Elderberries have become popular due their health benefits that include lowering blood sugar levels and they can also act as an antioxidant when used properly as an ingredient or part of food products . Elderberries contain chemicals known as anthocyanins which can protect against harmful effects from oxidation and also decrease cholesterol levels within our bodies . It can also improve our body's natural response against certain cancers including colon cancer . It can also reduce inflammation which is very common nowadays especially after being exposed too much stress during day-to-day life and by reducing inflammation we prevent diseases like cancer . Elderberries are rich sources of many vitamins including vitamin A , vitamin C , vitamin E , riboflavin , thiamine , folate , calcium , iron , potassium , phosphorus , magnesium , manganese . It also contains flavonoids such as quercetin .