The 13+ Benefits Of Chokeberries (Aronia)

Chokeberries (Aronia) contain powerful anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories and are very high in polyphenols. R R R

Chokeberries have more polyphenols (such as flavanoids) than other remarkable berries, such as blueberries (4x more), raspberries (3-8x more), currant (0.6x more) strawberries (10x more) and blackberries (2-4x more). R R

Black Chokeberry (Aronia Melanocarpa) is high in the flavonoid of anthocyandins (the component that gives the fruit a very dark color) which may prevent many age-related diseases and chronic illnesses. R R

Purple Chokeberry (Aronia prunifolia) and Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) are richer in in flavonoids of phenolic acid and proanthocyanins. R

Chokeberry (aronia) should not be confused with a similar-sounding berry, Chokecherries (Prunus). 

1. May Increase Longevity

Chokeberry can increase Klotho and PON1 (two powerful aging-suppressing factors). R

DNA damage causes increased aging as well as senescent cells (non-cancerous cells that refuse to die or replicate). R

Chokeberry can decrease the chance of this DNA damage. R

2. May Prevent Cancer

By protecting DNA from damage, chokeberry has been successfully used to prevent and/or fight cancers: R R

• Brain Cancer R

• Breast Cancer R R R R

• Cervix Cancer R R

• Colon Cancer R

• Leukemia R

• Liver Cancer R

• Melanoma R

• Pancreatic Cancer R

Chokeberry can stop cancerous cells from replicating (via regulation of p53 and p73) and increase the immune systems defense to fight cancerous cells. R R R

3. Protects The Brain

Unrepaired DNA damage can lead to a loss of brain function. R

Chokeberry can prevent this. R

As previously discussed above, chokeberry may increase the protein klotho. R

Klotho is powerful in increasing cognitive function. R

Chokeberry can also protect the brain against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. R

Low doses of chokeberry can protect the brain against the toxic effects of the herbicidal toxin, paraquat, and may prevent toxin-induced Parkinson's Disease (PD). R

Chokeberry may also improve memory and cognitive function in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Dementia. R R R

One way it does this is by its ability to increase the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. R

In aged mice, chokeberry can help maintain spacial memory. R

This effect is even greater when combined with EGCG (or green tea). R

4. Improves Exercise Performance

Chokeberry can improve mitochondrial function. R

For example, in triathletes, a Chokeberry/Cirtus Juice blend can decrease biomarkers of mitochondrial stress. R R R

It also improves exercise tolerance, by reducing fatigue in atheletes. R R R

5. Has Anti-Depressant And Anti-Anxiety Effects

In a study with aged mice, chokeberry significantly increases the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. R

In another study, rats that were given unlimited availability to drink chokeberry juice for 2 months had decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression. R

Chokeberry may also help with social anxiety. R

For example, in animal studies, chokeberry had comparable anxiolytic effects as diazepam (Valium), a common anti-anxiety medication. R

6. Helps The Liver

Chokeberry can protect the liver. R R R R R

For example, in animal models of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), chokeberry can significantly reduce fat accumulation in the liver. R 

Chokeberry also prevents oxidation of lipids in the liver and blood. R R

Chokeberry increases antioxidants (such as glutathione) and can also activate the major antioxidant promoting pathway NRF2. R R

Chokeberry may improve cholesterol metabolism in those with an APOE mutation. R

7. Protects The Gut

Chokeberry may also improve symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis (UC). R

It can also help with ulcers in the gut and improve gastric mucous secretion. R

For example, in studies where animals had ulcers, chokeberry helped protect the stomach lining and improved the condition of the ulcer. R

8. Helps With Diabetes

Chokeberry may help with metabolic syndromes as it can help with inflammation of the pancreas, restore beta-cells ability to secrete insulin, and prevent insulin resistance. R R R R

For example, in diabetic animal models, chokeberry can normalize the metabolism of carbohydrates, thus preventing insulin resistance. R

In a study with healthy women, chokeberry was able to reduce improper insulin responses to eating wheat and rye. R

It can also help with proper insulin secretion by inhibiting DPP IV. R R

Chokeberry can protect the body against the damaging effect of high glucose levels and may also help reduce glucose levels. R R

It can reduce HbA1C levels in diabetic patientes. R

It may also prevent weight gain in diabetic patients. R

9. Helps With Weight Loss

Chokeberry may help with weight loss.

For example, obese rats that were fed chokeberry were able to keep stable blood sugar and lose visceral fat. R

Chokeberry can increase levels of adiponectin and PPAR-gamma, thus promoting fat burning. R

Chokeberry can also inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase, which can inhibit the absorption of sugars. R R

Obese patients that were given chokeberry juice with glucomannan had a better omega 3:6 ratio and lower blood pressure. R 

10. Has Anti-Microbial And Anti-Viral Effects

Chokeberry has anti-viral effects against influenza. R

It has anti-microbial action against:

• Bacillus cereus R

• Escherichia coli R

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa R

• Staphylococcus aureus R

Chokeberry can also inhibit biofilms. R

Chokeberry Juice may be a useful replacement for antibiotic treatment for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). R

Chokeberry Juice may inhibit inflammation in pneumonia. R

11. Supports A Healthy Vascular System

Chokeberry protects the blood and vascular system. R R R

It may prevent heart disease. R R R

It can reduce C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels. R

It can also reduce high homocysteine levels. R

Chokeberry can also protect the heart against some antibiotics, such as doxorubicin. R

Chokeberry is very effective at reducing high blood pressure. R R R R

It also can increase nitric oxide levels. R R

Chokeberry can reduce LDL and triglycyride levels and improve HDL cholesterol in the blood via regulation of PON1. R R R R R

It may also protect against the detrimental effects of oxidized LDL. R R

Chokeberry may also help with natural blood clot formation. R R

By mediating blood flow and norepinephrine levels, chokeberry may help balance body temperature levels in those sensitive to cold temperatures. R 

12. Protects The Skin

Chokeberry may reduce inflammation in eczema. R

13. Protects Against Toxins

Chokeberry may also protect against:

• Alcohol R

• Cadmium (liver, kidneys, gut, heart, brain and bones) R R R

• CCl4 (carbon tetrachloride) R

• Certain Drugs (anti-arrhythmia drugs, antibiotics, antipsychotics chemotherapy drugs, NSAIDs) R R

• Lead R

• Methamphetamine R

• Nitrites and Nitrates R

• Organophosphates (via PON1)

• Paraquat R

• Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons R

• Sulfur Mustard R

• Tobacco Smoke R

Eating the berries are very sour and so is the unsweetened juice, so I usually like to supplement it instead.

If I supplement this before exercise, I am able to work out for longer with less overall fatigue.

Forms Of Chokeberry

Aronia Chokeberry Supplement - I use this daily in the morning.

Chokeberry Powder - I will put this in smoothie.

Chokeberry Juice - I will drink this while working out (juice may be added to wine or alcohol when at social gatherings, but I don't drink).

It can also be used as an essential oil, but I have not tried that yet.

Chokeberry Goes Well With:

• Citrus R R

• Curcumin R

• EGCG R

• Glucomannan R

• Maral Root R

• Physical Activity - increases the bioavailability of flavanones R

• Schizandra R

• Selenium R

If you grow your own plants, EMFs (such as UVC and microwaves) can increase the anthocyanin content of chokeberries. R

Chokeberries and chokeberry juice are safe in humans. R R

Metals in chokeberries are significantly lower than WHO's RDA should not be a concern and eating the berries may actually be a good source of Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, and Zn. R

Cokeberry does not interfere in iron absorption. R

Eating the berries may cause a reaction if you are sensitive to lectins. R

Chokeberry may interfere with drugs that are metabolized via Cytochrome 450. R

It may also reduce lactobacillus, enterobacteriaceae and enterococcus strains in the gut. R R

Simple:

• Increases ACh R

• Increases Adiponectin R

• Increases BDNF R

• Increases CDC2/25 R

• Increases CREB R

• Increases DA R

• Increases Glut1/4 R

• Increases GSH R R

• Increases Gys1 R

• Increases Klotho R

• Increases HDL R

• Increases HO-1 R

• Increases HSP-70 R

• Increases IL-4 R

• Increases Irs1/2 R

• Increases MCP-1 R

• Increases NE R R

• Increases NO R R

• Increase NRF2 R

• Increases PCI R

• Increases Pi3k R

• Increases PON1 R

• Increases PPAR-gamma (in fat) R

• Increase SOD R R

• Increases 5-HT R

• Reduces α-amylase R

• Reduces α-glucosidase R R

• Reduces AChE R

• Reduces ACE R R

• Reduces ALT R

• Reduces aP2 R

• Reduces AST R

• Reduces ATM R

• Reduces ATR R

• Reduces Chk1/2 R

• Reduces CRP R

• Reduces COX-2 R

• Reduces DPP IV R

• Reduces Glucose R

• Reduces Gsk3-beta R

• Reduces HbA1C R

• Reduces Homocysteine R

• Reduces H2AX R

• Reduces IL-1b R

• Reduces IL-6 R

• Reduces IL-8 R R

• Reduces IL-10 R

• Reduces Leptin R

• Reduces LDL/C R R

• Reduces LPL R

• Reduces MAO-A/B (possibly) R

• Reduces MDA R R

• Reduces MMP-2 R

• Reduces MMP-14 R

• Reduces MMP-16 R

• Reduces MMP-17 R

• Reduces MPO R

• Reduces Prostaglandin E2 R

• Reduces P450 R

• Reduces PPARγ2 (in liver) R

• Reduces p53 R

• Reduces TGF-b1 R

Advanced:

• The bioactive components of Aronia are well absorbed, can cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and have systemic beneficial effects. R R R

• Anthocyanins (cyanidin 3-arabinoside, cyanidin 3-galactoside, cyanidin 3-xyloside, and cyanidin 3-glucoside) produce many of the benefits of chokeberry such as increasing klotho, increasing neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine (dose-dependent manner), and 5-hydroxytryptamine, inflammatory cytokines (COX2, TGF-β1, and IL-1) transcription and preventing DNA damage. R

• Black Chokeberry (Aronia) contains isoquercetin, kaempferol, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, myricetin and hydroxybenzoic acids as well. R

• In the brain Aronia increases BDNF, CREB and acetylcholine levels (via acetylcholinesterase inhibition) and contributes to long-term potentiation. R

• Anthocyanins significantly raise GSH-PX and T-SOD. R

• Anthocyanins from BC dose-dependently decrease H2AX and γ-H2AX (mediators of the DNA damage signaling pathway) and Chk1,p- Chk1, Chk2, p-Chk2 (Checkpoint kinase 1 and checkpoint kinase 2 which are effectors of DNA damage signaling pathway) by increasing anti-inflammatory IL-4yr cytok, HSP-70, NO, and PGE2 expressions. R

• In the skin, chokeberry inhibits NF-KB/MAPK activation of TNF-alpha stimulation of ICAM-I pro-inflammatory cytokines. R

• Aronia mitschurinii, that apparently originated in cultivation, is also known as Sorbaronia mitschurinii. R