Maqui berry
(aristotelia chilensis) also known as the Chilean Wineberry, is a dark
purple berry which is native to the Patagonia region of Chile. Patagonia
is considered to be one of the cleanest, best preserved and most
fertile natural sanctuaries on Earth. The evergreen shrub is native to
Chile, but it also grows in the Patagonia region of Argentina.
The healing properties of the maqui berries were well known to the Mapuche
Indians who harvested them for centuries. The Indians also used the
leaves and stems of the shrub to cure many different ailments. The
warriors of the tribe were famous for their energy and endurance. Their
legendary stamina was ascribed to the consumption of these powerful,
almost magical, small berries which only recently became known to health
conscious communities in Europe and North America.
New studies appear almost every month as the scientists are trying to decipher the healing properties of this healthy fruit.
What the scientists discovered in their laboratories, exceeded any
expectations. Like any other berries, maqui berries are rich in
antioxidants. The measured total ORAC* value is 27,600 per 100g which is
higher than that of any known fruit or vegetable. The berries are not
only rich in antioxidants, but are also a great source of Vitamins A and
C, potassium, calcium and iron.
Health benefits of maqui berries:
- Promote healthy weight loss
- Help detoxify the body
- Improve circulation
- Boost strength and increase endurance
- Increase energy levels
- Strengthen immune system
- Prevent degenerative disease and support healthy aging
- Neutralize free radicals
- Reduce inflammation in the body
- Protect LDL from oxidation
- Inhibit protein glycation in the body
- Strengthen bones and joints
- Clear skin conditions and help protect against sun damage
Clinical studies demonstrated that maqui berries
speed up metabolism and can be effectively used to lose unwanted pounds.
The berries also help remove any toxins and chemicals that accumulated
over time in the body. Detoxification and improved elimination
contribute to better health and support any weight loss diet.
Maqui
berries contain delphinidin, a powerful antioxidant that shows
powerful anticancer activity. Its tumor destroying potential has yet to
be tested in human studies.
The Chilean berries are
powerful rejuvenation agents. As we age we are not only exposed to an
increased oxidation, but also to inflammation and protein glycation.
Maqui berries help reduce the inflammatory processes in the body and are
used with great success by those who suffer from painful joint
inflammation. The berries also help fight free radicals and stop
oxidation of LDL thus preventing cancer and heart disease. They also
help remove AGEs or advanced glycation* end-products. They support liver
function and improve blood circulation.
The suggested
daily dose is 500 mg twice daily and can be obtained in form of
capsules or juice. As with any other superfood it is important to
remember that supplementation cannot replace healthy nutrition and
exercise.
By Dominique Allmon
Glossary:
*ORAC
or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity score is a chemical analysis that
measures the antioxidant levels of food and other chemical substances.
High ORAC value means that the food is high in antioxidants. The
antioxidant’s strength is its ability to eliminate oxygen free radicals.
The higher the score the better the ability to protect the cells from
oxidative damage and to fight and prevent diseases such as heart disease
or cancer. Oxygen free radicals are chemicals that are formed
naturally within our bodies through the process of oxidation. Natural
bodily functions such as breathing and digestion as well as our physical
activities produce oxygen free radicals. Daily exposure to polluted
air, processed foods and oxidizing radiation from the sun and
electrical appliances also produce oxygen reactive species. The ORAC
value of 27,600 was measured by the Brunswick Laboratories.
*Glycation
is a reaction that takes place within the body when simple sugar
molecules such as fructose or glucose become attached to proteins or
lipids without the moderation of an enzyme. This results in the
formation of rogue molecules known as advanced glycation end products or
AGEs. Glycation disrupts the normal metabolic pathways and advances
the circulation of AGEs, which in turn promote certain health risks and
speeds up aging.
*This information is for educational purpose only.
It is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease. Please, consult your
health care provider before commencing supplementation.
Rejuvenate and Restore Health with Maqui Berry by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.