Bliss Balls are such an easy way to get the whole family incorporating more herbs & superfoods. You could practically hide anything in them and they will still taste phenomenal.
Purple Aronia, also known as purple chokeberry, Aronia prunifolia, is a hybrid species of both the black (Aronia melanocarpa) and red (Aronia arbutifolia) chokeberry shrub native to North America.
Black chokeberry fruits have traditionally been used by the Potawatomi tribal peoples of North America to cure colds. Recent studies have begun to take a closer look at the chokeberry specifically for it’s cardioprotective effects, hepatoprotective effects, anti diabetic effects and anti carcinogenic properties.
The antioxidant activity and properties of Aronia berries has been well documented. Both the natural product and extracts of aronia berries showed abundant phenolic compounds that exhibit potent antioxidant activity that could be supportive in improving overall human health.
According to a study that was updated in 2022, Aronia berries show potential antitumor activity especially for colon cancer and breast cancer patients.
In one 2017 study titled, Fruits of Black Chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa in the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, found that, “the anti-inflammatory properties of black chokeberry fruit are related to the prevention of the development of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and chronic problems with the immune system.”
In that same study, they write, “Aronia fruits significantly inhibited the inflammatory processes in vessels, and protected against atherogenic changes in aorta and coronary arteries, as was documented in the study of Daskalova et al.” and that, “Chokeberry fruit extract has also a positive effect on blood pressure and is recommended as a nutritional supplement in the management of arterial hypertension.”
While the thrill of finding the most exotic and distant superfood in the world is an appealing quest that sounds both sexy and mysterious, some of the wisest herbal teachers I have had the pleasure of learning from always reminded us that the most potent medicines are often the ones in our backyards. Not only do these closer relatives share the same environment as us, but they are uniquely adapted to the environment around them & us!
Here's an easy recipe that will last you all week, making sure you have a healthy and quick treat when you're craving a little pick me up throughout your day.
Here's what you'll need:
1/2 C Raw Walnuts (feel free to substitute for pecans, hazelnuts, cashews or another nut)
1/4 C Dried Cranberries (substitute raisins or other dried fruit of choice)
1 Tbsp Dried Goji Berries
1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
2 Tbsp Coconut Flour
3 Tbsp Organic Purple Aronia Powder
1-2 Dates, pitted
2-3 tsp plant-based milk of choice (I used cashew milk!)
Instructions:
1. Place the walnuts in a food processor together with the dried cranberries, goji berries, chia seeds, coconut flour, 2 Tbsp of aronia powder and dates. Mix on high speed until the mixture starts to combine.
2. Add the milk of your choice and pulse again until the mixture comes together and begins to clump up.
3. Divide the mixture in 10 equal parts and shape them into balls. Place the balls on a plate and set aside.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1 Tbsp of aronia powder on a plate. Roll each ball into the aronia powder and transfer to a serving plate. Enjoy!
Can be stored at room temperature or try freezing them!
Our Purple Aronia Extract Powder is Certified Organic & freeze dried, offering the highest quality and most potent concentration of this wonderful, native berry.
Written by Tara Lego
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