Chokeberries, known for their dark purple-black hue and remarkable antioxidant properties, have undergone a rebranding effort in an order to shift from its less appealing “chokeberry” name to one that reflects its genus, Aronia melancorpa (1).
Now referred to as the “Aronia berry,” it’s a move that reflects an attempt to gain a stronghold in the superfood category, where it can take its place among many other heralded superfoods such as blueberries, kale, and chia seeds.
According to the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, when it comes to antioxidant values, this berry has the highest values ever noted for other fruits, even beating out coveted superfoods like acai and goji berries (1). In fact, they are considered one of the most potent sources of antioxidants, where research has shown their ability to help people heal and manage a variety of health conditions from weight control and cancer to diabetes and eye protection (2).
The berries are available in a variety of forms including fresh, dried, powder, and extract.
Health benefits of the Aronia berry includes weight maintenance
Regarding weight maintenance, the Aronia berry is low in calories and fat. Plus, it has the ability to help prevent fat from accumulating in the body, especially the abdomen (2). The berry also plays a role in combating Metabolic Syndrome, in which the body not only develops excess fat, but also experiences high cholesterol and blood pressure levels as well as inflammation (2). Studies have shown that people with Metabolic Syndrome who took 100mg of Aronia berry extract three times daily over the course of two months had significantly lowered blood and cholesterol levels (2).
Furthermore, when it comes to oxidative stress, the Aronia berry has the potential to help fight cancer. In fact, studies show that they are more effective than grapes and bilberries in colon cancer prevention, having the strongest inhibitor tendencies (3).
They can even help protect eyes from age-related macular degeneration and may also be used in the treatment of other diseases including ones related to cardiovascular and neurological health (2).
Sources for this article include:
(1) http://www.cbsnews.com/news/aronia-berry-rebranding-helps-a-new-superfood-catch-on/
(2) http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/weight-loss/what-is-a-chokeberry.html
(3) http://www.healwithfood.org/health-benefits/aronia-berries-buy-organic.php#ixzz37TkE1yJy
