Among all berries, aronia berries have been gaining popularity among people that are looking to include more superfoods to their diets. The small dark berries of the Aronia melanocarpa plant are packed with nutrients and antioxidants, vitamin C and polyphenol and anthocyanins. The unique features of those nutrients are the amazing cell protection capabilities and regenerative qualities.
The aronia plant has an incredible ability to produce blue pigments to protect itself from ultraviolet radiation and production of free radicals. By absorbing UV rays, leaf and skin pigments filter intense sunlight, serve antioxidant functions and thereby have a role assuring regeneration of the plant.
Science aside aronia offers incredible health benefits and there are multiple research studies that suggest the following:
- Cell protection and regeneration: Aronia berries have the highest antioxidant capacity among berries and other fruits. Antioxidants are believed to protect against cancer, heart disease and to slow down aging in general. They are also a crucial component of anti-aging diets as they can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of environmental pollutants, the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, and other factors that cause your body to produce free radicals.
- Supporting the immune function: In a recent study published in Food Chemistry, aronia berries were compared with rosehip, hawthorn, blackcurrant, blueberry, and rowanberry for their antioxidant and antimicrobial abilities against 11 human pathogens. Aronia showed strong antimicrobial properties against a wide range of microorganisms.
- Flu fighter: In mouse models, (poor mice – thank you) use of aronia – protected the animals from lethal challenges of the flu virus. The authors of the research say that two constituents found in berries: ellagic acid and myricetin, ‘have potential as influenza therapeutics.’ Aronia berries have traditionally been used by Potawatomi indians to cure colds, the anti-viral properties and high vitamin C content makes this an extraordinary superfood.
- Lowering cholesterol and blood pressure: Several studies have looked at the impact of aronia berry extract and concluded the positive effect in reducing high cholesterol and high blood pressure – two factors associated with heart disease.
Best Recipe:
Fresh aronia berries are used to make juice, jam, syrup, and wine. Dried aronia berries, which are available in many health food stores, can be eaten as a healthy snack or added to breakfast cereals.
Most convenient and tastiest way to consume aronia berries is by drinking the juice, here is my favorite recipe:
First thing in the morning try to mix hot water, a slice of lemon and a splash of aronia juice or aronia concentrate – drink warm! Another delicious recipe is mixing water, apple juice and aronia juice – super healthy and delicious!