The chokeberry is a small dark berry with a diameter between 8-12mm. The chokeberry berry grows on a deciduous shrub and can be divided into three different types, red, blue and black. The red berries are slightly sweeter than the darker variety, but the black and blue berries are significantly richer in the antioxidant anthocyanins.
Aronia plant
The chokeberry plant is a deciduous shrub with striking wine-red winter buds. It belongs to the rose family. Originates from eastern North America. Today, the tree is distributed around the globe. Equally diverse in Germany occupied.
The chokeberry bush grows up to 2.5 meters high, adorns itself with white flowers and produces umbel clusters with about 20-25 chokeberry berries. The flowering period begins at the end of May. Follows with the production of pea-sized fruits. The ripe chokeberry berries can be harvested from mid-August to October. The chokeberry shrub can reach an age of about 20 years. Adorns itself year after year with a splendor of autumn colored berries. The most commonly cultivated species is the red (Aronia arbutifolia). The black chokeberry (Aronia melancarpa). This text is mainly about the black chokeberry.
Aronia Healthy
Aronia is an admirable super berry. It is an antioxidant superstar among berries, providing a variety of valuable polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and the color-giving anthocyanins. Anthocyanins have strong anti-inflammatory properties, scavenge dangerous oxygen radicals and are able to slow down cancer growth. The chokeberry also provides a very high content of vitamin C, thereby supporting the development of healthy skin, strengthen the immune system and have a tremendously positive impact on the cell function of humans. Aronia berries help against many degenerative diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, thanks to the strong cast of antioxidants. They slow down the aging process, effectively prevent wrinkles and protect the skin from the harmful effects of environmental pollutants, tobacco smoke and the sun's ultraviolet radiation. Aronia berries protect against damaging free radicals and protect the body from cell damage, inflammation and harmful oxidations.
Aronia nutritional values
The composition of nutrients in the black chokeberry can vary slightly depending on the region and weather conditions. Fresh, ripe chokeberry fruits contain 74-83% water and 26-17% dry matter. Aronia berries contain approx. 18% soluble substances such as sugars, acids, tannins, pectins, pigments and mineral salts. The biggest part among the soluble substances are sugars. Takes about 7% of the total content of the fresh fruit mass. Aronia berries are also rich in minerals, vitamins and fiber, which are mainly contained in their dark skin.
Aronia calories and antioxidants
Aronia berries contain very few calories and fats. 100g fresh berries contain 47 calories. Nevertheless, in nature they are one of the richest sources of flavonoid anthocyanin antioxidants. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity or ORAC (measurement of the antioxidant power of food) shows that chokeberry with 16.062 per 100 g belongs to one of the highest values among berries. This means that 100 grams of fresh chokeberry berries contain more than 2.Contain 000 milligrams of antioxidants.
Antioxidants in the chokeberry berry include carotenes, lutein and zeaxanthins. zeaxanthin absorbs light, are a natural filter of UV rays and protect the eye from age-related macular diseases.
Aronia vitamins
Aronia berries are also a good source of many antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin P, vitamin A, vitamin E, beta-carotene, folic acid and additional vitamins such as B2 and B6.
Aronia Vitamin C
100 g of fresh chokeberry berries cover 35% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important water-soluble antioxidant, it builds collagen and thus helps hold the body's ties together. The vitamin also strengthens white blood cells, activates the immune system and thus protects against disease.
Aronia Vitamin P
The natural vitamin P in chokeberry fruit helps to prevent and reduce the negative effects of radiation on the human body. One tablespoon of Aronia berries covers the necessary daily requirement of vitamin P.
Note: Most of the P-active substances are retained even in the production of chokeberry jam or jelly.
Aronia iron
100 grams of dried chokeberry berries already cover 93 percent of the recommended daily intake of iron. Iron is an important trace element that regulates metabolism, strengthens the immune system, increases energy, and ensures good brain function and endocrine gland activity.
Aronia fiber
100 grams of chokeberry berries contain 5.3 grams of dietary fiber, covering 14% of their daily recommended requirement. Black chokeberry fruits provide a high content of pectin substances (between 0.63 and 0.75%). Pectins are useful for making jellies. Marmalades excellent. They have a water binding ability. Help thicken a jelly or cream. In the body, the pectins act as dietary fiber. Dietary fibers also bind the food pulp to a solid mass, help against constipation, provide a faster feeling of satiety and are wonderfully suitable for losing weight.
Chokeberry rich in quinic acid
Quinic acid is a sugar compound in many plants. It is contained in very high amounts in the chokeberry berry. Works effectively in the treatment of urinary tract infections. (Cranberry juice is considered the king against urinary tract infections due to quinic acid. Studies show that chokeberry berries are even more effective).
Due to the valuable nutrient density chokeberry is a qualified medicinal plant. It helps especially in the treatment of civilization diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and gastritis. Recent studies have shown that chokeberry fruit is able to neutralize the harmful effects of radioactive radiation on the human body.
Aronia effect Aronia digestion
Aronia berries support digestion, ensure healthy bowel movements and improved intestinal health. Aronia berries provide a lot of digestive fiber, which explains the intestinal stimulating effect. Dietary fiber can not be digested by the body. Dietary fibers pass through the digestive tract and help to thicken the food pulp on the way, provide a faster feeling of satiety and massage the intestinal walls from the inside. This stimulates the muscles of the intestinal wall and stimulates digestion. In addition to improved digestion, dietary fiber lowers cholesterol, aids in weight loss and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Tip: Most of the dietary fiber is found in the skin of chokeberry berries. The commercially available chokeberry juice is often made only from the pulp of the berry. Either dried or fresh chokeberry berries (with skin) should be consumed for effective digestive effects.
Chokeberry protects the stomach
Studies have shown that chokeberry berries are very effective in the treatment of stomach problems and stomach ulcers. During an animal study in 2004, the antioxidant effect of chokeberry berries showed a stomach-protective effect. Here rats with an acute hemorrhagic lesion from the stomach were successfully treated. This study showed scientists that chokeberry berries are an equally natural and effective treatment for stomach problems in humans (including ulcers).
Chokeberry against cancer
"Eating berries", is generally one of the best tips for preventing cancer. Aronia berries serve as an active anti-carcinogenic agent. They contain the pigment-giving anthocyanin. Thus slow down the growth of cancer cells by 50 to 80%. Compounds in the dark berry have also shown that chokeberry kills cancer cells without affecting healthy cells. This tremendous effect is observed especially in colon cancer. Used as a chemopreventive measure.
Note: During a study, anthocyanin-containing extracts from grapes, blueberries (wild blueberries) and chokeberry berries were tested for their chemopreventive effect against colon cancer. All three extracts inhibited the growth of cancer cells, but chokeberry extract was the most potent inhibitor.
Chokeberry against inflammation
If chokeberry berries are regularly integrated into the diet, colds and flu can soon be said goodbye to. Aronia berries actively fight bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli), viruses (influenza virus type A) and additionally strengthen the body's immune system. A Bulgarian study showed that chokeberry juice has a strong anti-inflammatory effect due to its anthocyanin flavonoids. Aronia berries act mainly against the inflammation induced by histamine and serotonin.
Tip: To get the maximum immune-boosting effect from chokeberry berries, it makes sense to choose sugar-free chokeberry products (such as pure dried berries or pure chokeberry juice). Dried chokeberry berries can also be crushed, infused with hot water and drunk as a tea.
Chokeberry against oxidative stress
Aronia berries contain a mixture of anthocyanins, procyanidins and phenolic acid. These compounds make the small berry one of the most powerful antioxidant sources available. These antioxidants are able to prevent free radicals that cause oxidative stress and lead to cell damage. As such, chokeberry berries have a preventive effect against various health problems associated with oxidative stress. Include cancer, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, arthritis and some neurological diseases, among others.
Chokeberry against metabolic syndrome
During a study in 2010, chokeberry was successfully used to treat metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a disease that can contribute to high blood prere, high cholesterol, inflammation and excess fat in the body. In the study, 25 people with metabolic syndrome were given 100mg of chokeberry extract three times a day. This study lasted 2 months and produced amazing results: Participants experienced significant reductions in blood prere, C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation), and LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
Aronia berries help to lose weight. Aronia berries prevent the accumulation of fat on the abdomen. Are therefore very popular among many people. The small dark berries help to improve cholesterol and blood fat levels by increasing the production of good cholesterol in the body. Aronia berries also help to keep blood sugar levels in check and prevent severe food cravings. They contain very few calories and fats, making them a healthy snack for in-between meals.
The amazon bestseller Schlanker Gesunder Schoner (Slimmer Healthier More Beautiful) deals intensively with how women in particular can lose weight healthily and tone their bodies. It shows how a nutrient-rich diet can help boost one's energy levels and get rid of cellulite. Simple science is used to illustrate what the body actually needs to get rid of body fat and shape muscles. Aronia berries improve blood circulation. Strengthen the blood vessels. They enormously reduce the risk of heart disease and its consequences by lowering blood prere, improving blood circulation and thereby strengthening blood vessels.
Ripe chokeberry fruits contain a large amount of phenols. When phenols enter the bloodstream, they promote the healing of wounds, remove toxic substances from the body, reduce inflammation, improve the elasticity of blood vessels and prevent their clogging.
Aronia against urinary tract infections
Aronia berries are a valuable treasure for urinary tract health. All over the world millions of people suffer from urinary tract infections (UTI). The main causative agent is the bacterium Escherichia coli. The symptoms are a frequent feeling of urge to urinate, pain when urinating and cloudy urine. It is known that cranberries are a miracle cure for urinary tract infections. However, studies show that chokeberry berries are up to five to ten times more effective than cranberries. The reason for this is the high content of quinic acid, which effectively prevents urinary tract infections.
Additional laboratory studies show that the black chokeberry effectively reduces the growth of microorganisms. These include several bacteria, including Escherichia coli. This proves that chokeberry prevents the development of urinary tract infection and cures it as effectively. Aronia berries thus support good urinary tract health.
Aronia berries for healthy eyes
Aronia berries provide good protection for the eyes. Super berries contain a large amount of carotenes, which protect cells from damage and at the same time protect eyes from cataract formation. Aronia berries are also rich in flavonoid antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is known to have the ability to filter harmful UV radiation. Thanks to the chokeberry are s the eyes from inflammation. age-related macular degeneration.
Aronia side effects!! Aronia berries are generally considered safe. There are no known major side effects.
Note: Aronia contains the oxalic acid and is a naturally occurring substance in some fruits and vegetables. Oxalic acid can crystallize into oxalate stones in the urinary tract in some people. Thus, individuals known to have increased oxalate stone crystallization should not eat too much of these fruits and vegetables. Adequate water intake is also recommended for these individuals to maintain normal urinary output. Oxalic acid can also interfere with the absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Buy chokeberry
If a few chokeberry bushes do not happen to thrive in the garden, fresh chokeberry berries can often be found on farms nearby. Fresh berries contain the full abundance of nutrients. Are a wonderful ingredient in a health conscious diet.
However, chokeberry berries can also be purchased frozen or dried (like raisins). In the supermarket and also online on the Internet there is still a range of different chokeberry juices, chokeberry jam, chokeberry capsules or chokeberry tea.
When buying chokeberry products, the following should be considered: – Cultivation and freshness of the product – Free of herbicides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers – Free of sugar, artificial sweeteners, colorings, or flavors – Method of production (if chokeberry berries are heated too much during production, the valuable antioxidants may be destroyed. This reduces the healing effect.) – Organic quality – fresh chokeberry berries: Should have a smooth, clean surface and no stains or cracks, otherwise they begin to mold faster
Aronia dosage
Dosage of fresh chokeberry berries
Fresh Aronia berries can be integrated in the daily nutrition in such a way like blueberries. The daily consumption of fresh chokeberry berries is about 150 grams. This dosage can be increased as needed and in a period of several weeks to a maximum of 250 grams. The dosage depends on the individual capacity of the body.
Dosage of dried chokeberry berries
The daily intake of dried chokeberry berries is about 20-30 grams. This amount can also be increased to 60 grams as needed.
Dosage Aronia juice
Per day already 200 ml of unsweetened Aronia juice can support the physical health and repel before diseases.
Aronia store
Fresh Aronia berries are durable in the refrigerator up to one week. They should be rinsed with cold water just before consumption, otherwise their outer texture will change and they will start to mold more quickly.
Dried chokeberry berries and chokeberry juice should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Aronia application
Fresh chokeberry berries are covered by a very thin whitish wax layer. So they should be rinsed in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes before consumption. Afterwards with a soft cloth carefully dry off. Drying brings the individual berries back to their normal temperature and increases their flavor and aroma.
Fresh chokeberry berries are excellent as a topping for ice cream, as an ingredient in fruit salad, in a smoothie or with a freshly prepared fruit juice. Fresh and also dried chokeberry berries are a healthy ingredient in cakes, muffins or pies. Fresh Aronia berries can be processed because of their high pectin content wonderfully to a jam or a jelly. Important note when preparing: A temperature above 40 ° C can destroy the valuable enzymes. Some nutrients in the chokeberry berries destroy. This reduces their effect. However, the vitamin P remains intact for the most part.
Aronia taste
Aronia berries have a sour, tart taste with an astringent effect. Ripe chokeberry berries provide about 0.35% tannins and make up their characteristic flavor.
Health is delicious
Incorporating healthy foods into your diet is often easier than you think. The Rezepteplus program makes health an adventure. Combinations of healthy and nutrient-rich food revive the everyday life, provide for more energy and joy with the meal. Because food should not only be healthy, but also taste good, give you strength and make you happy.