Aronia Berry – the Most Powerful Antioxidant

Aronia berry, also known as chokeberry, is one of those petite fruits that just burst with vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and nutrients.

First transported to Europe in the middle of the 18^th century, the plant is resistant to pests and low temperatures. The only conditions it requires are humidity and bits of sunlight. This unpretentious, but gorgeously beautiful and very healthy, plant possesses copious amounts of molybdenum, iodine, and manganese.

The (dark purple to black) berries can be consumed whole, in jams (see pic below) or processed in smoothies. Their taste is a bit acerb, but if you are a fan of any kind of berries, probably you would like these too.

When tasting raw chokeberries, you will have a feeling of astringency or dry mouth which is due to the chemicals tannins. This astringent taste is sensed especially in the front and the middle parts of your tongue.

Health Benefits of Aronia Berry

Chokeberries are termed nature’s healer for several reasons:

• The berries are believed to enhance blood circulation and diminish the risk of heart attacks owing that to their cardioprotective properties.
• Due to the abundant amounts of vitamins, chokeberries are a great boost to the immune system.
• Several studies have been analysing the effects of chokeberries on the treatment of diabetes. They argue that the consumption of Aronia juice might help control and prevent diabetes.
• If you are suffering from “dancing” blood pressure levels (especially hypertension), these dark pigmented Aronia berries are trusted to maintain the balance.
• Aronia juice has an anti-inflammatory value and protective properties due to its anthocyanin. This could also have a beneficial effect on the prevention of atherosclerosis since vascular inflammation is one of the causes of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
• Due to big quantities of carotene, chokeberries serve very well for the healthy functioning of the eyes.
• Aronia berries are an important ally for regulation of the weight. They assiduously fight against overweight and obesity.
• And lastly but most importantly, chokeberries, among all other fruits and berries, boast the highest concentration of antioxidants, which neutralise free radicals and act as an armour against the harmful effects of oxidation.

Before I conclude, here’s a great idea for a healthy smoothie.

A Quick Smoothie Recipe

For 2 servings:

• 1 handful of Aronia berries;
• 2 bananas;
• 100 g soaked nuts (oats, almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts – or mixed);
• 2 cm (1 inch) of fresh ginger (or a teaspoon of powdered ginger);
• 2 soup spoons coconut milk (optional);
• 1 soup spoon carob powder or cocoa;
• Any kind of sweetener – honey, date syrup, agave syrup;
• Water.

Have you tried Aronia berries? How do you consume it?