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
Glosary:
*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 endproducts 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 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.
