By: Ivana Dragica |
This fruit absorbs radiation, protects the liver and strengthens immunity |
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This fruit, with fruits like berries, has a sour, pungent taste.
It is resistant to winter and frosts and, therefore, can survive in temperatures as low as -47 degrees Celsius, for which it is dubbed Siberian blueberries.
Because of its resistance, it is now growing in colder countries such as Finland, Sweden and Russia.
It originates from North America, from where it came to Europe. North American natives used it as food and medicine.
In Europe it was primarily famous for the beauty of its flower.
In many parts of the world this fruit is classified as healing herb due to its properties.
After the explosion at Chernobyl, it was used for mitigating the effects of radiation.
It has strong antioxidant properties. According to the ORAC and TEAC standards, aronia has the highest antioxidant capacity of all berries and nuts.
Healing effects of aronia
Aronia is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, trace minerals, folic acid and vitamins B, C and E.
Due to the high content of antioxidants and vitamins C and E, aronia has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.
Aronia is rich in antioxidant anthocyanins, which strengthens the immune system, reduces the risk of cancer and slows aging.
Aronia has a beneficial effect on the function of the stomach, stimulates the thyroid gland and is especially recommended for people with hypothyroidism.
Aronia also prevents cardiovascular diseases. This fruit lowers high blood pressure and cholesterol, and stimulates the production of good cholesterol.
Aronia stimulates the liver and helps with gallstones and gall bladder inflammation.
It has a beneficial effect on our digestive system - calming abdominal spasms and pains, reducing inflammation of the lining of the intestines and stops diarrhea.
Aronia is useful against urinary tract infections.
This fruit can be found in many products for weight loss, it helps to maintain an ideal weight.
Russian scientists have shown that it increases the secretion of heavy metals and some radioactive substances from the body.
The benefits of aronia:
- an excellent source of antioxidants
- prevents heart and blood vessel diseases
- regulates blood pressure
- protects the health of the urinary system
- has anti-inflammatory properties
- stimulates the thyroid gland
- improves memory and concentration
- regulates the level of sugar in the blood
- boosts immunity
- has beneficial effect on the digestive system
- protects against viruses and bacteria
- promotes the excretion of heavy metals from the body
Aronia cultivation
Aronia is resistant to cold, so it can be cultivated in cold regions.
In continental Croatia, aronia blossoms in late April, the fruits ripen in August or September.
The fruits remain on the plant – they do not fall off or rot. That is why picking harvest can last for two months.
Aronia is resistant to pests and does not require the use of pesticides, which is why it is considered to be 100% organic plant. It thrives in all types of soil, and the only condition it can not tolerate is drought.
You can purchase aronia saplings in most agricultural chemist.
Aronia is best consumed in its raw form, because it loses a part of its medicinal properties when cooked.
Aronia can be used for making jams and marmalade; you can consume it in the form of juice, tea and canned fruit. You can also dry aronia berries and consume them in winter.
Spinach and aronia salad
Here is a great and healthy recipe with aronia.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar
- 1 avocado
- 125 ml of chopped cucumber
- 125 ml of aronia berries
- 2 tablespoons of apple juice
- 2 teaspoons of aronia
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/8 teaspoon of honey
- 1 clove of garlic
- 125 ml of olive oil
- 1 bunch of spinach
- 125 ml of chopped carrots
Preparation:
Mix the following in a blender: cider vinegar, apple juice, aronia berries, honey, salt and garlic and mix well. Finally, add the olive oil and stir gently.
Pour that dressing over spinach leaves, carrots, avocado, cucumber and 2 teaspoons of aronia berries.
Aronia is a little known plant in many regions. People are yet to discover its benefits that can help us with our modern style of life.
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