JUS Global

Let’s talk about a special berry in Jus that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. The Aronia Berry, also known as the Chokeberry, was an important part of the Native Indian diet for hundreds of years and is a close cousin to the blueberry. Found in swamps and damp woodlands throughout eastern North America and Europe; the hardy aronia shrub reaches 6 to 12 feet in height and produces clusters of round, pea-sized, dark purple and black berries. Can something called a Chokeberry be good for you? Let’s find out.

The Technical Stuff: The Aronia is a very powerful “super-berry” that has an unmistakable astringent and bitter flavor. It has been studied extensively in Bulgaria and is extraordinarily high in antioxidants; higher in fact than blueberries, bilberries, red grapes, cranberries or even pomegranates! Of special importance are the very high levels of anthocyanins, proanthocyanins and epicatechin. These water-soluble plant pigments possess powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which are useful in combating oxidative stress and free-radicals.  

What do the Experts say? Well, in regards to the epicatechin found in the Aronia, Dr. Norman Hollenberg of Harvard Medical School believes that it can improve heart health and perhaps lower the risk of stroke, heart failure, cancer and diabetes. As a matter of fact, among the Kuna people of Panama, who consume a considerable amount of epicatechin everyday; rates of stroke, heart disease, cancer and diabetes are less than 10%! Read the rest of this entry »