What is Chokeberry and How Does It Help the Heart?

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by: Darrell Miller
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Word Count: 535
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2011 Time: 3:11 PM
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Chokeberry refers to several fruit-bearing plant species that belong to the rose family. These species make excellent ornamental plants for gardens, and their attractive flowers are quite popular among homeowners in North America. These flowers turn into glossy berries in early summer that are usually left unconsumed largely owing to its strong astringent taste. Recent scientific discoveries regarding its nutritional content have been overwhelming, boosting its commercial value in the past few years. In fact, chokeberries are expected to surge in popularity in years to come due to its exceptional antioxidant properties.

Aronia is a small genus of the family Rosaceae that encompasses three species of chokeberries. These are deciduous shrubs that grow up to 2 meters in height on average. They were once classified with similar-looking but much larger shrubs in the genus Photinia, which comprises more than 60 species, but recent genetic studies disproved this. These species prefer soil with sufficient moisture, but are known to thrive well outside its native range. Chokeberry is named so because of its bitter taste, and thus has not been noted for any culinary use throughout history. But gardeners value its deep green foliage that turns striking red in fall, making it quite commonplace in homes.

Chokeberries are very small pomes, a kind of fruit with a characteristic edible tissue covering a group of seeds. Aronia arbutifolia bears red chokeberries that persist into winter. Aronia melanocarpa have black fruits. Aronia prunifloia were believed to be a hybrid of the red and black species, but are now classified as an entirely different species that bears purplish fruits. Red chokeberries are sweeter in taste, though still considered bitter. The darker chokeberries are much more bitter but contain high amounts of vitamins, minerals, and a diverse variety of healthy phytochemicals.

Prevents Oxidative Stress

In a study that measured its antioxidant capacity in biological samples in vitro called ORAC, short for oxygen radical absorbance capacity, chokeberries ranked among the highest ever recorded antioxidant values. The common antioxidant value of most fruits and vegetables amount to 277 while chokeberries yielded a far superior value of 16062, the reason why it has gained much attention in the scientific community.

Reduces Cardiovascular Inflammation

Chokeberries are now believed to be especially good for the heart. It contains a unique combination of organic compounds such as flavonoids, catechins, and anthocyanins that are thought to influence inflammatory mediators. The pro-inflammatory compounds contribute to the formation of illnesses of the cardiovascular system, such as atherosclerosis. Chokeberries play an active role in inhibiting the oxidation of lipids, proteins, and other chemicals that get trapped in the arteries of the heart.

Promotes Circulatory Health

Researchers are very enthusiastic about the medicinal potential of chokeberries, inasmuch as preliminary studies gave very promising outcomes. Apart from their potent antioxidant activity, chokeberries are excellent sources of bioactive compounds, such as healthy saccharides, vitamins, and minerals that have been observed to maintain normal blood pressure, prevent cardiovascular spasms, inhibit platelet aggregation, and promote overall circulatory health.

Antioxidants are the key to keeping a healthy cardiovascular system. You can find antioxidants like chokeberry at your local or internet vitamin store. Always choose name brands like Solaray to ensure quality and purity of the product you buy for better health.

About the Author

If you need a cardiovascular bost, give antioxidants a try risk free at VitaNet ®, LLC Vitamin Store. http://vitanetonline.com/