Aronia Berries , chokeberries, (Aronia melanocarpa) ID: 640-52

Native to North America , berries grow in shrubs and have traditionally been used by Native Americans as cold treatment .

Used in jams, tea, puree, juices and even wine.

It has a strong astringent taste and when we eat them raw we feel our mouth dry.

Well, they are considered one of the best sources of antioxidants, which have a plethora πλεονεκτημάτων για την wards. / span>

1. Reduce the risk of cancer

Research shows that chokeberry berries can protect against some cancers - especially breast cancer and colon cancer. These experimental tube and animal studies have shown that the anthocyanins in berries can inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells, reducing growth by up to 60%.

2. Increase heart health

Antioxidant effects not only help with cancer, but can also make your heart healthier - relieving certain conditions, such as high cholesterol and triglycerides.

3. Fights diabetes

Aronia berries can also prevent diabetes by fighting insulin resistance in the body. Not only that, but berries have been found to lower blood glucose levels and reduce obesity, in addition to boosting immune function and reducing disease-related inflammation.

4. Rich in antioxidants

All of these health benefits are linked to the antioxidants in berries, so let's talk about them. Compared to other berries, in fact, chokeberries had higher antioxidant levels. In particular, aronia berries are an excellent source of polyphenols that inhibit free radicals in the bloodstream.

And it's not just the function of the immune system in general. A study of 30 people found that chokeberry berry extracts reduced the oxidative stress caused by taking antipsychotic drugs. Berries have also been shown to reduce harmful bacterial activity, as well as reduce the growth of cancer cells and inflammation, as mentioned earlier.

5. Supports organ health

These antioxidant benefits go a step further in the immediate health of the organs, too. One study found that chokeberry berries relieved the symptoms and severity of liver damage.

6. Fights high blood pressure

High blood pressure results from the contraction of arteries causing blood to flow through our body under more intense pressure than it should. A 2015 study and a 2013 study showed that aronia berries can protect against it by relaxing tissue lining and lowering blood pressure.

7. Strengthens the immune system

Return to these antioxidants, but seriously, the antioxidant levels in these berries not only support your immune system, but can boost it. Berry extract has been shown to reduce the activity of harmful bacteria by reducing the production of a protective biofilm.

Studies in humans have shown a marked reduction in urinary tract infections in nursing home patients, and the more juice they drank, the greater the reduction. Berries can also inhibit the release of inflammatory substances from the body, reducing the risk of inflammatory diseases.

8. High in nutrients

In addition to all these immediate health benefits, berries are full of nutrients such as vitamin C, manganese, vitamin K and fiber. They also have folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin E and iron, in addition to the polyphenols we talked about earlier.