Elderberry and beta glucan have both proven to be effective dietary supplements for boosting the immune system. But many people are still not sure which one is best for their needs. To help, this article will compare the two and explain why beta glucan may be a better option than elderberry if you’re looking to improve your overall immunity.
What is Elderberry?
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Its dark purple or black berries are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as flavonoids, anthocyanins, quercetin, rutin, pectin, fiber, and trace metals.
Historically used for its medicinal properties such as lowering inflammation and reducing fever symptoms, elderberries are also known for their antioxidant effects which can help promote healthier immunities by fighting off stressors like free radicals. In recent years it has become increasingly popular as a natural home remedy for colds and flu-like viruses.
What is Beta Glucan?
Beta glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides (complex sugars) found in many edible fungi including mushrooms. They can also be extracted from other sources such as barley, oats, wheat, and yeast. Depending on their source and molecular structure beta glucans are classified into two categories: unbranched (1-3) beta-glucans or branched (beta 1-6).
Both types can be used therapeutically due to their unique immunological activity when bound by specialized receptors on cell surfaces called ‘pattern recognition receptors’ (PRRs). These PRRs recognize molecular patterns associated with pathogens or viruses thereby triggering an immune response accordingly.
How Do Elderberry And Beta Glucan Compare?
Both elderberry and beta glucan offer potential benefits when it comes to improving our natural immunity against foreign agents like bacteria or viruses found in our environment but there are several important factors to consider when comparing these two supplements:
Immune System Activation – While elderberries are rich in antioxidants which can help boost our immunity levels naturally over time through regular consumption; studies indicate that β-glucans have greater impact on overall immunity due to their ability to activate specific pathways within the immune system immediately upon binding with PRR’s inducing an immediate response against invaders while stimulating production of white blood cells needed for optimal protection .
Safety – Elderberries have been found safe in short term use but long term use should be avoided due to potential toxicity issues while β-glucins pose no known side effects even following long term usage .
Ease of Use – Elderberries must be consumed regularly & consistently over time before any beneficial effects may be observed whereas β-glucans do not require continual intake rather; its active ingredients provide an immediate effect upon contact with receptor sites allowing users the convenience of taking them only when needed without needing multiple tablets per day unlike other alternatives .
Potency – Studies suggest that elderberry’s offer weaker levels of potency compared with β-glucans making beta glucan a preferred choice amongst many healthcare practitioners seeking more effective treatment options when evaluating different dietary supplement choices.
Our Beta Glucan Supplement Choice
Better Way Health’ Beta Glucan 500 is a dietary supplement designed to boost the body’s natural immunity and help protect against foreign invaders. Using highly purified Beta Glucans, this supplement helps to strengthen the immune system to prepare for a fight.
The Beta Glucans bind together in a way that is more easily absorbed into the bloodstream, allowing more of its immune boosting properties to be put to use within a shorter period of time.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately it’s up to each individual person to decide what type of supplement they wish to use. However, based on current research & evidence accumulating suggests that β-glucans appear to provide more effective results than Elderberries.
β-glucans stimulate our immune systems directly via PRR activation while offering convenient dosing and a safety profile suitable for all ages & genders. β-glucans provide users reassurance knowing they’re using the safest course action to protect themselves in a natural manner without need for chemical interventions. Using β-glucans alleviates stress related illness helping you lead a healthier lifestyle in the long run.
