Maqui - A rebellious little berry that tames inflammation, prevents cancer and supports a healthy heart

Monday, October 15, 2012 by: Carolanne Wright
Tags: maqui berry, cancer, heart health

(NaturalNews) Could a small purple berry fuel unlimited stamina, heal innumerable health complaints and turn back the hands of time? Maqui berry can do all of this and more. The fierce Mapuche warriors indigenous to Chile attribute their strength, vigor and unconquerable spirit to this little known South American berry. As one of the most extraordinary fruits, maqui boasts an impressive list of healthful benefit including cancer prevention, taming inflammation, managing blood sugar levels and supporting a healthy heart. Grown in an ecological manner with time-honored harvesting methods, maqui is a shining star among environmentally friendly superfoods.

A heroic fruit

Maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) is a vibrant purple fruit that grows abundantly across fields and hillsides in southern Chile. As a plentiful berry bush that grows wild, cultivation has proven to be unnecessary. Maqui contains 300 percent more anthocyanins and 150 percent more polyphenols than any known food or drink, including wine. For generations, the Mapuche Indians have consumed maqui as a fermented beverage. As legend has it, the Mapuche Indians are the only unconquered people of South America. Nourished by maqui, they fought the Spaniards for over 300 years. And won. Today, Mapuche families come together to hand pick the berries in a traditional fashion. The plants are naturally organic as long as their growing habitats are protected from industrial pollutants and encroachment.

How sweet (and healing) it is

A sweet tasting and healing berry, maqui has been used successfully for a variety of ailments. Tumors, hemorrhoids, diabetes, colon cancer, fevers and diarrhea are just a few of the health concerns that respond well to maqui berry. High in a type of anthocyanin called delphinidin, maqui is a potent anti-inflammatory. Since chronic inflammation contributes to a host of degenerative diseases like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and cancer; consuming ample quantities of inflammation curbing maqui is a smart choice.

Maqui packs a powerful punch by supporting heart health as well as balanced glucose levels and body weight. Antioxidants found in the berry prevent cholesterol from oxidizing in the blood which helps to deter cardiovascular disease -- including stroke, hardening of the arteries and heart attack. Consumption of maqui curiously causes a notable increase of insulin which suppresses blood glucose. With this action, energy is stabilized without peaks and crashes, thereby limiting fat storage and assisting in weight management. As an added perk, maqui helps to prevent food-borne illnesses through its antibacterial properties.

Rich in antioxidants, maqui counteracts free-radicals and radiation that contribute to aging. Maqui is able to survive (and thrive) in harsh climates by producing extraordinary amounts of UV ray-deflecting phytochemicals which help to protect the plant. These compounds also protect humans. By consuming ample amounts of phytochemicals, damage caused by sun exposure, toxins and pollution is prevented and even reversed. All this helps to promote a radiant, ageless complexion.

So drink up. With such exceptional health-enhancing features, maqui is a superfood that can put a spring in your step and a youthful smile on your face.

Sources for this article include:

"Maqui Berry: The Newest Superfruit" Chris Kilham, Fox News, January 27, 2011. Retrieved on August 19, 2012 from: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/01/26/marvelous-maqui-berry/

"Maqui-Berry---The History and Legends of This Magical Superfruit" Brian Kennedy. Retrieved on August 19, 2012 from: http://ezinearticles.com

"Maqui berry supplement information and review of nutritional benefits" Ray Sahelian, MD. Retrieved on August 19, 2012 from: http://www.raysahelian.com/maquiberry.html

"Maqui Berry: Modern-Day Fountain of Youth" Danica Collins. Retrieved on August 20, 2012 from: http://undergroundhealthreporter.com

"Maqui Berry Superfood from Chile Bursts with Anti-Aging Benefits" Vitality Magazine. Retrieved on August 20, 2012 from: http://vitalitymagazine.com

About the author:
Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, wellness coach and natural foods chef, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through her website www.Thrive-Living.net she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.

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