We Know Our Sources: Health Junkie Elderberry Syrup
As we prepare to brave the harsh conditions that visit us in the Midwest this time of year, it’s always helpful to have some good wellness remedies on hand. One ingredient that is great to stock up on is elderberry and Nicole Lazar, founder of Health Junkie, has got you covered.
Elderberry syrup has been a rising phenomenon in the world of wellness, and Nicole has her own version that will make your immune system and your taste buds happy.
Elderberry syrup comes from the berries found on elder tree plants. Although the seeds, stems and leaves and roots of the elderberry on their own can make people quite ill, when cooked into a supplement or syrup by a trusted, licensed producer, this seasonal ingredient has the ability to reduce the length and severity of cold and flu symptoms, which has led to its recent popularity. It contains an enzyme that blocks the ability of a virus to break into our cell walls, thus preventing it from replicating and spreading throughout the body. Antioxidants are also found in elderberries, which offer anti-inflammatory benefits that aid in reducing joint and muscle pain. An extra added bonus is that elderberries contain vitamin A, which can help soothe the skin, reduce the appearance of age spots and prevent or lessen wrinkles.
Elderberry can come in many forms. It can be taken as a lozenge or gummy supplement and can also be found in foods such as jams, pies and, most recently, syrup.
A well-loved favorite at Heinen’s when it comes to wellness is Health Junkie’s Elderberry Syrup. Elderberry, like many supplements, isn’t known for having the sweetest flavor. Nicole, however, has found a way to tame its tangy and bitter taste while preserving the important healthful benefits that make it so special.
She noted that many elderberry supplements are loaded with sugar to hide their unpleasant taste. This can become counter-productive to preventing the common cold and flu, especially when your immune system is already weak. Her solution to savor elderberry’s benefits while improving the taste has been to find flavors that complement the natural flavor of the elderberry rather than trying to cover it up.
While Nicole has her hands full with kids at home, she utilizes their nap and bedtimes to focus on Health Junkie Elderberry Syrup, which she launched in the summer of 2018. Her interest in exploring elderberries began in 2016. As a certified holistic health practitioner, she figured she may be able to use her background to find a way to make an even better version on her own — and she certainly succeeded.
It’s become a very special craft of hers, one that she puts a lot of love and energy into. She goes to a commercial kitchen in downtown Cleveland to concoct her syrups. Once they’re all packaged up and ready to go, Nicole loads the syrups into her car and personally delivers them to Heinen’s warehouse with her kids by her side.
Her syrups launched at Heinen’s in November of 2018 and Nicole never could have imagined the amount of support she’s received. Heinen’s now carries three flavors of Health Junkie Elderberry Syrup — Sassy Cinnamon, Bold Ginger and Cheeky Tart Cherry.
These syrups can be incorporated to your meal in a myriad of ways. Most days, Nicole loves to take a tablespoon of syrup straight for an extra boost, and her little ones take a teaspoon with her. When they’re feeling under the weather, they take it every few hours. She also recommends mixing it into coffee, tea or smoothies. Best of all, it tastes delicious drizzled over waffles, ice cream or yogurt and mixed into salad dressings. Its uses are endless!
If you’re in need of a natural, yummy and healthy ingredient during these cold months, look no further than Health Junkie’s Elderberry Syrups. Your immune system and your taste buds will thank you!
For more information on elderberry syrup, please visit Health Junkie’s website.
We recommend consulting with your physician before starting a new supplement. If you’re interested in learning more about the Vitamins and Supplements we carry, stop by your local Heinen’s Wellness Department. Our Wellness Consultants are happy to assist you!
