Pucker Up for Good Health!

"A Plant a Day"- Aronia Berry, Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)-

  Aronia Berry, or the Black Chokeberry, is a native of Northern America, with other similar related species found Europe. Of all the Aronia berries (for example, compared to purple or red), the Black Chokeberry contains the highest levels of anthocyanins, also being among the highest values measured in all plants. The Aronia Berry is a shrub with glossy dark green leaves that has a mounding growth up to about 8 feet. Its small white clusters of flowers are followed by black berries in the early Fall. As the fruits are very astringent and feel like they make the mouth ‘pucker’, they are disliked by some people, but enjoyed by others who like their otherwise pleasant flavor. For this reason, even though the berries can be consumed raw, they are usually mixed with other fruits and included in syrups, jams and jellies. As the pectin content of the berries is high, it is useful in pie and jams, and also the pectin content is valued by some for its health properties. They are also used for making pemmican (a Native American dried meat). Since Aronia Berries have an intense black or purple color, they are also often used as natural food colorants.

Traditionally, Aronia Berries have been used by Native Americans for colds. Through scientific investigation, Aronia has been found to exhibit antidiabetic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antiobesity, antiplatelet, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antihypertensive effects. As they are rich in a type of phytochemical called   quinic acid, they are also believed to be as good or better than cranberry juice in preventing UTIs.  Although Aronia lacks much clinical confirmation, it does have high level of the polyphenolic compounds that are well-known to be beneficial for many areas of health and chronic disease, and the functional food industry has taken notice of this. Expect to see Aronia Berry showing up increasingly in smoothies, beverages, yogurts, etc.

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**This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.

Photo by Healthshare – Aronia Berry