If you thought it wasn’t possible to speed up your metabolism in a week, check this out: New research has found that elderberry juice can significantly improve metabolism and blood sugar regulation in just seven days.

Elderberry has long been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions like colds and flu, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and more. You might be used to seeing it in gummy form as an immune-boosting supplement. Now, researchers from several American universities say improved metabolism is among its benefits.

Eighteen overweight but otherwise healthy adults participated in the study. Each drank 12 ounces of elderberry juice per day for a week with doses split between morning and night. They then did the same with a placebo beverage for another week. A three-week break separated the two study weeks.

Results showed that participants saw a 24% reduction in blood glucose levels following a high-carbohydrate meal after drinking elderberry juice for a week. Elderberry consumption was also linked to a 27% increase in fat burned compared with placebo consumption.

Researchers also found that elderberry juice increased bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, which are compounds essential to gut and metabolic health. Elderberry’s superpower comes from its high concentration of anthocyanins [ann-tho-sigh-ann-ins], compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic effects.

So, forget the metabolism-boosting energy drinks. Consider trying some elderberry juice to help manage your weight and improve your metabolic and immune health.