For anyone who is pregnant and you are interested in the question: benefits of eating berries during pregnancy. You can find many helpful details on this specific topic, as well as tips, advice, ideas, and answers for you to questions related to pregnant state, proper nutrition and diet programs.
The characteristics of aronia berries elevate them to the podium of the most antioxidant foods that we can find on the market above blueberries.
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At first glance they could be mistaken for miraculous blueberries due to their rounded appearance and bright purple color, but aronia berries have their own personality and determining nutritional values to treat degenerative diseases and protect our immune system. Little known in Spain, these red fruits are the kings of antioxidants due to their high content of polyphenols and flavonoids, being the perfect allies against cell aging and preventing their oxidation. For that reason alone, we should incorporate them into our diet as soon as possible.
Most of the nutritional studies on this almost unknown superfood are very recent. In recent years, its positive incidence in people suffering from cardiovascular diseases has been confirmed and its effectiveness has even been demonstrated in patients who had suffered a heart attack, reducing the inflammatory effects and lowering blood pressure. It also stands out as a natural protector of the liver , provides intestinal balance thanks to its pectin —a soluble fiber with a prebiotic effect—, and is beneficial for the eyes by protecting the capillaries from the retina avoiding its oxidation by solar radiation.
Numerous investigations highlight the importance of aronia berries to help the body’s immunity, especially in patients with Multiple Sclerosis , as well as to normalize metabolism and prevent urine infections. Its antibacterial active principles, specifically quinic acid, inhibits the growth of Candida in the bladder and helps to treat disorders such as cystitis or vaginal infections.
However, despite their multiple benefits, should be avoided during pregnancy as their harmlessness in pregnant women has not yet been proven. Also, people with autoimmune diseases will have to consult it before with their specialist because, although aronia has proven useful in the treatment of diseases such as sclerosis, the increase in immunity could be negative for patients.
Nutritional value of aronia berries
The nutritional value per 100 grams of aronia berries is as follows:
Calories: 47 kcal
Total fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 9.6 g
Vitamin C: 21 mg
Folic Acid: 25 mcg
Antioxidant superpowers
Aronia is a genus of plants that belongs to the Rosaceae family and of which three species of shrubs are distinguished, but the berries that we consume in food are fruits of the variety Aronia Melanocarpa < / em> which can be in three different shades: from a lighter red to a dark purple. They are grown in very cold areas of North America, Russia and Eastern Europe, so in Spain we have not started to know them long ago.
However, we should include them as soon as possible in our diet because they are on the world podium of the most antioxidant foods . The development of chronic and degenerative diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s could have a common origin related, in part, to oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species, free radicals, can damage proteins, fats, and genetic material.
Endless fruits and vegetables have a high antioxidant content and it is possible to quantify it thanks to the so-called ORAC value , the ability to absorb free radicals, as explained by the College of Pharmacists of Cantabria in its detailed study on nutrition. Although the exact relationship between this scale of values and their health benefits, it is believed that those with a higher value are more effective in their antioxidant power. Well, according to the aforementioned food table, aronia berries far exceed blueberries , blackberries, cherries, strawberries and other red fruits.
How to take aronia berries
As with other red fruits, aronia berries can be consumed fresh, although the truth is that in Spain they are very difficult to find in that version.The most widespread form of commercialization outside their places of production is dehydrated, which we can buy from 18 euros per kilo . Its flavor is bitter and it is also astringent, so it will always be more pleasant and healthy to eat them cooked and with other foods. If we choose to steam them, we will retain a greater number of antioxidants.
The jam is a good option due to its high pectin content and in just 5 minutes we can make it in the microwave combining it with other fruits; however, it is mostly marketed in juices , mixed with other berries such as açaí, blueberries or raspberries. If you want to make it at home and give it a touch of joy, we suggest this red fruit sangria recipe that will make you succeed this summer.
In addition, aronia can be mixed with cereals, yogurts and ice creams, also being consumed in energy bars – with this recipe you can make them yourself in a short time -, in infusion and in its powder or capsule format. There are also areas where they make wine, vinegar and other beverages distilled with them.
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