Top 5 Health Benefits of Chokeberries!

Chokeberries, also known as aronia berries, originate from the wet woods of Eastern North America and are also found in wet wooded areas of the UK, such as the New Forest and the high mountains of Snowdonia.  Due to the conditions they are grown in, they have a distinct tart taste to them.  If you enjoy foraging, picking or just snacking on different berries, read on to unearth the Top 5 Health Benefits of Chokeberries!

1. Anti-aging properties
Aronia berries are rich in antioxidants, which work to fight any free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are a group of unpaired atoms in the body that remain within the skin cells, causing them to age.  Antioxidants bind to these atoms and expel them from the body, keeping the skin looking young.

2. Aids weight loss
Chokeberries are high in dietary fibre and abundant in a range of nutrients such as Vitamin C, B Vitamins and Vitamin A. Dietary fibre is a more complex type of starch, which helps satiate your appetite, making you feel fuller for longer -along with these nutritional properties, aronia berries help boost your metabolism in the process. They also help prevent the body from storing fat around the abdominal area.

3. Helps balance blood pressure
Aronia berries have a dark pigment to them which prevents spasms of the red blood vessels. This helps keep systolic blood pressure away from the danger zone (above 140/90). They also help regulate heart health due to their high potassium content, which reduces strain on the cardiovascular system.

4. Supports immune system
Aronia berries are high in Vitamin C, which is needed for the maintenance of a healthy immune system. Vitamin C also stimulates the activity of white blood cells and plays a vital role in the production of collagen, which is needed for the growth and repair of new cells and tissue.

5. Aids prevention of cognitive disorders
Possibly the most interesting fact of all is that aronia berries help reduce the effect that free radicals have on the brain and cognitive pathways. The antioxidant properties that this berry possesses have been linked to forming increased neural-pathways and the lessening of oxidative stress in the brain, thus reducing the risk of memory loss and cognitive disorders.

Chokeberries are available to buy at Tesco, Holland and Barrett and in various online outlets.  You can also find them in a range of drink products, powders, and as packaged fruits themselves on the shelves.  Next time you’re on a break, whether at work, or before a gym workout why not try a pack and notice the energy boost you get? Got a recipe, let us know below or @keepfitkingdom !

Francesca Gregori

Franki is a nutrition student currently undergoing her second year at Bournemouth University. Originally from London, she has a passion for anything health, food and well-being related; she enjoys reading, baking and experimenting with different recipes. In addition to trying out new exercises and workouts in the gym, she loves to read up on recent topics in the nutrition field and walks along the coastline.

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