Siberian Aronia - A Powerful Natural Source of Antioxidants

Every day, very complex biochemical processes take place in the human body, which ensure the continuity of life. In our cells, there is a struggle at all times to preserve health, prolong vitality and youth. Free radicals, which are formed as a by-product of metabolism or under strong external harmful effects, attack the cells of our body and cause their destruction. Antioxidants play the most important role against free radicals.

Free radicals, oxidative stress and antioxidants

Free radicals in our body occur every day, due to the process of oxidation in small cellular energy subunits known as mitochondria, where organic compounds (food) produce the energy we need for life. Oxygen plays a major role in the combustion (oxidation) processes, however, incomplete reduction of oxygen normally occurs, which generates free oxygen radicals. In fact, one to five percent of inhaled oxygen is converted to free radicals. They are additionally created by the activity of enzymes, which perform detoxification from harmful  substances and drugs in the liver, but also in response to infectious agents, when the cells of the immune system kill microorganisms with their help and protect the body.

Free radicals, by their nature, are molecules of oxygen compounds with one or more unpaired (free) electrons in their outer shell, which tend to bind to a more stable compound by subtracting electrons from another compound. Electrons are often taken away by proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, as they build cells, which triggers a harmful chain reaction called oxidative stress. The cells thus lose their integrity and become damaged or completely non-functional. Free radicals are often linked to human genetic material. Oxidative stress at the level of DNA molecules leads to damage resulting in mutations.

Free radicals are naturally created in our body and naturally neutralized, but the problem arises when they are created at a faster rate than the body manages to neutralize them. This is when the cells get destroyed and diseases develop.

Antioxidants are molecules that can prevent the oxidation of other molecules. They donate one or more electrons to a free radical, which stabilizes it and prevents the initiation of oxidative stress that causes cell damage. Their role is threefold: they prevent the formation of new free radicals, neutralize already formed free radicals and repair damage to cells caused by the action of free radicals. Enzymes, which are proteins and are produced by the human body, with the help of coenzymes, represent a natural antioxidant protection against free radicals, but most antioxidants must be ingested through the diet to ensure healthy functioning at the cellular level, which is further reflected in healthy functioning of all organs and the human body as a whole.

In addition to free radicals that normally occur in the body (endogenous genesis of oxidative stress), there are also those that are additionally produced due to various agents from the external environment (exogenous genesis of oxidative stress), which far exceeds the effect of the naturally generated. Therefore, oxidative stress is an everyday occurrence and practically a permanent human condition in the modern world. Exposure to various toxins, heavy metals, pesticides, certain drugs, an unbalanced diet, psychophysical stress, insufficient quality rest and lack of physical activity, polluted air, smoking, ionizing and UV radiation and so on - all are just some of the factors that can contribute to increased production of free radicals, showing that natural cellular protection is quite insufficient. There is a constant struggle in the body between free radicals and antioxidants. Any tissue damage leads to increased production of free radicals, which further exacerbate the damage and contribute to maintaining the pathological process. Today, there is scientific evidence that free radicals are linked to more than 150 diseases. Experts associate free radicals and oxidative stress with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, various types of cancer, aging, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease… Unfortunately, this list is not final and is constantly being updated.

Recognition of Siberian Aronia as a source of health

The most important groups of antioxidants are vitamins C and E, carotenoids and polyphenols, of which the most important are flavonoids. Sources of antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables. On this occasion, we present a plant that has been scientifically confirmed as one of the most important and richest sources of antioxidants and as a real treasure trove of active principles. It is Siberian Aronia, and its richness consists of: vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, niacin-B3, pantothenic acid-B5, folic acid-B9, C, E, K), minerals (iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, molybdenum, manganese, phosphorus and iodine), low doses of sugars: glucose and fructose, sugar alcohol sorbitol, vegetable fats (linoleic and linolenic acid, phospholipids, phytosterols), amino acids, organic acids, fibers (condensed tannins, lignins, pectins, cellulose and a cutin-like polymer), and on top of that, to crown it all - antioxidant polyphenols.

Polyphenols flavonoids, primarily anthocyanins and anthocyanidins, represent the most important and largest group of biologically active constituents. Their very high percentage - as well as the presence of vitamins C, E and beta-carotene - make this plant one of the strongest known and tested sources of antioxidants. In studies and experiments that have been conducted, Siberian Aronia and Siberian Aronia juice have shown significantly higher antioxidant power compared to other fruits and their juices. We must also emphasize here that the antioxidant properties of Siberian Aronia are more significant and of better quality than the characteristics of known synthesized antioxidants. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) specified the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value of Siberian Aronia of 16,062 μmolTE / 100g of fruit, which is the highest value compared to the fruits and vegetables tested so far. The recommended daily dose is at least 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units required for basic protection of human tissue and plasma from harmful free radicals, while to achieve more significant effects and more adequate protection, recommendations go as high as 10,000 to 12,000 ORAC units per day.

Thanks to its pronounced antioxidant effect, as well as the richness of active principles, Siberian Aronia is a powerful, completely natural weapon both in disease prevention, as well as when illness is already present, which we will show in more detail in the next part of our story. An additional advantage is the easy availability and easy dosing.

ARONIA TREASURE

ArmedinaUSA juice Aronia Treasure is obtained from Siberian Aronia, which grows in the north of the Eurasian continent at temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius for most of the year, in areas at least 500 miles away from the first industrial zones. Juice production is performed by cold pressing in a closed system, followed by pasteurization and bottling into containers of dark double glass, in accordance with the latest HACCP standard. The juice does not contain any preservatives, additives, emulsifiers or added sugar, and also does not contain gluten. Measurements at Brunswick Laboratories have shown that the Aronia Treasure antioxidant level of ORAC6 is over 20,000 units at the recommended daily dose of 50 ml. One bottle of Aronia Treasure contains 750 ml of juice, which is enough for two weeks of consumption. Once opened, a bottle should be kept in the refrigerator.

Siberian Aronia juice have recently become available on the US market and can be purchased online through importers ArmedinaUSA or on Amazon. More information about the products can be found on the website armedinausa.com.

Author:
ArmedinaUSA Team