After doing a comparison of the Aronia Berry, the Blueberry and the Cranberry in past weeks, I was recently asked how the Aronia Berry stacks up against the pomegranate. While the pomegranate is a better known and higher marketed fruit than the Aronia Berry, the Aronia Berry provides a much higher concentration of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients than the pomegranate does.
During the research I found 100 grams of raw pomegranate seeds charts in at 4,479 on the USDA ORAC or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity Scale. Compare this number to the Aronia Berry, which charts at 16,062 on the ORAC scale, or nearly FOUR times more than the pomegranate. In other words, the higher the level on the ORAC scale the better the berry is for the body.
Pomegranates are a good source of Vitamin C and K. They’re also rich in folates and provide a good source of fiber for the diet. The Pomegranate is a good source of natural carbohydrates, manganese, potassium, phosphorus and iron. Aronia Berries are also a great source of dietary fiber and actually provide a higher concentration of fiber than the pomegranate. The Aronia Berry is a rich source of folates, Vitamin A, C, E and K. Aronia Berries are also rich in calcium, iron, manganese, potassium, zinc and phyto-nutrients making the Aronia Berry a better choice for overall nutritional value.
The Pomegranate originated in Iran and Northern India. Pomegranates thrive in drier, more arid climates. The Pomegranate is presently grown throughout most of the Middle East, India and the drier climes of Arizona and California in the continental United States. The Aronia Berry is grown seasonally in the cooler climates of the upper High Plains of North America and across the eastern bloc countries of Europe. Poland accounts for most of the Aronia Berry production in the world, however, the United States is quickly rising in the production of the Aronia Berry with the state of Iowa leading the way.
While the seeds and the leaves of the pomegranate are fit for human consumption, the roots and stems contain a poison that can be highly toxic if ingested in larger quantities. The berries, leaves, seeds and twigs of the Aronia Berry plant are non-toxic and sometimes used in herbal teas to boost antioxidant content and promote overall wellness.
The pomegranate has relatively few side effects, though people with plant allergies have experienced mild allergic reactions to the fruit. Studies have also indicated drinking pomegranate juice can actually lower blood pressure and should not be taken by people who are at risk for low blood pressure. Pomegranate can interact with blood pressure medicines and may affect how well the liver breaks down some medications. In preliminary studies being performed at this time, there have been no known side effects shown from taking the Aronia Berry.
All in all, both the Aronia Berry and the Pomegranate provide their own natural supplemental benefits and powerful antioxidant levels. Both fruits are an excellent addition to any well balanced, nutritious diet promoting and supplementing health and wellness. However, for the highest quality of natural level antioxidants in the fruit and vegetable family and the greatest benefit to my diet, my money is still on the Aronia Berry and I will continue to add “the power of purple” to my daily dietary regimen.
