17 Feb Aronia Berry, The Antioxidant Vitamin Berry You Didn’t Know About
It is a widely accepted belief that berries[1] are amongst the healthiest fruits on earth, particularly strawberries and blueberries that serve as popular ingredients for pastries and salads. In comparison to these commercially known berries, Aronia berries can be considered to be one of the rarer varieties.
This is probably the first time you have heard of such a fruit. “Aronia” means berries that grow on shrubs. It is also known as chokeberries due to its sharp, astringent taste.
Originating from North America, the history of Aronia berries traces back to precolonial times where it was consumed as an ingredient for energy-boosting snacks or brewed into decoctions to alleviate cold symptoms[2]. While it is relatively less well-known compared to other types of berries, Aronia berries are increasingly gaining more attention for their health benefits including high-antioxidant content and anti-cancer properties.
What Are The Benefits of Aronia berries?
This healthy berry contains higher levels of antioxidants and anthocyanins than most types of fruits. One serving of Aronia berries contains 11.6 times more antioxidant vitamins than an apple and 3.4 times more than strawberries[3].
If you have read our previous article on antioxidant supplements, you will know how they help to protect your cells from oxidative damage and delays ageing. Anthocyanins benefit the body in similar ways. [4]
The anthocyanins content in Aronia berries helps to reduce inflammation related to diabetes and fight against insulin resistance. Past studies concluded that consumption of Aronia berry extract has a positive impact in controlling blood glucose levels. People with pre-diabetic symptoms can consider including more Aronia berries in their meals.
In a 2004 study conducted by researchers from the University of Maryland[5], Aronia berry extract has been proven useful in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, especially colon cancer. In another 2009 study run by researchers from the University of Lodz[6], Aronia berries have proven to be effective in reducing oxidative damage on normal cells among breast cancer patients.
Besides its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, Aronia berries are believed to protect the body against coronary artery disease. Many cardiovascular diseases occurred as a result of obstructed blood flow due to the hardening of arteries and tensing of vessels. Aronia berry extract helped to relax the blood vessels to facilitate better blood flow and reduce pressure in the arteries.
In addition, Aronia berries are found to improve circulatory, respiratory and digestive functions within the body by protecting the organs from chemical damage.
Ways To Include Aroniaberries In Your Diet
Aronia berries can be consumed in many forms. You can enjoy them fresh if you are used to their texture. If not, you can mix the berries into your breakfast muffins, pancakes or even mid-day snack cookies. Alternatively, you can blend them with other berries into a fruit juice to remove the mouth-drying sensation that is often deemed unpleasant.
People with busy lifestyles who have no time to prepare fresh berries or blend juices can opt for Aronia berry extract as a complement to their daily fruit intake. One of the available options on the market is Unique Time Rejuvenate, an all-natural ready-to-drink antioxidant supplement beverage extracted from 7 different berries including Aronia berries.
Now that you have learnt some of the benefits of the Aronia berry, why not give these vitamin powerhouse a try?
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