Aronia: medicinal properties and benefits
Aronia is a small berry whose medicinal properties and benefits may surprise you. They say that Aronia berry is the healthiest berry, surpassing its sister cousins blackberries, blueberries or black currant. This statement is due to the high anthocyanin content of this wild fruit.
Aronia is a native plant found in eastern North America, with deep green leaves that turn reddish-yellow in autumn. Its fruit is a small, black-purple berry, very similar to blueberries.
Aronia a powerful antioxidant
As we mentioned a moment ago, Aronia has a high content of anthocyanins, which are vegetable pigments with antioxidant properties. But the great antioxidant power of Aronia is not only due to anthocyanins, this little berry also has a very high content of natural antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids.
These natural antioxidants act against free radicals that are formed in our body and that can affect different organs and tissues of the body. They act by attaching themselves to the walls of both organs and arteries, preventing cellular aging and cellular oxidation , including the oxidation of fats, thus preventing the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries and improving general health.
Health benefits of Aronia
Aronia was already commonly consumed by American Indians, among whom the incidence of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases was less than 10%. Its protective potential against cellular oxidation is 64.8 mmol (antioxidant capacity), much higher than that of blueberries, which makes it impossible to speak of this fruit without making a deserved mention of its medicinal applications.
Aronia and cardiovascular health
Our daily activity causes our heart to need antioxidants and minerals. Consuming aronia as a supplement to our diet helps us prevent and treat cardiovascular ailments such as cholesterol, hypertension or arteriosclerosis.
It has been shown that in patients who have suffered cardiac arrest, the consumption of aronia extract was able to decrease inflammation and reduce systolic and diastolic pressure.
Aronia and visual health
Anthocyanins have the particularity of being an antioxidant that acts at the ocular level. They are responsible for protecting the capillaries of the retina from solar radiation. On the other hand, flavonoids are also popularly known for their protective ability for eyesight.
Therefore, it must be taken into account that aronia extract is very beneficial for visual health , especially for those who suffer from night blindness, myopia or other vision problems.
Athletes make their hearts work harder and consume more oxygen, which consequently causes more oxidation. Thanks to its high antioxidant power, aronia extract is an ideal reinforcement for all athletes that, in addition, taken in juice, hydrates and has very few calories.
Aronia and the immune system
Aronia also has a high content of vitamins, highlighting vitamin A, C and E. Its degree of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) contributes to strengthening the immune system and activating protection mechanisms . Therefore, if in seasonal changes or in cold months, you need a natural supplement that increases your defenses and prevents colds and flu, aronia will not disappoint you.
