Aronia berries resemble blueberries but contain a much higher antioxidant content. These small berries grow on Aronia shrubs, which are native to North America and found throughout most of the world.
Health Benefits of Dried Aronia Berries (Chokeberries)
Aronia berries, or chokeberries, provide a variety of potential benefits due to the antioxidants and nutrients found in each serving.
Here is a closer look at the health benefits of dried Aronia berries:
- Prevent disease
- Protect against coronary artery disease
- Decrease blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Protect against diabetes
- Improve liver health
- Reduced risk of cancer
- Boost your immune system
- Reduce inflammation
SEE ALOS: How to Dry Aronia Berries (Chokeberries)
Prevent Disease
Dried Aronia berries contain polyphenols, which are a group of antioxidants that are known to help prevent disease. Consuming polyphenols can protect the body against heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
Metabolic disorders occur when certain chemical reactions disrupt other bodily processes. Other metabolic disorders include liver cancer and liver cirrhosis.
Researchers know that polyphenol-rich foods, such as dried Aronia berries, can improve heart health. Polyphenols fight the production of oxygen-free radicals that contribute to hypertension and heart disease.
Protect Against Coronary Artery Disease
A 2015 study discovered that Aronia berries might protect people from coronary artery disease. The berries may shield the body from plaque that often develops inside the arteries.
Cholesterol can stick to the wall of the arteries. The body then uses white blood cells to trap the cholesterol, which leads to inflammation. The body eventually forms a cap over the cholesterol, which results in the formation of plaque.
Researchers believe that Aronia berries may help relax tissues in the body that allows for increased blood circulation. Increasing blood circulation can decrease the development of harmful plaque.
Decrease Blood Pressure
Some of the compounds found in dried Aronia berries may help decrease blood pressure. A study published in 2017 found that Aronia significantly decreased blood pressure in animals.
The study found that dried Aronia berries inhibit an enzyme that is partially responsible for hypertension and high blood pressure.
The study also noted that Aronia juice is often used for the treatment of hypertension. The antioxidants found in Aronia berries may improve blood flow, which can reduce hypertension.
Lower Cholesterol
Along with lowering blood pressure, dried Aronia berries may lower cholesterol, providing more benefits for your heart.
A 2017 study found that Aronia berries can lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. However, the study was limited and involved former cigarette smokers.
Protect Against Diabetes
Studies completed on rats have shown that Aronia berries may help fight insulin resistance. While more research is needed, consuming dried Aronia berries may help decrease the risk of diabetes in those who have not yet developed the condition.
Aronia berries may also aid diabetes management. The nutrients found in Aronia berries may help regulate blood sugar levels. Studies have found that Aronia berries reverse the increase of blood glucose levels that occur when people suffer from diabetes.
Improve Liver Health
Several recent studies have examined the benefits of Aronia berries for the liver. In one study, researchers found that Aronia berries helped improve liver health and reduce the symptoms in mice suffering from liver damage.
The liver metabolizes compounds that are known to produce free radicals. As antioxidants fight free radicals, consuming dried Aronia berries may help protect the liver. Researchers believe that antioxidants may even reduce the presence of fatty deposits in the liver that increase the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Reduced Risk of Cancer
The antioxidants found in Aronia berries may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Oxygen-free radicals that contribute to hypertension also increase your risk of cancer. Combating these free radicals can limit oxidative stress, which is one of the contributing factors for many of the leading forms of cancer.
Boost Your Immune System
The antioxidants in Aronia berries may contain antibacterial properties that can boost the immune system. A study found that Aronia berries may block harmful bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus.
The study involved the use of Aronia berry extracts. The extracts reduce the production of a substance that protects the bacteria.
Reduce Inflammation
Aronia berries may also reduce inflammation. One study found that Aronia berries inhibit the release of certain substances that promote inflammation.
These substances include tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin. Blocking these substances can fight inflammation, leading to even greater immune health and protection against diseases.
Nutrition Facts for Dried Aronia Berries
Dried Aronia berries are a great source of antioxidants, calcium, and other nutrients.
Here are the nutritional facts for a ¼-cup serving of dried Aronia berries:
- Calories: 45
- Protein: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Calcium: 20 milligrams (mg)
- Iron: 0.36 mg
Dried Aronia berries also contain vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
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