High Blood Cholesterol: How Aronia Berries can help
The big “C” word has so many negative connotations, but cholesterol carries out many essential functions like producing oestrogen, testosterone and other hormones. You may have heard of the terms "LDL" and "HDL" from health checkups or other sources. LDL, colloquially known as bad cholesterol, can build up in your arteries, causing various health complications including atherosclerosis, restricting blood flow. HDL, conversely, has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease. Eating foods high in saturated fats is the main cause of bad cholesterol buildup, which is why the best way to control our cholesterol is through our diet. Aronia berries are one of the health foods that have medicinal properties that can help positively influence LDL and HDL levels.
Bad cholesterol may be one of the biggest contributors to heart diseases as they clog up arteries through the buildup of plague. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is universally bad for our bodies and the consumption of a high fat diet can contribute to an unhealthy level of this compound. The Health Promotion Board recommends less than 100mg/dL of LDL cholesterol in our blood, and Aronia berries fit the bill. A study was conducted on rats with a high cholesterol diet and their blood showed reduced LDL concentrations after consuming the Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice¹.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also dubbed as good cholesterol, picks up excess cholesterol in your bloodstream to remove it from your system. This function is why medical professionals would recommend a minimum HDL level of 40mg/dL. It is fascinating how consumption of Aronia berries are attributed with an increase in HDL levels². These berries are a source of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, micronutrients and fiber which, from these studies, positively influence certain parameters of our bodies.
With the advent of fast food and other unhealthy, quick options, it is not surprising to see many consume a diet high in fat out of convenience. It is important to control our cholesterol levels before they reach critical levels, especially when people can get so caught up with our fast paced working environment. Aronia berries could be a fruit to incorporate in your diet as a means to promote healthy HDL cholesterol levels and keeping the bad cholesterol at bay.
Reference list
- Valcheva-Kuzmanova, S., Kuzmanov, K., Mihova, V., Krasnaliev, I., Borisova, P., & Belcheva, A. (2007). Antihyperlipidemic effect of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 62(1), 19-24.
- Kokotkiewicz, A., Jaremicz, Z., & Luczkiewicz, M. (2010). Aronia plants: a review of traditional use, biological activities, and perspectives for modern medicine. Journal of medicinal food, 13(2), 255-269.
The information contained in the post is for general purpose only and should not be considered as medical advice.
