For instance, 100 grams of raw cranberries scaled at 9,584
on the USDA ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value scale, which is higher
than both the blueberry and the pomegranate. Still, while cranberries do
provide a higher ORAC level than a number of fruits and vegetables, they lag
well behind the Aronia Berry which scaled in at 16,062 on the ORAC scale for
100 grams of raw berries.
The cranberry is a rich source of Vitamin C, E and Manganese. Aronia Berries are a rich source of Folates, Vitamin A, C, E, K, Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Potassium, Zinc and Phyto-nutrients. Both berries are rich in fiber and add a high dose of the recommended daily allowance of fiber to any diet.
Cranberries are sometimes used to treat urinary tract infections due to the quinic acid contained within the cranberry. However, studies have shown the Aronia Berry contains a higher dose of quinic acid than the cranberry and is actually five to ten times more effective in supporting bladder health. In fact, the studies have shown that the higher dose of quinic acid in the Aronia Berries may even go so far as to actually prevent the bacteria that causes bladder issues. (Search Aroniaberry (chokeberry) and UTI on Pub Med to review the studies.)
Cranberries are grown primarily in North America and more
likely to be grown in cooler climates such as Wisconsin, which is the largest
producer of cranberries in the world. As of 2008, 90% of Aronia Berry
production was in Poland, with Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin
leading the way in the United States.
Cranberries are grown in bogs floating on water which makes
for easier harvesting. Studies have shown that cranberries grown on top of the
water with greater exposure to sunlight give the berries a deeper redder color
and a greater content of anthocynanins. The cranberry relies on direct sunlight
to improve the flavonoids or antioxidant nature of the berries. Aronia Berries
are low maintenance, grown on bushes in groves and each berry, even without
exposure to direct sunlight, has near equal amounts of anthocyanins at the time
of harvest.
Side effects of the cranberry can occur with allergies to
aspirin. The cranberry can cause inflammation of the stomach lining with
overuse. It may increase the amount of Vitamin B 12 that the body absorbs in
people with atrophic gastritis. Cranberry extract tablets have been shown to
increase the oxalate levels in the urine by 43% and instigate kidney stones
which are primarily oxalate combined with calcium. Cranberry can increase
bleeding and bruising in patients taking Warfarin. Cranberry can also decrease
how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. The Aronia Berry at this
time, appears to have no known side effects other than a mild case of diarrhea
from over indulgence.
While both berries do have their benefits, the lesser known
Aronia Berry is shown to have a greater degree of health and wellness benefits,
higher antioxidant levels and less side effects associated with it. Still,
adding either berry to supplement an already well-balanced diet is a must to
attaining and maintaining a fit lifestyle.
