Researchers at the Washington State University have found that drinking 12 ounces of elderberry juice daily for a week causes positive changes in the gut microbiome and improves glucose tolerance and fat oxidation. According to research published in the journal ‘Nutrients’, study participants who drank elderberry juice had significantly increased amounts of beneficial gut bacteria, including firmicutes and actinobacteria, and decreased amounts of harmful bacteria, such as bacteroidetes. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for nutrient absorption and supports physical and mental health. The study says that, in addition to positive microbiota changes, the elderberry intervention resulted in improved metabolism. Participants showed significantly increased fat oxidation after a high-carb meal and during exercise. These positive effects are due to elderberry’s high concentration of anthocyanins, the plant-based bioactive compounds that have a variety of health benefits.