About Aronia Berries:
Aronia berries are one of the most popular types of medicinal plants used for treating various ailments. They have been found useful in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, liver problems and others.
There are several different varieties of aronia berries available. Some of them contain only one or two active ingredients while other varieties contain up to ten active ingredients which may work synergistically together to treat certain diseases.
The name “aronia” comes from the Greek word meaning “life”. The Latin name is Astragalus.
These fruits are native to South America and Asia. The seeds of these berries are used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic medicine (AM).
Aronia berries contain a number of compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, saponins, alkaloids and lignans. These compounds have shown some promise in helping with various medical conditions.
However, there is still much research needed before any conclusions can be drawn about their use in humans.
Aronia berries are rich sources of antioxidants called flavonols. Flavonol antioxidants have been shown to protect cells against free radical damage and prevent cell death caused by oxidative stress.
Studies show that flavonoid antioxidant supplements may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Aronia berries contain anthocyanins which are water-soluble pigments responsible for giving the berry its dark blue-red color. These compounds have strong antioxidant activity that protects LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) from becoming oxidized and disable white blood cells called monocytes from adhering to the walls of blood vessels.
These actions may lead to the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, heart disease and hypertension.
Aronia berries contain high levels of dietary fiber, and their juice is often used as a natural laxative to relieve constipation. Dietary fiber has a number of important health benefits including promoting healthy digestion, lowering the risk of obesity and elimination of waste from the body.
Aronia berries are also known to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. They help in lowering the risk of cancer, improving blood circulation and preventing urinary tract infections.
Aronia berries can also be used as a natural dye for fabrics and can be applied to the skin to remove wrinkles.
Another popular supplement made from aronia berries is called “Aronia juice” or “Aronia extract”. These products are used to prevent oxidative stress caused by free radicals, improve cardiovascular health and fight age-related diseases.
Aronia juice can also be mixed with other fruit juices and it is not uncommon to see it included in various “fruit blend” supplements.
There are several different supplement products available that contain aronia berry extract. Some of these include Healthy Origins Aronia Berry, Nature’s Way Aroniaberry 500 and Nature’s Plus Aronia 500 mg.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Supplement Facts:
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Aronia (fruit) (standardized to 25% anthocyanins and 50% ellagitannins) 500 mg
Other Ingredients: Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate.
Manufacturer’s Directions
As a dietary supplement, take 1 tablet 2 to 3 times daily.
Manufacturer’s Disclaimer
If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use. Stop use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.
Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if seal is broken.
Safety Warning:
This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Sources & references used in this article:
Aronia–A New Crop for Iowa by E Everhart – Retrieved May, 2013 – publications.iowa.gov
Immunomodulating activity of Aronia melanocarpa polyphenols by GTT Ho, M Bräunlich, I Austarheim… – International journal of …, 2014 – mdpi.com
Extracts, anthocyanins and procyanidins from Aronia melanocarpa as radical scavengers and enzyme inhibitors by M Bräunlich, R Slimestad, H Wangensteen, C Brede… – Nutrients, 2013 – mdpi.com
