Aronia (chokeberry)
Aronia melanocarpa
Fruits. Native American and Modern nutrition.
Also called Chokeberry, Black chokeberry, Aronia berry
May lower blood pressureAronia, also called chokeberry, is a dark purple berry from eastern North America, mostly sold as juice or powder for its antioxidants.
Did you know? Chokeberries get their name because the raw fruit is so astringent (drying in the mouth) that it makes your mouth pucker.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Blood pressure. Small human trials show modest blood pressure drops with aronia juice. The results are mixed and the trials are short.Early proof
- Cholesterol. A few small studies report changes in cholesterol. That is not enough evidence to rely on.Traditional proof
- Inflammation. Lab and animal tests show anti-inflammatory effects. Human proof is missing.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Some Native peoples of eastern North America ate the berries fresh and dried. In Eastern Europe, aronia was grown as a fruit and used in home remedies.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Astringent, Antioxidant, Nutritive. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Trials have used juice in small daily amounts. Because the juice is very tart, it is often mixed with apple or other juice. No standard dose is set.
Juice, powder and food.
Where to get it
Grows wild and is farmed in eastern and northern North America and in Eastern Europe. Sold as juice, dried berries, jam and powder. Key nutrients: anthocyanins (purple plant pigments), fiber and vitamin C.
Be careful
The juice is very tart and high in natural tannins, so it can upset the stomach or cause constipation in some people. Concentrated and sweetened juices can be high in sugar. People on blood pressure medicines should check with a doctor first.
Avoid if: low blood pressure.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are dark berries often blended into juices and smoothies.
- Use cautionBlood pressure medicine (lisinopril, amlodipine, losartan)
Aronia juice may lower blood pressure a little. With BP medicines, the combined effect could be too strong for some people.
Adds up with others that may lower blood pressure: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 12 more.
The honest take
Aronia is a dark, tart berry with real antioxidants and fiber. Its blood pressure claims come from small trials that do not fully agree. The superfruit hype goes well beyond what human studies show.