The maqui berry is quickly gaining popularity among health enthusiasts due to the fact that it has highest known antioxidant value of any other super fruit based liquid supplement.
What is a Maqui Berry?
The maqui berry grows naturally in the Patagonia region of Chile. The native Mapuche Indians of the Patagonia region in South America have known and benefited for years both from the unique medicinal and healthy aging benefits of the maqui berry.
It has only been in the last several years that the maqui berry has become popular in other parts of the world for the incredible health benefits it offers.
Maqui Berries – A Powerful Antioxidant Superhero
The maqui berry has the highest level of antioxidants of any food. That makes the maqui berry the ultimate superfood.
Antioxidants work to supercharge the immune system. They repair cells from the damage caused by free radicals (toxins). Not only does this protect the body from minor illnesses, such as the cold and flu, antioxidants play a powerful role in warding off chronic diseases like cancer, arthritis, and hardening of the arteries.
Dr. Ward Bond reported on Fox News in Orlando, FL in February 2009 in a segment called “Eat Your Purples” that the maqui berry is superior in antioxidant levels to all other fruits and offers tremendous health benefits.
Dr. Bond offered the following breakdown of antioxidant levels of different fruits:
- maqui berry: 820
- acai berry: 160-300
- blueberry 61
- raspberry: 21
- grapes: 14
The levels of antioxidants in the maqui berry is nearly triple that of the infamous acai berry that has long been touted as an antioxidant powerhouse.
Other Health Benefits from the Maqui Berry
The powerful antioxidant effect the maqui berry offers leads to many health benefits, other than just a strong immune system.
A study out the University of Illinois in 2006 looked at the photochemical properties in berries like the maqui berry that protect human health. This particular study examined the role the berries play in diabetes-related enzyme pathways to help nutritionists develop guidelines of berry intake. Even back then, the maqui held a high potential with medical researchers.
The berries also improve overall cardiovascular health, improve joint mobility, and reduce inflammation. The reason behind the power of this berry is tied to the high levels of antioxidants. The antioxidants reduce the amount of free radicals in the body that trigger many chronic health conditions.
Superfoods Lead to Super Beauty
Maqui berries are not just about being healthy on the inside, they are also about looking healthy on the outside. The berries improve overall health and appearance.
The berries actually slow the aging process since they greatly reduce the free radicals in the body that damage cells and lead to the aging process.
The maqui berry is also a great weight loss aid. Since the berry works to eliminate toxins from the body, using it as an aid to lose weight is essentially detoxing the body and improving overall health. This makes weight loss easier and makes the body more capable of activities that promote weight loss, like exercise.
Where to Buy Maqui Berries
The maqui berry has a deep, rich flavor that many enjoy. Obviously traveling to Chile to indulge in the maqui berry is not an option for most people. Fortunately, it is available in a supplement form, either as a capsule or as a liquid. This antioxidant superhero can be purchased at local health food stores or online.
Maqui berries are the wave of the future. The benefits they offer are astounding. With the highest level of antioxidant of all other foods, they offer protection from multiple chronic diseases and everyday illness. They also slow the aging process and help with weight loss.
Sources:
Medicalnewstoday.com."Maqui Superberry" (accessed March 13, 2010)
Webmd.com "Antioxidants and Your Immune System: Super Foods for Optimal Health." (accessed March 13, 2010)
Robyn Adams - Robyn Adams is a freelance writer. She graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a B.A. in Journalism. She also has a M.A. in ...
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