09/13/2025
Did you know this is an ingredient in the power house juice we love and drink daily?
I promise I'm not trying to be controversial when I say this: after learning about the abudance of medicinal and edible plants that grow here in the US, it's hard to think that this knowledge wasnt erased on purpose. If 1 in 2 americans suffers with heart disease or diabetes and this plant CAN help, why dont we hear about it? Why arent we taught this information in school?
Take for example aronia berries, aronia melanocarpa, commonly known as black chokeberry. Native to eastern north america and is commonly used as an ornamental shrub.
Indigenous peoples used this berry to survive the winter, treat colds, and more. This berry has one of the HIGHEST antioxidant content of all berries! Now there is a lot of research on this berry, but as with many plants we need more human research. Here is what we know so far:
1. Reduces Inflammation & Boosts Antioxidant Defenses
Randomized controlled trials (4–13 weeks) consistently show Aronia intake lowers key inflammation markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), TNF-α, and IL-6, while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10. Additionally, antioxidant enzymes—including SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase—are enhanced.
2. Improves Blood Sugar (Glycemic Control)
In adults with metabolic risks, Aronia supplementation has been shown to reduce fasting blood glucose by approximately 0.44 mmol/L, a statistically significant improvement.
3. Supports Heart Health via Cholesterol & Blood Pressure
A meta-analysis finds that daily Aronia supplementation (6–8 weeks) significantly lowers total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, especially in older adults.
In animal models, Aronia juice improved cardioprotective lipid profiles and reduced atherogenic risk.
4. Protects Cardiovascular System through Multiple Mechanisms
In vitro and in vivo studies reveal Aronia:
Reduces LDL oxidation (a key driver of atherosclerosis)
Enhances nitric oxide synthase (boosting vascular function)
Suppresses inflammation-related gene expression
5. Alters Gut Microbiota & Enhances Endothelial Function
In healthy men, 12-week consumption of Aronia extract or whole fruit powder improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD)—a measure of blood vessel health—and positively shifted gut bacteria (e.g., increased Anaerostipes, Bacteroides).
6. Lowers Oxidative Stress, Improves Gut Health
A systematic review of 57 studies (human and animal) confirmed Aronia’s effectiveness in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and promoting healthier gut microbiome dynamics—though the magnitude depends on dosage and context.
Another area of research for this berry is weight loss. I've actually found that a specific aronia berry juice has been used in clincial trials for weight loss, but we need more research in this realm. I think its worth investigating!
Now if this berry is so common in HALF of the country why is it so unknown? When I learn about these plants and their NATURAL abudance all over the US, I stand in disbelief that our solutions grow right in front of us and we have no idea.
I have a large platform and I've wondered what difference can I make? Here it is, ill teach you about plants and how they can help you. Now remember modern medicine is and was derived from plants, so do your research! Treat your plants like you do your medicine, check for contradictions, especially if you use meds.
How do you use the black chokeberry? I have dried a bunch of berries, next im making syrup and juice, im honestly so excited!
