Because of my personal health journey, I’ve had to discover alternatives to help stay healthy.  One of those alternatives we grow!   I always ask myself too, “But Is It Good for Me?”

I am so very blessed to live on an secluded acreage.  Several years ago we looked for a way to make our property “pay” since I could no longer work away from home.  Our criteria for a crop/product was fairly simple:  could be raised organically, native to our area, fairly pest resistant, relatively low maintenance and it had to be good for you.

We discovered Aronia Berries (Aronia Melanocarpa).  Aronia berries are native to central and were used by the native Americans for their health benefits.  The deep purple berries grow in clusters on bushes which are harvested late in the summer.  The medicinal uses for Aronia berries are being studied by numerous universities and their health benefits look extraordinarily promising.

Recently, Dr. Steven Gundry, a well-known cardiologist, named Aronia Berries one of the emerging super foods to watch.  Aronia contains high amounts of polyphenols, which have been found to have myriad positive effects on both healthy individuals and those with non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The antioxidants found in Aronia berries are mostly polyphenols.

Polyphenols are the most abundant type of antioxidant found in our daily diet. They work hand-in-hand with other antioxidants found in our food, including vitamins C and E.

Together, they help protect the body from free radicals and oxidative stress.⁸ In one experiment, it was found that Aronia extract can reduce the oxidative stress in blood cells of patients with breast cancer.⁹

Aronia berries also contain compounds called phenols. Studies have shown that phenols play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of some serious illnesses.

THE POWER OF POLYPHENOLS

Polyphenols are largely found in food and drinks, such as jams, cereals, wine, and coffee, and in a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, particularly berries.

Over the past 10 years, research on the effect of polyphenols in the human diet has increased. In these studies, it has been discovered that polyphenols may play a significant role in preventing age-related diseases.

Aronia berries are believed to have more antioxidant power than blueberries, prunes, cranberries, cherries, apples, and oranges.

Polyphenols in Sunscreen?

Polyphenols are used in certain sunscreens because research has shown that they are good at inhibiting UV radiation from sunlight.  Polyphenols may help to prevent the deterioration of various tissues in the body. They play a significant role in anti-aging.  Research has shown that polyphenols can promote cardiovascular health.

Studies have shown that there is a long-term, beneficial effect in consuming polyphenols in people with high blood pressure.  One study using Aronia extract showed that it may have a beneficial effect on those with multiple sclerosis (MS).

By now, most of you know about superfoods … but what about superfruits? This is a real thing. These superfruits set themselves apart from other fruits because they’ve been found to have “super” effects on our health. Berries like cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, and Aronia berries are good sources of polyphenols.

Aronia is called the superstar superfruit because it contains the highest amount of antioxidants compared to acai berries and blueberries. The antioxidants found in Aronia may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.  In fact, a scientific study revealed that Aronia was at the top of the list among more than 100 foods that were tested for antioxidant properties.

In response to the question I’ve learned to ask myself over and over “But Is It Good For Me?” The answer is a resounding YES, Aronia Berries are wonderful. Contact me to see how you can get Aronia Berries for you.