease. These two ingredients would pack a heck of a 1-2 punch of health benefits in a smoothie. The only question is, does anybody have a recipe that blends them in a tasty way? Our DMs are open for suggestions.

#SmoothieOperator