The health benefits of Aronia Berry: why should you consume this superfruit?
Last updated: February 9th, 2024
Aronia berries are small dark fruits that are becoming increasingly popular amongst health-conscious consumers. Current research suggests that due to their excellent content in micronutrients and antioxidant properties, these berries may provide important health benefits on immune health, cardiovascular function, brain health as well as exhibiting anti-diabetic function.
What is Aronia berry?
Aronia berries are little dark fruits, belonging to the Rosaceae Family. Aronia is native to Eastern and North America but it is also commonly found in the Baltic region of Europe where it was introduced in the first half of the 20th century.
The reason why these berries are also called “Chokeberries” is that when consumed fresh off the shrub, they make your mouth tickle due to their incredibly strong tart taste and mouth-drying effect.
Though many people have never heard about them, Aronia berries are becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers and are considered a real superfruit.
What are the health benefits of Aronia berries?
To answer this question we need to first take a step back in the past where Aronia was traditionally used by the North American Forest Potawatomi tribe as a cold remedy.
They called these fruits “nîki’mînûn” and used them to make a traditional tea. The reason why Aronia berry was found to be so effective in treating common cold symptoms is probably linked to their extremely powerful antioxidant capacity.
Nowadays, it is well-known that antioxidants in Aronia outperform any other fruits, even elderberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Aronia berries contain high levels of vitamin C, but the real claim to fame is their high level of polyphenols, anthocyanins and proanthocyanins [1]. These are types of antioxidants that help to fight the damages caused by free radicals in the body, and it is these antioxidants where Aronia berries can have their greatest impact on our health and wellbeing.
In fact, Aronia is considered a real superfruit due to its high level of antioxidant phytonutrients that can be beneficial in many ways.
Research around Aronia berries has focused on several health benefit areas, and there is evidence to suggest that these fruits may have the potential to:
Nutritional Facts
Aronia berries are low-calorie fruits, full of important micro-nutrients accountable for their numerous health benefits.
100 g of Aronia berries provide the following nutrients [7]:
- Calories: 47.0 (197 kJ)
- Carbs: 9.6 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.4 g
- Fiber: 5.3 g
- Vitamin A: 350 IU (7% DV)
- Vitamin C: 21 mg (35% DV)
- Vitamin K: 13.6 mcg (17% DV)
- Manganese: 0.6 mg (32% DV)
Moreover, researchers have identified a total of 7 different anthocyanins in Aronia berries. These include phytocompounds such as cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, a key molecule for brain health. It has been reported that cyanidin-3-O-glucoside exhibits anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic activities, while also enhancing spatial memory, cognition and psychomotor control.
How to get more Aronia berries in your diet
Unfortunately, it is not easy to commonly find fresh Aronia berries on the shelf at the grocery store.
However, there are many alternatives. Especially in specialised stores or online, it is possible to buy Aronia in the form of frozen or dried fruits, tea, jams, juice and wines.
Another effective way to include Aronia in your diet can be through the use of dietary supplements. This can be a great way to ensure you are getting the most out of the health benefits of Aronia berries.
Curious to know more? Here’s everything you need to know about Aronia berries and brain health!
