Chokeberries
This category of berry, native to
North America, West Afica partly in Nigeria known as Baba Dudu in the south
west part of the country. It’s one of the most potent groups in terms of
antioxidant content, which is part of the reason they are so widely sought for
culinary applications. Scientifically classified in the Aronia genus, there are
about half a dozen different species usually present in different colors, but
the most common would be Aronia melanocarpa. The name chokeberry comes from the
berry’s tart quality and the fact that it often makes your mouth pucker when
you eat it. This flavor becomes much more palatable when the berries are sweetened
or used in various dishes.
It is easy to confuse chokeberries with other unique
berry varietals in the Rosaceae family, as their appearance and organic
components are quite similar to other beneficial berries, but chokeberries
stand out from the crowd in terms of nutrient concentration. Chokeberries are
commonly used in candies, desserts, cakes, beverage flavoring, yogurt, juice,
beer, ice cream, wine, syrup, and can even be brewed as a tea.
Health Benefits of Chokeberries
The health benefits of these
delicious berries are explained below;
Skin Care: The antioxidants in chokeberries can prevent these
age-related symptoms, and due to their astringent property, these berries can
actually tighten the skin and shave years off your appearance.
Antioxidant Capacity: Chokeberries provide a huge amount of
antioxidant protection that can increase your overall health by eliminating
free radicals in your bloodstream, skin, eyes, organs, and tissues that may be
trying to cause healthy cells to mutate.
Prevent Cancer: Research has linked chokeberries and their
anthocyanin content directly to a reduction in colon cancer. Given that this is
one of the most widespread and largely untreated (until it’s too late) forms of
cancer, these berries could be a wonderful preventative measure against it,
particularly if you have other predispositions to that type of cancer.
Treat Cognitive Disorders: Anthocyanins discovered in chokeberries
have been directly linked to increasing neural pathway activity and reducing
oxidative stress in the brain, thereby reducing the appearance and onset of
Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other age-related cognitive disorders.
Boost Immunity: There is a significant amount of vitamin C in choke
berries, which stimulates the activity of white blood cells and is also a
crucial component in the production of collagen. Collagen is integral to the
growth and repair of new tissues, organs, blood vessels, and cells, while white
blood cells function as the front lines of the body’s immune response.
Improve Vision: Carotenes found in chokeberries are able to reduce
oxidative stress in the eyes, thereby preventing the onset of macular
degeneration and slowing or preventing the development of cataracts.
Prevent and Manage Diabetes: The dietary fiber in chokeberries has
also been linked to increased insulin
regulation, which helps keep blood sugar levels normal and prevents the spikes in
those suffering from diabetes.
Weight Loss: Its low in calories and fat, yet contain dietary fiber
and a wealth of nutrients. Chokeberries can be an excellent dietary for you to
feel aid full and stay healthy, without packing on any extra pounds.
Aid in Digestion: chokeberries are high in dietary fiber, of which they
facilitate smooth digestion by moving food through the gut efficiently. The
organic compounds in chokeberries also protect the gut from dangerous bacteria,
due to its natural immune-boosting and antioxidant activity.
Regulate Blood Pressure: The potassium content in chokeberries is
high enough to have a noticeable effect on heart health, mainly because
potassium is a vasodilator and can relieve the strain on the cardiovascular
system. By relaxing the blood vessels and arteries, blood flow increases, blood
pressure drops, and you can lower your chances of a heart attack or stroke.
Antibacterial: Recent research has shown that chokeberries have a
direct impact on common flu and bacterial infections in the gut and respiratory
tracts, making it a popular preventative measure during cold season.
Caution: Chokeberries are
not known as a commonly allergenic food and partial side effects have been
reported. However, due to the potent combination of chemical compounds, your
body may react differently than others, please monitor your body’s responses
when first adding chokeberries to your diet.
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