Aronia Berry – The Antioxidant-Rich Berry Full of Benefits

Aronia Berry, also called chokeberries, has a scientific name, Aronia Melanocarpa. It belongs to the plant family Rosacea and sub-family Amygdaloideae. This berry grows 2 to 3 meters and has white flowers that produce small dark purple berries. They have their origin in Europe and parts of North America.

It has a perfect amount of antioxidants and offers various health benefits. For example, it helps prevent heart diseases, kidney diseases, diabetes, arthritis, etc. In ancient times, Native Americans used Aronia berry for treating colds and coughs. However, people use it in jams, wines, juices, and colourants in current times.

The HealthifyMe Note

Aronia Berry got the status of superfruit because of its enormous benefits, among which the primary benefit is its antioxidant-rich properties. It contains antioxidants like phenolic acids, flavanols, and anthocyanins, higher than any other berries. 

Nutritional Value of Aronia Berries

As per USDA, 100 grams of micro-dried Aronia berry has the following nutrients:

• Energy: 374 Kcal
• Carbohydrate: 83.3 g
• Fibre: 25 g
• Sugar: 25 g
• Calcium: 167 mg
• Iron: 3 mg

Health Benefits of Aronia Berries and its Extract

Excellent Source of Antioxidants 

Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in our bodies. Unfortunately, several diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart problems are associated with the formation of free radicals. The primary cause of radical damage to cells is oxidative stress. 

Aronia berries are a rich source of antioxidants, according to research. They combat oxidative stress and prevent radical damage. As per studies, extract from Aronia berry is also used in chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer because of its antioxidant properties. According to research, pomace made from Aronia berries has more significant antioxidant potential than its raw or liquid form.

Helps Protect Against Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a central nervous system disorder that causes nerve cell damage in the brain and causes tremors. A study shows that moderate intake of Aronia berries extract may prevent neurotoxicity. In addition, since Aronia berry is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, it protects against neuronal cell death. 

As a result, it helps people with Parkinson’s disease. But these studies also show that only low doses have protective effects while taking high doses can be harmful.

Aronia Berry May help in Arthritis

Arthritis is a problem that causes swelling and pain in joints, accompanied by joint pain and stiffness and worsens with age. Since Aronia berry is rich in antioxidants, it may reduce inflammation and help patients with arthritis.

A study shows Aronia berry extracts with about 25% anthocyanins minimise the level of inflammation. As arthritis causes chronic inflammation, Aronia berries extract can help treat it.

Helps in Hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia is high cholesterol in the blood. As per a study, fruits of Aronia melanocarpa contain many phenols that benefit heart health.

In addition, the study found that two months of Aronia supplementation resulted in decreased cholesterol concentration and a decrease in lipid peroxidation.

Helps Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases

Stroke, heart and kidney failure are some of the significant health issues a vast population faces today. One of the most important causes of these issues is unregulated blood pressure. If left untreated, high blood pressure may lead to such problems. 

Aronia berry is beneficial for blood pressure or hypertension patients. Aronia berry supplementation is a safe and effective way to reduce total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, with even more significant effects among adults over 50. Study results suggest that daily supplementation with Aronia berry extracts for 6-8 weeks reduces systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol. These effects are most significant in adults over the age of 50 years.

Can Prevent Cancer

One of the significant causes of cancer is free radicals that occur due to oxidative stress. Antioxidants effectively combat oxidative stress and prevent damage from free radicals. Since Aronia berry is rich in antioxidants, it can effectively fight cancer-causing free radicals. 

A study demonstrates that Aronia Milanocarpa, also called black chokeberry, is abundant in polyphenols, which help in antioxidant activity. It further suggests that phenolic content helps in determining cancer cell Inhibitory activity. Hence, Aronia berry can effectively prevent cancer.

Aronia Berry Boosts Immunity

Aronia berry is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C enhances the production of white blood cells, which fight off infections. Furthermore, a study suggests that polyphenolic compounds of Aronia stimulate the immune system, which makes it an excellent immunity booster. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it healthier.

Helps in Liver Fibrosis

As per science, liver fibrosis is a term that means the accumulation of access to cellular extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen. It is the main reason for many types of chronic liver diseases. Liberal fibrosis, if left untreated, can even lead to liver failure, cirrhosis or portal hypertension. 

A study showcases the positive effect of Aronia berry in reducing mild fibrosis. It states that Aronia berry can reduce mild fibrosis induced by a high-fat diet. Although these results are from an animal study, several healthcare experts believe that Aronia berry will have a similar effect on humans. Furthermore, the beneficial impact of Aronia berries on liver fibrosis reduces the development of liver cancer and insulin resistance, reducing the risk of liver diseases.

Can Help Regulate Blood Sugar in Type-1 Diabetes

One of the primary causes of type 1 diabetes is the destruction or damage of beta-pancreatic cells. Since Aronia Berry rich is a source of antioxidants like flavonoids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins, it has anti-inflammatory properties. 

A study proves that Aronia berry decreases blood sugar levels and enhances the protective effect against beta-pancreatic cells. It also confirms the anti-diabetic effect of Aronia berry and considers it safe for usage.

Helps Combat Kidney Diseases

The antioxidant-rich properties of Aronia Berry help reduce oxidative stress on kidneys and prevent radical damage. Moreover, Studies show that Aronia Berry helps relax the veins and arteries and thus lower blood pressure. 

Research also suggests that the anthocyanins in Aronia Berry help suppress lipid peroxidation and inflammation in Renal injury. However, this study is limited to acute renal injury.

Aronia Berry Improves Skin Health

Like most benefits of Aronia berry, its skin benefits are also due to its antioxidant properties. The antioxidant properties of Aronia berry make it an excellent anti-ageing berry. In addition, it helps protect your skin from harmful UV radiation. Furthermore, it is beneficial in the photoprotective property against the skin. The vitamin C content in Aronia berry is also helpful for the skin.

The HealthifyMe Note:

Most of Aronia Berries’ benefits come from its extracts. However, since Aronia berry has a bitter taste, most people consume its extracts to reap its benefits.

Adverse Effects of Aronia Melanocarpa (Aronia Berry)

Dry Mouth

As per research, the tannin in Aronia berry leads to dryness of the mouth and sometimes bitter taste. So it is advisable to consume it with yoghurt, smoothies, fruit juices, etc.

A study also shows that tannin binds with proteins in saliva, reducing salivation and drying the mouth.

Constipation or Diarrhoea

Aronia Berry is rich in polyphenols. A study shows that polyphenols are sometimes not well absorbed in the Gastrointestinal tract. However, the subject requires more research to come to conclusions. Thus, it is still best to consume them in moderation. 

Ways to Include Aronia Berry in Your Diet

As Aronia Berry has a bitter taste and dries the mouth, people consume it in:

• Fresh juices
• Wine
• Smoothies
• Aronia gummies
• Tea
• Coffee
• James
• Jellies
• Oatmeals
• Purees
• Syrups
• Salad

Sugar-free Berry Jam

Servings: 14

Preparation Time: 1 min

Cooking Time: 20 min

Total Time: 21 min

Ingredients

• Aronia berries: 300 g
• Water: 2 tbsp
• Lemon juice
• Xanthum gum: 2 pinches
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp

Procedure

• Take a pan and add water, lemon juice, berries and vanilla essence. Cover the pan and bring it to a boil.
• Cook without a lid for about 15 minutes. Smash the berries while stirring and let the mixture thicken.
• For a smooth consistency, blend it. Add a couple of pinches of Xanthum gum and mix thoroughly to thicken the jam. 
• Pour into a clean jar and refrigerate it.

Nutritional Value

• Calories: 11.3 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2.7 g
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Sugar: 1.9 g
• Fibre: 0.6 g

Adequate Consumption

Several human trials administered the equivalent of a few berries (3-5 berries) 3 times a day. Multiple doses a day is essential to keep consistently higher flavonoid contents in your bloodstream (i.e. anthocyanins etc.). These levels in your blood seem to drop off after a couple of hours. So, eating 3-5 berries about 2-3 times a day is good. However, it is best not to overeat it as it may lead to side effects like diarrhoea.

Conclusion

Aronia Berry is native to Europe and America. As discussed earlier, it has numerous health benefits with negligible side effects. Most of its benefits are due to its antioxidant properties. In addition, it has a rich nutritional profile. It contains several essential minerals and vitamins. However, it has a bitter taste, and its astringent properties can dry the mouth. Hence, people use it in products like yoghurt, smoothies, milkshakes, juices, jams, etc. 

Aronia Milanocarp, the Aronia berry extract, makes it a superfood. It helps treat heart diseases, arthritis, kidney problems, skin problems, etc. Besides its multiple health benefits, people also use Aronia berry as a colourant due to its dark purple colour. However, it is essential to eat in moderation to reap all its health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Why is Aronia berry very good for you?

A. Aronia berry is a super fruit with many health benefits. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight many health disorders like cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and kidney problems. People also use the dry extract of Aronia Melanocarpa in making many products like James, Jelly, syrups, coffee, tea, and even medicines.

Q. Is Aronia Berry good for kidneys?

A. Aronia berries are healthy for kidneys as they are primarily rich in antioxidants known as polyphenols. They help reduce oxidative damage or stress on the kidneys. Plus, it helps in regulating blood pressure. These properties can help kidney patients.

Q. Are Aronia Berry a superfood?

A. Superfood is a primary term used in marketing structure that tells us that this food has numerous health benefits if we consume it in moderation. So, Aronia berry is a superfood because of its multiple health benefits. For example, it helps prevent cancer, heart diseases, kidney problems, arthritis, skin problems, etc. Apart from that, what makes it a superfood is the richness of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, calcium, vitamin C, and so on, which is higher than any other berry.

Q. Is Aronia Berry the same as elderberry?

A. No, they are not the same. Although both are rich in antioxidants, Aronia Berry has an even better nutritional profile than elderberry. It contains a reasonable amount of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc. In addition, both the berries are from different families of berries. Chokeberries, commonly called Aronia berries, are members of the rosacea family. But elderberries come from a honeysuckle family.

Q. How many Aronia berries I should eat in a day?

A. Although some nutritional experts say that you can have 30 Aronia berries per day, excess of anything is harmful. In addition, Aronia Berry, rich in tannins, tends to dry the mouth. As a result, it is best to take it in a dose that you can tolerate without experiencing any side effects.

Q. Can we eat Aronia Berry seeds?

A. Yes, we can eat Aronia Berry seeds as the seeds themselves are high in healthy oils and protein. However, if you want to reap the most health benefits from the berry, consume it in yoghurt, smoothies, juices, tea, coffee, supplements, or gummies. Although there are no such side effects, eating the Aronia berry can cause a drying mouth effect due to its astringent properties. Hence it is best to take it in the forms mentioned above.

Q. What are the side effects of Aronia Berry?

A. There is currently no research that indicates that Aronia berry has significant side effects. The only side effect that stands out is a drying mouth sensation that makes it difficult for people to eat. However, several studies suggest some side effects may include diarrhoea, reduced blood clotting time, low blood pressure, and constipation. It can also interfere with medicines such as diabetic drugs and blood thinners.

Q. Does Aronia Berry lower blood pressure?

A. Yes, Aronia Berry helps lower blood pressure. As Aronia Berry is rich in antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress, it helps reduce any inflammation in the heart. Daily supplementation of the berry extracts for 7 to 8 weeks may help lower the systolic blood pressure array. It is helpful in diseases like strokes, atherosclerotic, etc. Aronia Berry is also known for reducing swelling. 

Q. Can you eat raw Aronia berries?

A. Yes, there is no problem with eating raw berries, and you can eat them. However, the best way is to take it in yoghurt milkshakes, coffee, tea, jams, gummies, supplements, etc. It happens to have the property of drying the mouth because of its astringent and bitter taste. Hence, it is best to pair it with different products.

Q. Is Aronia good for the liver?

A. Yes, Aronia is suitable for preventing liver problems. According to researchers, Aronia berries may have liver-protective properties and aid in reducing symptoms and damage linked with gastrointestinal illnesses. An animal study also shows that taking Aronia berries in the diet helps reduce liver cirrhosis and control liver cancer and related diseases. So, people with liver issues can include Aronia berries in their diet. 

Q. Are Aronia berries poisonous?

A. No, Aronia berries are not poisonous. Instead, they are a rich source of antioxidants. Many individuals consume Aronia products daily because of their high concentration of antioxidants and other components. As a result, they can help you prevent many diseases. Plus, they are beneficial for the body as antioxidants can fight free radicals and protect you from uncounted harms in your body. So, it is useful, and you can take it in many different forms.

Q. Are Aronia berries high in antioxidants?

A. Yes, Aronia Berry is very high in antioxidants, namely polyphenols. Antioxidants are compounds that can prevent or delay cell damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules produced by the body in response to environmental and other stresses. These protect us from cancer, heart diseases, kidney problems, etc. 

Q. Are aronia berries diuretics?

A. Diuretics are drugs that cause increased passing of urine. The concentration of metabolites from phytochemicals increases the plasma and urine extraction. In addition, a study shows that Aronia berries have diuretic, laxative, and cathartic properties.