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Aronia
Redeemed by their very high antioxidant level, the aronia, common name chokeberry, is so astringent that it is inedible to humans when raw. Hence the common name. The berries are usually enjoyed more by wild game and song birds who can tolerate the bitter fruit. Recently though, they are becoming popular for human consumption due to their many health benefits. Vitamins, Minerals and Phytochemical Components Chokeberries have been discovered to possess the highest content of flavonoids and antioxidants than that of any other natural food product. This is indicated in its deep purple, almost black pigmentation that arises from a high concentration of a class of phytochemicals called phenolics, especially anthocyanins. Total anthocyanin content and proanthocyanidin concentration in chokeberries are among the highest measured in plants to date. It is also high in vitamin C. Medicinal Uses Based On Scientific Studies Chokeberries' rich antioxidant content allows it to serve as a valuable functional food. It may be beneficial for reducing the risk of diseases caused by oxidative stress. Some research studies have preliminary results showing the chokeberry to be beneficial in the following medical conditions: colorectal cancer (3), cardiovascular disease (1), chronic inflammation (2), gastric mucosal disorders (peptic ulcer) (6), eye inflammation (uveitis) (4) and liver failure (5).
Ongoing studies at the University of Illinois also suggest that aronia may include compounds that fight cancer and cardiac disease. The many benefits associated with chokeberries include beefing up your heart and blood system as well as helping to protect human blood vessels. It relaxes the smooth muscle in arteries, regulating blood pressure and helping prevent spasms in blood vessels. It also inhibits development of blood clots and the early process of atherosclerosis and aids blood flow and protecting the coronary arteries from oxidant injury (1). And if that's not enough, it is more powerful than the cranberry for urinary tract health. References 1. Bell, D. R., & Gochenaur, K. (2006). Direct vasoactive and vasoprotective properties of anthocyanin-rich extracts. Journal of Applied Physiology,100(4), 1164-1170. 2. Han, G. L., Li, C. M., Mazza, G., & Yang, X. G. (2005). Effect of anthocyanin rich fruit extract on PGE2 produced by endothelial cells. Wei Sheng Yan Jiu, 34(5), 581-584. 3. Lala, G., Malik, M., Zhao, C., He, J., Kwon, Y., Giusti, M. M., & Magnuson, B. A. (2006). Anthocyanin-rich extracts inhibit multiple biomarkers of colon cancer in rats. Nutrition and Cancer, 54(1), 84-93. 4. Ohgami, K., Ilieva, I., Shiratori, K., Koyama, Y., Jin, X. H., Yoshida, K., et al. (2005). Anti-inflammatory effects of aronia extract on rat endotoxin-induced uveitis. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 46(1), 275-281. 5. Valcheva-Kuzmanova, S., Borisova, P., Galunska, B., Krasnaliev, I., & Belcheva, A. (2004). Hepatoprotective effect of the natural fruit juice from Aronia melanocarpa on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver damage in rats. Experimental Toxicologic Pathology, 56(3), 195-201. 6. Valcheva-Kuzmanova, S., Marazova, K., Krasnaliev, I., Galunska, B., Borisova, P., & Belcheva, A. (2005). Effect of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage and oxidative stress in rats. Experimental Toxicologic Pathology, 56(6), 385-392.
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