By Sharon O’Brien | Healthline
August 8, 2019 – Aronia berries (Aronia melanocarpa) are small, dark berries that have become popular among health-conscious consumers.
They’re considered one of the richest sources of plant antioxidants, which are said to offer many health-promoting properties.
This article reviews all you need to know about aronia berries, including their nutrition, benefits, and downsides.
Aronia berries shown here – Image Credit: Healthline
What are aronia berries?
Aronia berries, or chokeberries, are small, dark fruits that grow on shrubs of the Rosaceae family (1).
They’re native to North America but grown in other parts of the world, including across Europe (2).
Traditionally, they were used as a cold remedy by Native Americans (1).
The berries have a strong mouth-drying effect, so they’re mainly used to make juices, purées, jams, jellies, syrups, teas, and wines (1, 3).
However, they’re also available fresh, frozen, dried, and in powder form.
SUMMARY
Aronia berries are small fruits that leave a dry feeling in your mouth. They’re added to many foods and beverages but also available as a supplement.
Aronia berry nutrition
Aronia berries are low in calories but pack a nutritional punch, as they’re high in fiber, vitamin C, and manganese.
Just 1 ounce (28 grams) of aronia berries provides the following nutrients (4):
- Calories: 13
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0 gram
- Carbs: 12 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Vitamin C: 10% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Manganese: 9% of the DV
- Vitamin K: 5% of the DV
The berries also supply folate, iron, and vitamins A and E.
Plus, they’re an excellent source of beneficial antioxidants.
These compounds help protect your cells from potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. The fruits are particularly high in anthocyanins, which give the berries their dark blue to black color (5).
SUMMARY
Aronia berries are nutrient dense with minimal calories. They’re a great source of fiber, vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants.
All references in this article from Nos. 1 to 26, as well as unnumbered one in blue, are: PubMed Central
