If pharmacists had to create a plant “from all diseases”, they would undoubtedly become chokeberry, which is also chokeberry. Our grandmothers also used these amazing berries with benefit, strengthening health and healing from many ailments.
What is black chokeberry
Chokeberry – this is the berries of a deciduous shrub, widely distributed almost throughout the world. There are two varieties of chokeberry – aronia and red. The second is a mountain ash, well known to all of us. The berries of both varieties differ in taste (red mountain ash is slightly sweeter), but both varieties contain incredibly large reserves of antioxidants and many other useful substances. Biologists say the existence of several dozen varieties of chokeberry, but the most common – chokeberry.
Black Aronia is a multiyear, multiyear shrub that grows to 4 meters in height. In the spring, this bush stands out among others due to its abundant white flowering. In autumn, oval jagged leaves turn red, and shiny red berries with a diameter of about 1 cm hang from clusters of red stalks. This beautiful shrub is used by many as an ornamental plant. And in the wild, black chokeberry is an unpretentious plant. It feels good on stony slopes, cliffs, swamps and dry glades, in thick forests and along roads.
What useful substances contains
Any researcher who is at least a little familiar with the chemical composition of berries will say that most of them (especially with rich colors and a tart flavor) contain rich reserves of anthocyanins. These substances are a natural water-soluble pigment that protects the human body from free radicals. Thanks to the anthocyanins, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries and many other berries are considered one of the most useful for humans. But few people know that chokeberry contains about 5 times more anthocyanins than any other dark berries. And the chokeberry’s antioxidant abilities are several times superior to pomegranates, strawberries, cherries and even goji berries that have been praised in recent years. No fruit grown in temperate climates contains more antioxidants and flavonoids than chokeberry. And in 100 g of fresh berries there are from 560 to 1059 mg of anthocyanins.
But on this list of useful components of chokeberry is not limited. Chemists found in its composition no less useful substances, such as blue maldivine, caffeic acid, delphinin, epicatechin and many other compounds. In order not to break the tongue with complex names, which, we guess, do not say much to anything, let’s say that thanks to these components, chokeberry berries have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties. They prevent herpes, Crohn’s disease, cholesterol, some diseases of the liver, stomach, eyes, blood, and also improve overall well-being.
Another argument in favor of Chokeberry is a rich vitamin composition. Some people call this berry a natural multivitamin. It contains ascorbic acid, vitamins B, E, K. It is a good source of iron, copper, manganese, boron, selenium, fluorine, potassium, molybdenum and iodine.
By the way, in plants that are common on the sea coasts, iodine is several times more.
The main advantages of black ash
Many of the beneficial properties of chokeberry have already been proven scientifically. Some of these scientists are still studying. But in any case, even now in scientific circles they speak with admiration of the extremely useful berries of chokeberry, which are good for digestion, protect against free radicals, treat obesity, inflammation, slow down aging, prevent cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and also strengthen the immune system. Below we consider the top benefits of these black berries.
Accelerates Metabolism
Studies conducted several years ago have proven the effectiveness of black chokeberry for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. This painful condition can be manifested by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excess body fat. The scientific experiment involved 25 people with metabolic problems. Each of them for 2 months consumed 100 mg of chokeberry extract. At the end of the experiment, it turned out that their cholesterol levels improved significantly.
In addition, in another study, it turned out that black rowan berries prevent too much fat from accumulating in the abdomen.
Regulates sugar in the bloodstream
Scientists are still testing this berry ability. But according to preliminary research, chokeberry can be very beneficial for people with diabetes. If you take 200 ml of berry juice daily for 3 months, there is a chance to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Sharpens eyesight
Lutein, zeaxanthin and carotenoids contained in ripe fruits have tremendous eye benefits. In particular, these substances help the eye to filter harmful UV rays, help prevent yellow macular degeneration.
Improves digestion
Rowan berries are rich in fiber, and it is known to be useful for proper digestion. If in more detail, then sufficient fiber intake contributes to faster intestinal function, which means it prevents the accumulation of toxins in the body. Chokeberry as a source of fiber is useful for preventing diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps, bloating and other unpleasant sensations in the body.
In addition to the benefits already mentioned, organic compounds contained in chokeberry protect the intestines from dangerous bacteria.
Protects against malignant tumors
Laboratory studies of the beneficial properties of black ash berries have shown that the anthocyanins contained in it inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In particular, the berry performed well in the treatment of colon cancer. But scientists assume that aronia will be just as effective in treating other malignant tumors.
Improves brain function
Perhaps the most devastating effects of free radicals on the body is a breakdown of the brain. Anthocyanins found in chokeberry improve neuronal activity and reduce oxidative stress in the brain. What does it mean? Simply put, the use of berries reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other cognitive disorders that occur with age.
Strengthens immunity
Speaking about chokeberry, one can not forget about vitamin C, which is contained in large quantities in the berries. This antioxidant vitamin stimulates the activity of white blood cells (leukocytes) and is also an important component in the production of collagen. The latter is necessary for the growth and recovery of almost all tissues in the body, is responsible for the strength of blood vessels, and also serves as a miracle remedy for strengthening immunity. For this reason, chokeberry berries are indispensable for diseases, as well as for preventing colds during the epidemic of acute respiratory infections.
Protects the heart
A rather high concentration of potassium is observed in rowan fruits. This dose of the substance is enough to noticeably improve the condition of the heart. Potassium has vasodilating properties, which means that the arteries expand, the pressure in them decreases, the blood flow through the body is facilitated and the unnecessary load on the heart muscle is reduced. The result of such a complex effect is called a decrease in the possibility of a heart attack or stroke. But besides this, one should once again recall the fiber, which rowan berries are also rich in. It cleans blood vessels from cholesterol, and this is another plus in favor of a healthy and strong heart.
Antibacterial agent
Recent studies have discovered that aronia has a direct effect on influenza and bacterial infections in the intestines, as well as in the respiratory tract. This discovery explains why in many recipes of traditional medicine, black chokeberry is used to treat cough and diseases of the digestive organs.
Protection against early aging
As part of the berries of mountain ash there are a number of components that can improve the health and appearance of the skin. Oxidative stress also affects the skin, causing wrinkles, age spots.
Antioxidants contained in chokeberry, prevent age-related changes in the skin, tighten it and make it smooth.
What else is useful chokeberry?
But these are not all the functions that black aronia is capable of performing in the body. Berry is useful for:
- thyroid work;
- vessel strengthening;
- increased hemoglobin;
- correct blood formation;
- removal of toxins and salts of heavy metals;
- treatment of radiation sickness;
- treatment of the gallbladder;
- relief of various types of pain.
Warning
Considering that the composition of black chokeberry is a combination of powerful chemical compounds, it is possible that this berry can cause allergies in some people. Therefore, it is important to consume the product in moderation, especially the first time.
Chokeberry contains oxalic acid, a natural substance found in many fruits and vegetables. But it has the ability to crystallize, forming stones in the urinary tract. People prone to urolithiasis are advised to avoid these berries. In addition, one must also know that oxalic acid prevents the body from absorbing calcium and magnesium.
Acidic gastritis, stomach or duodenal ulcers, thickened blood and hypotension are also significant reasons for avoiding chokeberry berries.
Application in folk medicine
We dare to assume that our ancestors didn’t even know at all about the rich chemical composition of these dark berries, but nevertheless they knew exactly how useful the black chokeberry was. By the way, folk healers used not only berries, but also tea from the leaves of the plant, in particular for the purification of blood vessels, as a choleretic agent and for the treatment of liver diseases. Also, honey collected by bees during the flowering of chokeberry is also considered particularly useful.
To strengthen immunity
Aronia (in the ratio of 1 tablespoon of dried berries to a glass of boiling water) brew in a water bath (no longer than 10 minutes). Strain the chilled drink. Drink three times a day in 100 gram portions.
To lower blood pressure
At all times for the treatment of high blood pressure used natural juice chokeberry Aronia. For therapeutic purposes, it is advised to drink approximately 25 ml of juice before each meal.
Against atherosclerosis
For 30 minutes before a meal, eat 100 g of berries for a month. It is said that this is enough to strengthen the blood vessels, cleanse the arteries from atherosclerotic plaques and reduce cholesterol in the body.
Use in the food industry
The fruits of black rowan are slightly larger than those of red, they are tart, bitter and hard. Great for making jams, juices, toppings for pies. In addition, they make excellent wine and other alcoholic beverages, they are suitable as fillers for yogurt and desserts (both fresh and dried berries). In cooking, they are used as a natural dye.
Rowan Jam
Washed and lightly dried berries should be filled with sugar in the proportion of 1: 1, left to form a juice (overnight). Cook on low heat for about an hour. After the mixture, wipe to a state of smooth mash and bring to a boil again. Spread out on the banks, close tightly.
Tincture
Approximately one third of the vessel filled with pure black chokeberry berries. Pour sugar syrup mixed with alcohol. Block, insist 3 of the month, occasionally shaking off the vessel. Strain before use.
How to choose and store
Use only ripe berries. Harvest can be in September. Peeled and washed fruit are ready to eat. When buying a mountain ash, it is important to pay attention to its appearance: the berries should be fresh, without wrinkles and mildew. On the freshness of the berries says smooth shiny skin. Do not mix the whole fruit with damaged – so they quickly begin to deteriorate. In the refrigerator rowan stored about a week. Wash berries immediately before use.
Large-scale cultivation of chokeberry in the countries of the former USSR began at the end of 1940. And today one of the leaders in Europe for growing chokeberry is Poland – at the beginning of 2000’s, this country showed how profitable this crop is. Already after 2, after planting, one bush produces about 6 kg of healthy berries, the demand for which is growing every year all over the world.
