1. Dark red, blue, and purple fruits and berries have always been considered to be especially healthy. Why are deeply pigmented fruits so good for us?
They contain antioxidants called ANTHOCYANINS and POLYPHENOLS. These types of antioxidants help to reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility. Can help reduce allergic reactions. Boost immune function and cardiovascular health as well as slow down the signs of aging by protecting cells from oxidative damage.
2. Let’s talk about anti-oxidants. Why are antioxidant foods so important to maintaining good health?
As we age, our cells continue to be affected by free radicals; our organs begin to degenerate and aging accelerates. The body has built-in defense mechanisms to protect itself from free radical damage, but eventually, aging depletes the body’s ability to keep oxidants at bay.
Antioxidants are health-giving molecules found in abundance in many fruits and vegetables. Throughout the ages, cultures from around the world have been consuming deep colored berries as they have been recognized as sources of longevity and healthy living. Emerging science suggests that unstable molecules called free radicals the enemies to our health may be linked to many health imbalances, and is a leading cause of aging and poor health.
3. Let’s review the relative antioxidant levels of a few popular fruits: Apples; Grapes; Blueberries; Raspberries; and Blackberries.
Maqui Superberry liquid supplement contains a very high ORAC value. Independent lab test conducted at Brunswick showed the following result.
- Maqui Superberry 4,396/oz
- Pomegranate 993/oz Maqui 8X Higher
- Noni 532/oz Maqui 8X Higher
- Goji 100 489/oz Maqui 9X Higher
- Acai 393/oz Maqui 11X Higher
- Mangosteen 132/oz Maqui 33X Higher
4. There is a group of deeply-colored berries which have been dubbed “superberries”. What are superberries and where are they grown?
Superberries are high in compounds called anthocyanins, which are antioxidant polyphenols. The reason they deliver these compounds is because they are deeply purple, blue and red, and anthocyanins are responsible for their color. Berries also tend to be extremely high in vitamin C, often more so than oranges. The fiber they contain, pectin, is particularly beneficial for digestive health, and some berries contain enough fiber to make a very significant contribution to daily intake.
Most of the superberries are grown in South America. This is due to the high solar sunshine and cold nights. This climate helps to create strong flavors in the berries and create the highest levels of antioxidants.
5. The deep purple Maqui berry has been “recently discovered” by Westerners a few years ago, although it’s been consumed by the natives of Chile for hundreds of years. Tell us about the berry and its history.
Maqui berry has been traditionally used by the Mapuche Indians for a variety of ailments such as sore throat, diarrhea, ulcers, fever, diabetes, tumors and other ailments. Recently, our researchers from University of Chile had found Maqui to support healthy inflammatory support and is a natural COX-2 inhibitor.
The Mapuche are the only culture never to be defeated by an outside foe. They defeated the Spaniards for 300 years and the Spaniards also testified that it was the drinking of Maqui seven times a day by the Mapuche that must have given them their endurance and strength.
6. Scientists and researchers are taking a good look at the Maqui because of its tremendously high antioxidant content, higher than any other in the world. What are the researchers discovering that the berry or its extract can do for our health?
While I was in Chile, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Juan Hancke, the chief research scientist from University of Chile, who is also the head scientist for CTI Consortium, a non-profit organization that has recently obtained a $5 million grant from the World Health Organization to conduct additional research on Maqui berry.
Remember when Vioxx was taken off the market due to side effects? Vioxx was a chemically-made COX-2 inhibitor. Nature has provided us with many natural COX-2 inhibitors and Maqui is the strongest one. Inhibiting COX-2 means you will have reduced pain making it a great addition for those with arthritis. When you provide antioxidant protection to your joints, you will reduce cartilage damage caused by aging. Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Also, by reducing COX-2 enzymes in the body, you reduce your risk for cancer. Many researchers are looking at the link between using COX-2 inhibitors in cancer treatment. Some researchers have found that it increases the longevity of a cancer patient’s life by 50%!
Maqui berry had been traditionally used by the Mapuche Indians to treat cancer & ulcer. Dr Juan Hancke & his scientific team from University of Chile conducted cancer research with maqui berry concentrate on CACO2 (human colon cancer cells) to verify its anti-cancer activity. Dr Hancke’s team showed that Maqui berry is the most effective at eliminating 100% of human colon cancer cells. Researchers are very encouraged by the findings as compounds that show good activity against cancer cells in a model system are most likely to have beneficial effects in our bodies.
7. What does the Maqui berry and its juice taste like, and how can listeners taste it for themselves?
Maqui berry is the best tasting berry I have ever eaten or drank. The taste isn’t sugary sweet or sticky like grape juice. It taste better than Acai which you’ll find on the market that it’s always mixed with other juices because it doesn’t taste all that great by itself. I mix it in water or even my yogurt for lunch. It’s great for adults and children!
For more information on the medicinal use of Maqui - http://www.herbalultra.com