Everybody springs for elderberry when flu season arrives, but a little-known dark purple berry that’s waiting in the wings is five times more antioxidant-dense. This unheralded superfruit has been quietly maturing in North American gardens and open spaces, awaiting discovery by the health-aware consumer of its astounding protective benefits.
Aronia berries offer unprecedented levels of naturally occurring antioxidants
Aronia berries hold record levels of bioactive molecules, more than all but a series of other fruits in antioxidant capacity. They are small, dark purple fruit that pack around 5,000 mg of antioxidants per serving, one of the strongest sources of shield molecules in the plant kingdom. They possess humongous levels of anthocyanins, the same kinds of compounds that produce blueberries’ bluish hue, but loads more than in traditional superfruits.
Research has established that aronia berries are one of the richest fruits in antioxidants, possessing much higher ORAC values than blueberries, cranberries, and even elderberries. The sour taste of the fruit behind its “chokeberry” alias actually proves the presence of the powerful tannins and proanthocyanidins behind its incredible health-benefiting properties. These substances synergistically act in prolonging overall cellular protection against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Bioactive compounds establish a potent immune system defense
The cooperative action of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids in the berries establishes an integrated mechanism of protection against viral diseases with special efficiency against influenza viruses through a variety of protective mechanisms.
Science verifies aronia’s antiviral flu-fighting property
Several studies have revealed that aronia berries exert broad antiviral activity against influenza viruses and, hence, are most useful during the flu season. Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins present in the berries have the potential to inhibit viral replication and enhance immune stimulation. Another study reported in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications once again proved that aronia melanocarpa and extracts exhibit direct antiviral activity against influenza viruses.
Phenolic acids and flavonoids present in the fruit act through various mechanisms to eliminate viral diseases by inhibiting virus entry into cells and disrupting viral replication processes. Evidence suggests that the compounds have the potential to prevent primary infection and alleviate flu severity and duration if taken regularly. Aronia is especially effective since synergism of multiple bioactive compounds, rather than single-compound supplements, is at work.
Several antiviral mechanisms confer integrated protection
The berries’ diverse array of bioactive compounds knocks viruses out along various pathways, including direct suppression of viruses, immune system enhancement, and cellular defense, offering a multifaceted protection against seasonal influenza infections.
Aronia contains a greater content and availability of antioxidants than elderberry
Even though elderberry has become popular as a flu anti-supplement, aronia berries are higher in antioxidants and are easily available in North America. Fresh aronia berries are on sale at farmers’ markets across the United States each fall, and the resilient shrub grows well almost anywhere, so it is easily within reach of home gardeners. The berries have about five times more antioxidants than elderberries, with greater bioavailability and absorption rates in the human body.
Whereas elderberries have to be cooked prior to use, aronia berries are safe to eat fresh, juice, or dry without losing any antioxidant potential. The natural preservative traits in the fruit ensure the fruit will stay good longer than more fragile berries, and it is a simple berry to store long-term and utilize year-round.
Commercial products with aronia are now on the market as knowledge of the usefulness of the berry grows. Don’t get stuck this flu season without one of nature’s most potent antiviral berries growing in your own backyard. Aronia berries give you unparalleled protection with their record-breaking 5,000 mg of antioxidants per serving, the ultimate natural immune system barrier against winter illness.
Disclaimer: Our articles on food and nutrition are purely informative and do not constitute medical or dietary advice. We respect the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration and follow a responsible editorial policy. Consult a healthcare professional or dietitian and remember that no superfood is a substitute for a varied and well-balanced diet.
