Aronia Berries Information

Aronia berries, also known as the black chokeberry, is a small black berry that is rapidly becoming known as the next superfood.  It contains the highest concentration of anthocyanins, a phytochemical with demonstrated potential in the treatment of inflammation, diabetes, heart disease and cancers.

Anthocyanin (ACN) Content

Aronia berries are extremely high in this phytochemical. Table 1

Table 1:  ACN Concentration

Aronia                                    2147

Blueberry                                 533

Blackberry                               353

Cherries                                   177

Onions                                     138

Red Raspberry                         116

Eggplant                                     35

Red Beans                                  25 

As seen above, dark berries such as Aronia and Blueberries are the most potent source of Anthocyanin (ACN). Anthocyanin is a potent flavonoid that stimulates the immune system and has anti-inflammatory anti-viral impacts.  Consumption of anthocyanins shortens the incidence of colds by 4 days and lessens the severity.

Antioxidants (ORAC) Content

A similar impact is seen in the antioxidant properties of the Aronia berry. 

Oxygen is essential to life, but there is a flip side.  In the process of metabolizing oxygen, 1-2% of the molecules will turn into “free radicals” and these can damage cells.  Free radicals can come from many elements of modern life: pollution, poor nutrition, or stress.  This oxidative stress plays a part in the development of chronic and degenerative illnesses such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, aging, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases.  Antioxidants provide protection from free radicals and the DNA damage they can cause.

ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values for Aronia berries are extraordinary. Table 2

Table 2:  ORAC Values

Aronia berries                         17,000

Blueberries                               4,500

Strawberries                             4,200

Non-Berry Fruit                        1,000 - 2,500

Vegetables                                   250 - 2,000

 

            The combination of stellar anthocyanin and superior antioxidant values are the basis of the berry’s impact on disease.

Cancer 

            With the breadth of anti-cancer studies of the aronia berry underway, the full impact will be defined in the future.  A few examples will illustrate their potential.

In a study recently released by the Department of Natural Sciences at Middlesex University it was shown that the combination of aronia and curcumin were able to successfully stop the spread of malignant cells and induce apoptosis (death of the malignant cell).  The cancer involved was brain cancer known as U373. 

In another study, the effect of aronia berries on colon cancer cells showed that cancer cell proliferation was inhibited by 30-40% after administration of a final dose of aronia juice.

A laboratory study by physiotherapy research showed that anthocyanin extracts inhibited the growth of breast cancer. 

Diabetes 

            Aronia berry’s primary impact on diabetes is its impact on the pancreas, helping to regulate the blood sugar levels.  In one study, the daily intake of 200ml of aronia juice successfully caused a decreased glucose level in Type II diabetic patients.  The anthocyanin also helped diabetic patients by successfully fighting the enzyme that dissolves collagen and elastins.  This helps diabetic patients return to normal collagen levels.  The high ORAC values of this berry minimize the damage that free radicals do to cause arterial wall damage.  Thus, it can help prevent the metabolic syndrome that many diabetic patients suffer.

Heart Health 

            The effects of aronia berries on heart health is remarkable due to its powerful effect on reducing systemic inflammation in the body. 

            In studies involving 100ml of aronia juice daily, the impact on LDL was -5.8.  Longer term use elevated the HDL and had favorable impacts on c-reactive protein and triglycerides.

            In a meta-analysis of data from UK, Iran, China, India, and Nigeria, the broad impact of Aronia on heart health was demonstrated.

Anthocyanin Extraction

            The key ingredient in the aronia is the phytochemical, anthocyanin.  The problem is that anthocyanin is bound up in the skin of the aronia and blueberries and is barely available to the human.  To solve this, the berries are frozen, causing micro-cracking in the skin thus making the anthocyanin more available.  A recent study suggests that the anthocyanin may alter the diversity of microbes in the biome and resist the stress of the typical American high-fat diet.

Fermented Aronia Berries:   

The ultimate way to produce the maximum anthocyanin content is to ferment the frozen, micro-cracked berries with lacto-bacteria.  The trick is the time of fermentation.  In blueberries, the fermentation time is limited to 3 days because the high natural sugar content encourages alcohol production.  In the Aronia berry case, the berry contains a low level of sugar, so longer fermentation times are feasible. 

Ways to Consume Aronia

Juice: 

The simplest approach is to press the berries to make a juice.  This is how the majority of aronia is consumed.

 

Chutney:

            Another aronia product is Fermented Aronia Chutney.  In this product, the previously frozen aronia is fermented for a short time (3-4 days).  The lacto-bacteria extract the anthocyanin in a spread that can be used like jam (but without the sugar) as a healthy addition to your diet.

 

Kombucha:

            A popular healthy drink is Kombucha.  Aronia berries can be fermented in the kombucha process which makes a delightful drink.

 

Aronia berries offer a life-changing health benefit!