Acai has a number of benefits, including antioxidants, fiber, fatty acids, and proteins. The antioxidants from Acai are ten to thirty times that of red wine and more than twice that of blueberries. It’s known to have the best nutritional value of any fruit on the planet, earning it the title of “super berry.”

The Amazon “super berry” has gained recognition in the media, including television and magazines. There are several companies and websites that offer Acai products. Some products contain Acai exclusively, while others use it in combination with other ingredients. Acai shows up in fruit drinks and in powder form as health and energy products.

With all the popularity in recent years, the benefits of the Acai berry is widely unknown. People of the Amazon have long experienced the benefits of Acai to fight disease, strengthen the immune system, fight infection, protect the heart, and provide overall health and healing. These same benefits of this “super berry” are now available to health-minded individuals through taking Amazon Thunder.

Acai is a complete food source and contains an abundance of nutrients necessary for restoring and maintaining optimum health. Acai contains amino acids and vital trace elements important for muscle contraction and regeneration. Acai’s nutrients, including a large amount of natural lipids, provide needed energy to tackle competitive sports and daily chores. Acai contains more protein than the average egg. Proteins are the primary component of hormones and body tissues, including muscles and organs.

The Acai berry can help to regulate your stress levels and repair your body. Acai’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can counter infertility due to stress, pollution and factors related to free radicals. Acai’s immune-system-strengthening qualities help protect the entire body. Acai has been used for centuries to cleanse the body from contaminants. The regenerative nutrients and strong antioxidants in Acai help keep our cells operating efficiently and may slow aging.

By boosting the immune system, Acai’s rich nutrient profile helps boost the body’s natural defenses. Recent findings published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine indicate that Acai’s beta-sitosterol prevents immune suppression and modulates the lymphocyte activity. Free radical damage is one of the primary causes of immune weakness or dysfunction. Acai can reduce the frequency of infectious diseases. Acai’s antioxidant properties help prevent damage to DNA, which lowers the risks posed by carcinogens and mutagens.

Acai possesses high concentrations of polyphenols, making it an excellent source of antioxidants. Some polyphenols abundant in Acai are anthocyanins, some of the more potent forms of antioxidants. Other polyphenols in Acai, antho-cyanin and cyanidin-3-glucoside, may improve the production of nitric oxide in endothelial cells. Nitric oxide allows blood vessel walls to relax and expand, resulting in less stress on the heart, decreased risk of vessel blockage, and increased blood flow. The antioxidant punch of Acai may also be a powerful weapon in the fight against benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly known as an enlarged prostate.

Acai is rich in essential fatty acids, which may help reduce harmful LDL cholesterol while supporting levels of the beneficial HDL cholesterol. In diabetes weak capillaries can lead to a condition called retinopathy, which often leads to blindness. The anthocyanins in Acai protect small and large blood vessels, including veins, arteries and capillaries.

Acai’s low glycemic index improves glucose and lipid levels in diabetics. Acai’s low glycemic index also helps control appetite and delay hunger, which can help individuals trying to lose weight.

Acai provides dietary fiber, excellent for digestive tract health, high levels of calcium, vitamins A and E, and phosphorus. Acai has a significant amount of calcium, which help strengthen bones, prevent fractures, and can help prevent osteoporosis. Women who experience extreme menstrual pain can also benefit from Acai. Calcium-rich foods help coat the lining of the stomach and uterus, and help reduce the pain from cramps and bloating.

Acai’s dietary fiber helps promote the health of the digestive tract, including the colon. The broad array of antioxidants in Acai may help protect and repair the lower esophagus damaged by acid-reflux disease. Acai’s acid-suppression effects reduce the acidity of stomach contents when reflux does occur. The antibacterial properties of Acai kill bad bacteria, fungi and parasites, including ulcer-causing bacteria. Acai’s anti-inflammatory abilities may prevent the malabsorption of vital nutrients by preventing damage to the wall of the small intestine.

Acai’s phytosterols help reduce the erosion of the skin’s protective coating. Because it’s so high in anthocyanins and phytosterols, Acai helps protect connective tissues, including collagen. Acai acts as an astringent which contract, shrink or tighten body tissues, including skin. Astringents can be used to stop bleeding in small cuts or to give the skin a fresh, tingling feeling.

Modern science is discovering the life-enhancing benefits of the Amazon “super berry”. Research indicates that Acai can help neutralize free radicals, prevent heart disease, thwart cancer, and much more.

Acai contains powerful nutrients, which combine unique properties and ingredients in a single product. There’s no other fruit that can be compared with the effectiveness of Acai and no product on the market that can compete with the quality of Amazon Thunder Pure Organic Acai Fruit.

AÇAI

The Brazilian açai berry is the crown jewel of MonaVie’s premier blends.

For countless centuries, the people of the Amazon have revered this unique fruit for its health-promoting properties and prized it as a source of health and vitality. The remarkable health benefits of açai are continually being documented by modern science. And because of its unparalleled antioxidant levels and extraordinary nutrient content, açai is now widely regarded as one of the world’s top super foods. Açai is rich in the following beneficial nutrients:

MonaVie™ features a delicious blend of the Brazilian açai berry—one of nature’s top super foods—and 18 other body-beneficial fruits. This Balance-Variety-Moderation approach to nutrition delivers powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients to help fight free radicals and maintain your body’s overall health.

The Premier Açai Blend™

MonaVie’s delicious blend of body-beneficial fruits is designed to nourish your body with powerful antioxidants and nutrients. Açai, white grape, apple, acerola, aronia, purple grape, cranberry, passion fruit, prune, kiwi, blueberry, wolfberry, camu camu, pomegranate, lychee fruit, pear, banana, cupuaçu, and bilberry.

Key Benefits

Essential Facts

In excess, free radicals produce harmful oxidation that can damage cell membranes and accelerate the aging process. MonaVie’s freeze-dried açai has a higher ORAC score than any other fruit or vegetable tested to date, boasting an antioxidant capacity more than 15 times higher than blueberries and more than 20 times higher than raspberries (J Agric Food Chem. 2006, 54(22):8604-10).

Powerful antioxidants found in fruits—like those in MonaVie—help prevent cellular damage by neutralizing free radicals

Original:

 MonaVie Original supports your body’s antioxidant and nutritional needs. MonaVie features a delicious blend of the Brazilian açai berry—one of nature’s top super foods—and 18 other body-beneficial fruits. This Balance-Variety-Moderation approach to nutrition delivers powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients to help fight free radicals and maintain your body’s overall health.

Active:

Enhances your body’s joint health. MonaVie Active features the additional benefits of plant-derived glucosamine, which has been scientifically shown to promote healthy joint function by targeting mobility and flexibility. Designed to support joint performance and recovery, this vital formula delivers the resources your body needs to get moving.

Pulse: 

 Helps maintain existing healthy cholesterol levels. MonaVie Pulse delivers added heart health benefits derived from plant sterols* (which studies suggest play a key factor in lowering cholesterol), resveratrol, and omega 3 fatty acids. Scientifically formulated with your heart in mind, this delicious formula offers key nutritional support to those watching their cholesterol.

*Foods containing at least 0.4 grams per serving of plant sterols, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily total intake of at least 0.8 grams and as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Two servings (4 ounces) of MonaVie Pulse contain 0.8 grams of plant sterols.

MonaVie EMV is a healthy, natural energy beverage made of antioxidant-rich superfruits and energizing botanicals. This delicious drink delivers a unique blend of nutrients formulated to give you quick and lasting energy. Unlike most energy drinks that are loaded with ingredients that pump you up and then let you down, MonaVie EMV is a healthier energy alternative that enhances performance, boosts endurance, increases alertness, and reduces fatigue.

What are phytonutrients?

Phytonutrients are naturally occurring compounds that contribute to the flavor, color, and disease-resistance of plants (i.e., fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes). Phytonutrients are powerful antioxidants, but their value extends much beyond free radical protection. Maximum health benefits are derived from consuming a variety of phytonutrients with a full spectrum of colors and pigments, such as those found in MonaVie products.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are “agents” that help inhibit harmful compounds known as free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to your cells through the process of oxidation. By donating an electron to unstable free radicals, antioxidants neutralize their harmful effects. Obtaining a variety of antioxidants through diet or supplementation is essential to maintaining your good health.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are atoms with at least one unpaired electron. In excess, free radicals produce harmful oxidation that can damage cell membranes. Free radicals are analogous to cattle let loose on a field of planted crops. Uncontrolled, the cattle would destroy the crops. Ranch hands are hired to make sure the cattle stay in place and graze. Antioxidants act much the same way. As the ranch hands for our bodies, antioxidants prevent free radicals from potentially damaging millions of healthy, functioning cells.

HOW TO GET SUPER HEALTHY by DRAWING A REAL VITAMIN

The human race walks a common road but once in awhile there is a revelation so profound that it changes the journey and all observations.

It is then not possible to return unaffected and compliant with old beliefs, but begin to embrace a vision of wholeness and balance in all of Nature’s cycles. It is a return to the bounty of what Nature has provided immemorially for total health; thereby, redressing our shopping habits,

dinner tables and dietary supplements.

This exercise is guaranteed to make you never look at a vegetable or fruit in the same way again. Nature’s plant foods are intrinsic to our body’s structure and function. As importantly, when we choose our supplements, it is Nature’s whole plants that best meet the needs of the internal pharmacist inside us.

A couple years ago I was walking in similar shoes as most people believing several commonalities. Clearly, there is a direct link between

the food we eat and the structure and function of our cells.

Clearly, it is wise to eat several servings of fruits and vegetables daily highly recommended by many organizations, but often not substantially followed. Commonly, we understand that modern agricultural and food manufacturing processes have depleted and denutriented our natural plants of many of the essential elements

Subsequently, we are informed to do the next best thing …SUPPLEMENT…SUPPLEMENT… SUPPLEMENT

Now there are whole volumes that deal with vitamins, their role in health, best sources and more. But without a lot of training, most of us go to a store and decide to buy but based on what criteria. And on store shelves we are accosted by every kind of fancy labeling, claims, pills, capsules, powders, potions …and for some of us, the cheaper the better buy, right?

And once in awhile there appears a new buzzword of something vital for your body, accredited by a doctor or two, and so we have to purchase that, too. Often, to make sure we were getting a full spectrum of essential nutrients, we end up swallowing a handful of pills. Sound familiar? The latest advertising images of various vitamins are shown as brightly colored blocks with human bodies jostling each other to try and rank importance. What insulting balderdash, in my opinion.

But how much do we truly understand what constitutes a vitamin ?

Here‘s an interesting exercise…

Can you draw the elements of a vitamin (in the same way that you can draw the descriptive details of a cat, a dog, an apple or any other basic concrete object)

I’ve asked this question many times and am not surprised by the responses. In truth, a couple years ago, I would have responded in like fashion with a simple sketch of a pill or capsule form speckled with dots to show different vitamins.

A vitamin is not a dot, or speckle, a pill, a habit or a label.

A vitamin cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained from our diet (or supplements). A vitamin is a biochemical catalyst for growth, maintenance and reproduction of all cells in the body. It is an integral part of hormones, genes, amino acids, minerals, enzymes and immune components.

We need vitamins and minerals to help fill in the gaps in our modern food supply to benefit from total nutrition and who doesn’t want that. Your choice of dietary supplement is one of the most important choices you can make for long term health for you and your family. The question is which kind of supplement? We better get the right source and validation.

Undoubtedly, the most important drawing you’ll ever do is to see the real components of a vitamin. So take a few minutes now and draw what you understand to be a vitamin. Don’t worry about different kinds (B, C, D, A, etc.) because they all have three common features.

Don’t read ahead until you have actually drawn something because you’ll be amazed at the picture of what constitutes a vitamin. It is the revelation that transfigured my perception of what Nature’s provision is all about.

So what are the features of a vitamin?

A vitamin is an organic compound composed of three elements: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.

Different vitamins have different combinations of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, some more a complex than others.

A drawing of a vitamin is a series of Carbon atoms linked with Hydrogen atoms linked with Oxygen atoms…all interconnected. For example, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) shows a fixed matrix with 2 Carbon molecules,

7 Hydrogen molecules, and 6 Oxygen molecules

You can check out the actual configurations for different vitamins by google searching ‘vitamin structures.’ Some structures are impressively complex which further asks how best to replicate them or keep them as natural forms found in plants already.

Furthermore, an antioxidant is also a series of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen molecules…

A phytonutrient, or natural phytochemical, found in plants is a set of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen molecules…

An amino protein is a combination of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen with a Nitrogen element…

A fatty acid is a long chain combination of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.

Our natural whole plants are also composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen molecules with the extra elements of minerals drawn from the soil. Make sure your mineral supplements also come from plants, not ground up rock or metals that can actually accumulate in the body’s tissues.

A natural question is to find out how many different configurations are found in plant foods. The answer is a second revelation. Fruits and vegetables contain hundreds of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, anti-oxidants, phytochemicals, enzymes, other co -factors and fiber. For example, if an apple is “labeled” correctly there would be over 600 nutritional elements that scientists can identify. Just imagine, if Mother Nature in the spirit of fair advantage, could also label the nutrients found in fruits and vegetables, their lists would be very long and very impressive! A bottle of manufactured supplement pills with 20 or 30 elements could never compare with Mother Nature’s nutritional powerhouses.

This is such a simple revelation in a market of information overload. Dietary supplementation is huge garnering about 17 billion dollars a year. There are least 29,000 supplement products made by at least 500 manufacturers, many with ingredients from the same supplier (some of which are pharmaceutical subsidiaries selling chemically derived, isolated vitamins and minerals). Strangely enough, some forms of chronic diseases have not changed and even increased.

In my opinion, in the same way that refined foods are robbed of essential nutrients, so I believe “refined” or processed pill formulations also cause imbalances, especially if taken at high levels over a long time.

This personal revelation finally led to a crossroads…how to best supplement…increase our portions of whole foods, supplement with whole food extracts, or take manufactured pills with “fractions” of natural plants.

In making the decision, a few principles stand strong. First, the body functions properly with proper “fuel” (food) a synergy of at least 100 nutrients. Second, the body is designed to draw nutrients from a natural food supply all working synergistically. Third, be aware that our genetic paleolithic blueprint hasn’t changed and that for thousands of years “ethnobotany” was the basis for healing. Fourth, was the choice to focus preventatively on natural whole foods to treat any prevailing unhealthy condition, rather than on the disease itself hoping for a chemical cure.

I decided to put my faith and trust in omniscient Nature rather than sifting and sorting through a huge number of products made in laboratories on conveyor belts. I decided to align with the natural environment believing that the “whole food best treats the whole body”. I chose a whole food supplement that comes from the ocean because of its natural mineral formulation as well as many other vital ingredients, including the essential fatty acids. I can now drink all my essential nutrients as a delicious nectar.

Just try and reproduce a bottle of sea water in a laboratory. http://www.4healthlimu.com

You probably already know about the amazing health benefits of including foods rich in antioxidant to your diet. These free-radical fighting antioxidants not only help you look and feel younger by slowing down the aging process, but they also help to prevent heart disease, cancer and a huge number of other degenerative diseases. It doesn’t stop there. Antioxidants also help your recovery from exercise…and that means less body fat and more muscle tone on your body long term!

Antioxidants help in your recovery from exercise by the inhibition of free radicals produced during exercise. Whenever you workout, free radicals are produced in the body that damage muscle tissue. Roughly an hour before exercise, taking an adequate supply of antioxidants can greatly reduce muscle damage caused by free radicals, therefore, improving your muscular recovery from exercise.

Some of the most potent sources of whole food antioxidants are berries (cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries,), cherries, acai fruit, grapes, various teas (green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and red tea – a.k.a. rooibos tea), seeds, nuts, red and black beans, purple potatoes, cinnamon, and dark chocolate or cocoa. Remember whole foods are always better for you. Don’t be fooled by all of the intense marketing for expensive antioxidant supplement pills…

A great pre-workout antioxidant-loaded snack is organic cashew butter (or peanut butter if you can’t find cashew) spread on top of a graham cracker, and topped with fresh strawberries.. I wash it down with a glass of acai berry drink or cranberry juice. This is literally a super charge of potent anti-oxidants! The cashew butter, strawberries, and the acai berry or cranberry juice are all loaded with different varieties of youth preserving, muscle sheilding, antioxidants. I have this snack about an hour before my workout. Try it yourself, or be creative and come up with your own antioxidant-rich pre-workout snack based on your taste buds.

Every day your body is persistently bombarded by free radicals (creating oxidative stress) from exercise, processed foods, air pollution, smoke, sun exposure, exposure to chemicals, etc. To reap the full benefits of antioxidants, try to make sure that every meal and snack you eat has at least one or two sources of antioxidant rich foods. This will give you a non-stop supply of antioxidants throughout each day, which will prevent damage from the free radicals you are constantly exposed to.

Antioxidants are just one piece to the puzzle of a healthy diet that will give you the lean, muscular, youthful, and disease-free body that everyone wants. To discover the secrets behind all of the other pieces to the diet puzzle that create a lean body (glycemic response, macronutrient profile, muscle protein synthesis, hormonal response, glycogen storage, the role of leptin, the insulin process, etc.), visit http://www.CelebrityBellySecrets.com

Shantelle Golding

Forty or more different types of Goji Berries, also known as the Chinese Wolfberry or Snowberry, are known and can be found throughout the world. Gojis are of the boxthorn species in the family which contains such culinary favorites as the potato, tomato, eggplant, and chili. Many other colorful names have been associated with this incredible plant over the years from Barbary Matrimony Vine to Argyll’s Tea Tree.
Long considered as both a nutritious food and as a medicinal plant, legend has it that the renowned Chinese herbalist, agriculturalist, and first emperor Shen Nung discovered the power of Goji berries in about 2800 BC. Use in Chinese medicine has been documented for over 1900 years.
So, why is the western world just learning of this incredible antioxidant in the 21st century? Commercially available Goji berries have been only locally harvested in the northern regions of China until recently. Organic means of producing the fruits are becoming widely available and the dried fruits hold their healthful qualities well during shipment. Most Gojis are ground shipped rather than flown to maintain nutrients. The most sought after species are known as Tibetan or Himalayan Goji berries.
All are considered Super-foods containing more antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable. In fact, the humble Goji berry contains nearly 5 times the antioxidants than dried prunes. Antioxidants are measured on the Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity (ORAC) scale which is used to measure a food’s ability to absorb free radicals.
While prunes weigh at between 5,000-6,000 ORAC units, Goji berries can boast over 25,000 units. Many articles have been written about the power of broccoli as a great antioxidant, yet this highly touted vegetable contains a mere 900 ORAC units – 25 times less than the Goji Berry!
What about calcium? The Goji berry has oranges beat hands down. In fact, in terms of total nutrition, Goji berries have more beta-carotene than carrots and more iron than can be found in choice cuts of red meat.
B vitamins and antioxidants decrease the risks of cancers, including serious skin cancers, and heart attack. Polysaccharides, known to enhance the body’s immune system, abound in Goji berries, which also contain an abundance of amino acids.
Goji berries and Goji juice are flavorful, as well. Somewhere between a dried cherry and a cranberry, these fruits are not heavy like prunes or raisins. They are light and crunchy making them a great alternative when it comes to getting the recommended 5 servings of fruit and veggies per day. They fit easily in a purse, briefcase, or lunchbox – perfect for people on the go.
The berries are wonderful eaten as dried fruit, but are excellent additions to trail mixes, cereals, breads, pancakes, and muffins. They can be used instead of raisins, blueberries, dates, cranberries, or other fruits in any recipe. Chinese recipes call for them in many fish, soup, and vegetable dishes. Goji tea is also considered a wonderful soothing drink.
If you have a true sweet tooth, try adding Gojis to homemade rice crisp bars. Another fun homemade treat is to add them to salty snack mixes made with cereal squares and Worcestershire sauce. Gojis have a nutty, fruity taste that is not too sweet.
Whether you try Goji berries as a stand-alone snack, in cooking, or as a great juice pick-me-up, the health benefits are not to be missed. It is rumored that Gojis also improve libido, but, that is something best left to the individual Goji user to determine.

November 17th, 2005 marked the beginning of a great future for many. The first bottles of Kyani Sunrise and Kyani Sunset were shipped and as of yet, more than 300 people have joined on to Kyani to become distributors of these unique products.

So what differentiates Kyani products from the rest of the field of health supplements? One word: blueberries. Not just your ordinary, every day blueberries, but the Alaska wild blueberries or otherwise known as the “Super Blueberry.” In the bestselling book, “Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life – Superfoods RX,” Dr. Steven Pratt identifies blueberries as one of the three major “Superfoods” that will change your life and your health. Why? Because blueberries contain more disease-fighting antioxidants than any other fruit. Dr. Pratt goes on to say that wild blueberries usually contain more antioxidants than cultivated varieties. The Alaska wild blueberry sits at the top of the blueberry kingdom. Because of Alaska’s harsh freeze/thaw climate and having to protect itself from the 24-hour-a-day summer sun, the Alaska wild blueberry has up to 10 times more antioxidants than cultivated blueberries. Kyani Sunrise also contains, with the Alaskan wild blueberries, pomegranate, wolfberry, Noni, Aloe Vera, and other berry juices.

Brunswick Laboratories, a nationally-respected testing facility, compared the antioxidant content of Kyani Sunrise against two popular nutritional supplement drinks. The result? Kyani Sunrise’s ORAC (antioxidant level) rating is twice as high as the next nearest competitor! You can see this study and more on the http://www.erx3.com website.

Along with Kyani Sunrise, which an ounce is taken per day in the mornings, Kyani offers a product for the end of your day. Kyani Sunset is an Omega-3 powerhouse. Sunset combines Alaska wild salmon fish oil with tocotrienols (pure Vitamin E). Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are the two polyunsaturated fatty acids that are good for you. But Omega-6 (which are common in most foods we eat) and Omega-3 fatty acids are only beneficial as long as they’re consumed in balanced amounts. Omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, maintain a healthy circulatory system and maintain a healthy respiratory system as well as play a role in supporting breast and colon health. Taking the soft gels daily will be like the equivalent of two servings of salmon per week. Dr. Steven Pratt says, “I tell my patients that blueberries are one of the three major SuperFoods, along with spinach and salmon. If you learn nothing else from SuperFoods Rx, remember to eat blueberries and spinach most days and salmon…these three foods alone will change your life and health.”

Although Kyani doesn’t plan on releasing a spinach product any time soon, two out of the three isn’t bad at all.

The officers and directors are seasoned business experts and entrepreneurs with a wide range of successful business experience and associations. It is the goal of these individuals to create a network marketing company that will become the standard against which all other companies are judged in this important emerging industry.

Kyani engaged several world-renowned experts, scientists, and consultants during the formation and development of this exciting business venture. Extensive investments in both finished inventory and raw goods have ensured the continued availability of the Kyani products for the marketplace.

Becoming a Kyani distributor is a fun, affordable way to help you realize the financial freedom that many dream about. You can secure your position today and start your own Kyani business. Most people spend their health trying to gain wealth and then later in life spend all their wealth trying to regain their health. Start gaining your health and wealth today with Kyani.

To learn more about Kyani, visit http://www.erx3.com or contact Eric Elggren at erx3.com@hotmail.com.

Naturally occurring inhibitors of oxidation in food generally originate from plant-based materials. The active components, namely phenolics and polyphenolics, including tocopherols, are secondary plant metabolites and are first derived from phenylalanine and in certain cases and in some plants from tyrosine. The resultant phenylpropanoids may then undergo further transformation to yield benzoic acid derivatives as well as flavonoids, isoflavons, and other complex polyphenols. Thus, natural food phenolics are present as a complex mixture of compounds that provide a cocktail of many active components present in the free, esterified, glycosylated and bound forms (Shahidi and Naczk, 1995). The potency of preparations is therefore dictated by their chemical structures and governed by the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of the participating molecules in a concentration- and system-dependent manner. Thus, the mode of action of natural antioxidants may involve multiple mechanisms, depending on the source material and possible presence of synergists and antagonists.

*Correspondence to: wasim04101981@yahoo.co.in  

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. To prevent free radical the body has a defence system of antioxidants.  

An antioxidant is a substance that when present in low concentrations relative to the oxidizable substrate significantly delays or reduces oxidation of the substrate (Halliwell, 1995).

2. Review of Literature

    Qin Yan Zhu et. al.(2001) studied antioxidant property of oolong tree. Inhibitory effect on FeCl2/ H2O2 – induced damage and the inhibitory effect on erythrocyte hemolysis of an oolonge tea extract (OTE) were evaluated. The OTE was found to have strong  antioxidant activity in all model system. When OTE was separated into fractions according to molecular weight it was found that fraction with higher amount of phenolic compound (with low molecular weight) have strong antioxidative activity.

   Yi Fang Chu and Xianzona Wu (2002) reported that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables containing high levels of phytochemicals have been recommended to prevent chronic diseases related to oxidative stress in human body. 10 common vegetables were selected. The study showed that Red peeper had highest total antioxidant activity followed by Broccoli, Carrot, Spinach, Cabbage, Onion, Potato etc.

   Jie Sun and Yi Fang (2002) reported that consumption of fruit & vegetable associated with reduced risk to Chronic disease due to present of antioxidant. According to them vitamin C is the major antioxidant in fruit.

   Jeong- Chae Lee (2002) assessed an ethanol extract of stem of opuntia to determine the mechanism of its antioxidant activities. The ethanol extract exhibited a concentration dependent inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation.

   Keni Chi Ya na Gimoto et. al. (2002) investigated the antioxidant activity of column chromatographic fractions obtained from brewed coffee to find antioxidant and to assess benefits of coffee drinking. Coffee contain many antioxidant and consumption of antioxidant  rich brewed coffee may inhibit disease caused by oxidative damage.

   Anaberta Cardadose et.al. (2003) showed that fraction extracted with ethyl acetate have antioxidant activity with potent free radical scavenging activity.

   Joon Hee Lee et. al. (2003) reported that Muscadine Grapes and its winary bi product have antioxidant capacity.

   Kizhiyedathu et. al. (2003) reported that extract obtained from sesame cake and oil have free radical scavenging capacity i.e. antioxidant property. 

   K.S. Shivashankara and Seiichiro Isobe (2004) reported that if greenhouse- grown tree ripe ( TR) and mature green ( MG) mangoes (cv. Irwin) were exposed to high electric field treatment before 20 and 30 days of storage at 5O C. MG fruits were allowed to ripen at room temperature after low- temperature storage and antioxidant capacity were estimated before and after the storage period. Antioxidant capacity of fruits remained unchanged up to 20 days of storage period and decreased thereafter.  Antioxidant capacity of fruits was significantly correlated only to ascorbic acids.    

   Joseph O. Kuti et.al. (2004) reported that total phenolics and antioxidant capacity were higher in raw that in cooked leaf extracts. Cooking reduced antioxidant activity. The results of their study indicate that tree spinach leaves are a rich source of natural antioxidants.

   Mahinda Wella singh and Kirk Parkin (2004) studied a broad range of antioxidant activities in crude extract of beet root tissues. Betalain pigment have been shown to posses various antioxidant function. 

Enzymes

Antioxidant

Role

Remarks

Superoxide dismutase (SOD)

Mitochondrial

Cytoplasmic

Extracellular

Dismutates O2· to H2O2

Contains Manganese (Mn.SOD)

Contains Copper & Zinc (CuZnSOD)

Contains Copper (CuSOD)

Catalase

Dismutates H2O2 to H2O

Tetrameric hemoprotein present in peroxisomes

Glutathione peroxidase (GSH.Px)

Removes H2O2 and lipid peroxides

Selenoproteins (contains Se2+)

Primarily in the cytosol also mitochondria

Uses GSH

Vitamins

Alpha tocopherol

Breaks lipid peroxidation

Lipid peroxide and O2· and ·OH scavenger

Fat soluble vitamin

Beta carotene

Scavenges ·OH, O2·and peroxy radicals

Prevents oxidation of vitamin A

Binds to transition metals

Fat soluble vitamin

Ascorbic acid

Directly scavenges O2·, ·OH, and H2O2

Neutralizes oxidants from stimulated neutrophils

Contributes to regeneration of vitamin E

Water soluble vitamin

Source Material

Example

Antioxidant

Vegetable Oils

Soybean oil

Tocopherols

Tropical Oils

Palm oil

Tocotrienols

Plant Oils

Palm oil

Carotenoids

Herbs and Spices

Rosemary and Sage

Complex phenolics

Cereals

Wheat and buckwheat

Flavenoids

Legumes

Soybean

Isoflavones

Oil Seeds

Canola and Mustard

Phenolic acids & Phenylpropanoids

Teas

Green Tea

Catechins and Polyphenols

Fruit skin and seeds

Grape seed and skin

Polyphenols and Tannins

Vitamin E is a generic term that includes all entities that exhibit the biological activity of natural vitamin E, d-alpha-tocopherol. In nature, eight substances have been found to have vitamin E activity: d-alpha-, d-beta-, d-gamma- and d-delta-tocopherol (which differ in methylation site and side-chain saturation (Kellof et al. 1996); and d-alpha-, d-beta-, d-gamma- and d-delta-tocotrienol. Also, the acetate and succinate derivatives of the natural tocopherols have vitamin E activity, as do synthetic tocopherols and their acetate and succinate derivatives.

Of all these, d-alpha-tocopherol has the highest biopotency, and its activity is the standard against which all the others must be compared. It is the predominant isomer in plasma.

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that functions as an antioxidant in the human body. It is essential, by definition, because the body cannot manufacture its own vitamin E and thus it must be provided by foods and supplements.

Tocopherols are present in oils, nuts, seeds, wheat germ and grains. Absorption is believed to be associated with intestinal fat absorption. Approximately 40% of the ingested tocopherol is absorbed. Most tocopherols enter the blood via lymph where they are associated with chylomicrons. Vitamin E was shown to be stored in adipose tissue. Phospholipids of the mitochondria & endoplasmic reticulum & plasma membranes possess affinities for alpha tocopherol & the vitamin tends to concentrate in these sites.

Vitamin E is more appropriately described as an antioxidant than a vitamin. This is because, unlike most vitamins, it does not act as a co-factor for enzymatic reactions.

Also, deficiency of vitamin E does not produce a disease with rapidly developing symptoms such as scurvy or beriberi. Overt symptoms due to vitamin E deficiency occur only in cases involving fat mal absorption syndromes, premature infants and patients on total parenteral nutrition. The effects of inadequate vitamin E intake usually develop over a long time, typically decades, and have been linked to chronic diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis.

Hence, its main function is to prevent the peroxidation of membrane phospholipids, and avoids cell membrane damage through its antioxidant action. The lipophilic character of tocopherol enables it to locate in the interior of the cell membrane bilayers (Halliway and Getteridge, 1992; Borg, 1993). Tocopherol-OH can transfer a hydrogen atom with a single electron to a free radical, thus removing the radical before it can interact with cell membrane proteins or generate lipid peroxidation. When tocopherol-OH combines with the free radical, it becomes tocopherol-O·, itself a radical. When ascorbic acid is available, tocopherol-O· plus ascorbate (with its available hydrogen) yields semidehydroascorbate (a weak radical) plus tocopherol-OH (Halliway and Gutteridge, 1992). By this process, an aggressive ROI(Reactive Oxygen Intermediate) is eliminated and a weak ROI (dehydroascorbate) is formed, and tocopherol-OH is regenerated. Despite this complex defence system, there are no known endogenous enzymatic antioxidant systems for the hydroxyl radical.

Vitamin E also stimulates the immune response. Some studies have shown lower incidence of infections when vitamin E levels are high, and vitamin E may inhibit cancer initiation through enhanced immunocompetence.

Vitamin E also has a direct chemical function. It inhibits the conversion of nitrites in smoked, pickled and cured foods to nitrosamines in the stomach. Nitrosamines are strong tumour promoters.

Alpha-tocopherol has been shown to be capable of reducing ferric iron to ferrous iron (i.e. to act as a pro-oxidant). Moreover, the ability of alpha-tocopherol to act as a pro-oxidant (reducing agent) or antioxidant depends on whether all of the alpha-tocopherol becomes consumed in the conversion from ferric to ferrous iron or whether, following this interaction, residual alpha-tocopherol is available to scavenge the resultant ROI (Yamamoto and Nike, 1988).

Ø Vitamin E decreases the incidence of ischaemic heart disease (Gey et al. 1991).

Ø Decreases the incidence of cataract (Packer, 1991; 1992).

Ø Decreases the incidence of osteoarthritis (Blankenhorn, 1986).

Ø Decreases the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (Kheir El-dein et al. 1992).

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble, antioxidant present in citrus fruits, potatoes, tomatoes and green leafy vegetables.

Humans are unable to synthesize l-ascorbic acid from d-glucose due to absence of the enzyme L-gulacolactone oxidase (Ensimnger et al.1995). Hence, humans must therefore obtain ascorbic acid from dietary sources.

The chemopreventive action of vitamin C is attributed to two of its functions. It is a water-soluble chain breaking antioxidant (Ishwarial et at 1991). As an antioxidant, it scavenges free radicals and reactive oxygen molecules, which are produced during metabolic pathways of detoxification. It also prevents formation of carcinogens from precursor compounds (Block and Menkes, 1988). The structure of ascorbic acid is reminiscent of glucose, from which it is derived in the majority of mammals.

One important property is its ability to act as a reducing agent (electron donor). Ascorbic acid is a reducing agent with a hydrogen potential of +O.08V, making it capable of reducing such compounds as a molecular oxygen, nitrate and cytochromes a and c. Donation of one electron by ascorbate gives the semi-dehydroascorbate radical (DHA). Ascorbate reacts rapidly with O2·⁻and even more rapidly with ·OH to give DHA. DHA, itself can act as a source of vitamin C.

Ascorbic acid     +     2O2· +     2H      ®             H2O2              +            DHA

It has also been shown that ascorbate is more potent than a-tocopherol in inhibiting the oxidation of LDL  (Low Density Lipoprotein)  in a cell free system (Jialal et at 1990). Co-incubation of LDL with ascorbate during similar oxidative condition inhibited LDL oxidation and resulted in preservation of the endogenous antioxidant in the LDL particle (Ishwarial et at, 1991). The concentration of ascorbate used to inhibit LDL oxidation (40-60 mm) is well within the normal plasma range (23-85 pm).

Vitamin C also contributes to the regeneration of membrane bound oxidized vitamin E. It will react with the a -tocopheroxyl radical, resulting in the generation of tocopherol in this process itself being oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid (Ward & Peters 1995). Vitamin C supplementation in animals leads to increased plasma and tissue levels of vitamin E.

In vitro studies suggest that the antioxidant properties of ascorbic acid may not increase linearly as ascorbic acid concentrations rise (Frei et al. 1989). Moreover, ascorbic acid alone can act as a “pro-oxidant” or reducing agent to react with copper or iron salts. Ferric iron (Fe3+) formed by the reaction, Fe2+ + H2O2 ® HO + ·OH + Fe3+, is converted by ascorbic acid to ferrous (Fe2+) ion. Ferrous iron is therefore recycled to promote the conversion of more H2O2 to ·OH (Halliway et al. 1992).

Me

Carotenoids are pigmented micronutrients present in fruits and vegetables.

Carotenoids are precursors of vitamin A and have antioxidant effects. While over 600 carotenoids have been found in the food supply, the most common forms are alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, crocetin, canthaxanthin, and fucoxanthin. Beta-carotene is the most widely studied. It is composed of two molecules of vitamin A (retinol) joined together. Dietary beta-carotene is converted to retinol at the level of the intestinal mucosa.

The antioxidant function of beta-carotene is due to its ability to quench singlet oxygen, scavenge free radicals and protect the cell membrane lipids from the harmful effects of oxidative degradation (Krinsky and Deneke, 1982; Santamaria et al. 1991). The quenching involves a physical reaction in which the energy of the excited oxygen is transferred to the carotenoid, forming an excited state molecule (Krinsky, 1993). Quenching of singlet oxygen is the basis for beta-carotene’s well known therapeutic efficacy in erythropoietic protoporphyria (a photosensitivity disorder) (Matthews-Roth, 1993). The ability of beta-carotene and other carotenoids to quench excited oxygen, however, is limited, because the carotenoid itself can be oxidized during the process (autoxidation). Burton and Ingold (Burton and Ingold, 1984) and others have shown that beta-carotene autoxidation in vitro is dose-dependent and dependent upon oxygen concentrations. At higher concentrations, it may function as a pro-oxidant and can activate proteases.

In addition to singlet oxygen, carotenoids are also thought to quench other oxygen free radicals. It is also suggested that beta carotene might react directly with the peroxyl radical at low oxygen tensions; this may provide some synergism to vitamin E which reacts with peroxyl radicals at higher oxygen tensions (Cotgreave et al. 1988).

Carotenoids also have been reported to have a number of other biologic actions, including immuno-enhancement; inhibition of mutagenesis and transformation; and regression of premalignant lesions

This includes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidases.

SOD is an endogenously produced intracellular enzyme present in essentially every cell in the body.Cellular SOD is actually represented by a group of metalloenzymes with various prosthetic groups.The prevalent enzyme is cupro-zinc (CuZn) SOD, which is a stable dimeric protein (32,000 D). SOD appears in three forms: (1) Cu-Zn SOD in the cytoplasm with two subunits, and (2) Mn-SOD in the mitochondrion (Mayes, 1993; Warner, 1994). A third extracellular SOD recently has been described contains Copper (CuSOD).

                             2O2·      +   2H  +   SOD    ®      H2O2     +      O2

SOD is considered fundamental in the process of eliminating ROI by reducing (adding an electron to) superoxide to form H2O2. Catalase and the selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase are responsible for reducing H2O2      to   H2O.

The respective enzymes that interact with superoxide and H2O2 are tightly regulated through a feedback system. Excessive superoxide inhibits glutathione peroxidase and catalase to modulate the equation from H2O2 to H2O (see Fig.5). Likewise, increased H2O2 slowly inactivates CuZn-SOD. Meanwhile, catalases and glutathione peroxidase, by reducing H2O2, conserve SOD; and SOD, by reducing superoxide, conserves catalases and glutathione peroxidase. Through this feedback system, steady low levels of SOD, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, as well as superoxide and H2O2 are maintained, which keeps the entire system in a fully functioning state (Fridovich, 1993).

SOD also exhibits antioxidant activity by reducing O2·⁻ that would otherwise lead to the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ and thereby promote ·OH formation. When the catalase activity is insufficient to metabolize the H2O2 produced SOD will increase the tissue oxidant activity. Hence, it was found that the antioxidant enzymes function as a tightly balanced system, any disruption of this system would lead to promotion of oxidation .

This enzyme is a protein enzyme present in most aerobic cells in animal tissues. Catalase is present in all body organs being especially concentrated in the liver & erythrocytes.  The brain, heart, skeletal muscle contains only low amounts.

Catalase and glutathione peroxidase seek out hydrogen peroxide and convert it to water and diatomic oxygen. An increase in the production of SOD without a subsequent elevation of catalase or glutathione peroxidase leads to the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide, which gets converted into the hydroxyl radical. Indeed research in the pathogenesis of Down’s syndrome has revealed that the existence of trisomy 21 leads to the overproduction of SOD, the gene for which is located also on chromosome 21. This finding is intriguing in that it reveals the possibility of a genetic link to the increased activity of free radicals. (Krinsky, 1992)

                               2 H2O2 ® 2 H2O + O2          

The glutathione redox cycle is a central mechanism for reduction of intracellular hydroperoxides.

It is a tetrameric protein 85,000-D. it has 4 atoms of selenium (Se) bound as seleno-cysteine moieties that confers the catalytic activity. One of the essential requirements is glutathione as a cosubstrate.

Glutathione peroxidase reduces H2O2 to H2O by oxidizing glutathione (GSH) (Equation A). Rereduction of the oxidized form of glutathione (GSSG) is then catalysed by glutathione reductase (Equation B). These enzymes also require trace metal cofactors for maximal efficiency, including selenium for glutathione peroxidase; copper, zinc, or manganese for SOD; and iron for catalase (Halliwell, 1995).

H2O2 + 2 GSH ® GSSG + 2 H2O (equation A)

GSSG + NADPH + H+ ® 2 GSH + NADP+ (equation B)

6. Mode of action of antioxidants

There are four routes:

1.Chain breaking reactions, e.g. alpha-tocopherol which acts in lipid phase to trap “ROD” radical.

2.Reducing the concentration of reactive oxygen species e.g. glutathione.

3.Scavenging initiating radicals e.g. superoxide dismutase which acts in aqueous phase to trap superoxide free radicals.

4.Chelating the transition metal catalysts: A group of compounds serves an antioxidant function by sequestration of transition metals that are well-established pro-oxidants. In this way, transferrin, lactoferrin, and ferritin function to keep iron induced oxidant stress in check and ceruloplasmin and albumin as copper sequestrants.

The body has developed several endogenous antioxidant systems to deal with the production of ROI. These systems can be divided into enzymatic and nonenzymatic groups.

The enzymatic antioxidants include superoxide dismutase (SOD), which catalyses the conversion of O2·⁻ to H2O2 and H2O; catalase, which then converts H2O2 to H2O and O2; and glutathione peroxidase, which reduces H2O2 to H2O.

The nonenzymatic antioxidants include the lipid-soluble vitamins, vitamin E and vitamin A or provitamin A (beta-carotene), and the water-soluble vitamin C and GSH. Vitamin E has been described as the major chain-breaking antioxidant in humans (Packer, 1992). Because of its lipid solubility, vitamin E is located within cell membranes, where it interrupts lipid peroxidation and may play a role in modulating intracellular signalling pathways that rely on ROI (Kagan et al. 1990; Azzi et al. 1993). Vitamin E can also directly quench ROI, including O2·, ·OH, and (Algayer et al. 1992) O2.

8. Commercial Sources of Natural Antioxidants

The most common natural antioxidant preparations in the market are mixed tocopherols, which are by-products of vegetable oil refining. In addition, spices or their oleoresins and extracts, such as those of rosemary and sage, green tea extracts, other plant-based mixtures, such as those of mustard and certain unsaponifiables of edible oils, and, of course, carotenoids are also important (Table 2) ( Ho et al., 1994; Shahidi, 1997).

9. Efficacy of anti oxidants in different systems

The chemical composition and structures of active extract components are important factors governing the efficacy of natural antioxidants in different foods. Thus, phenolic compounds with ortho- and para- dihydroxylation or a hydroxy and a methoxy group are more effective than simple phenolics. In addition, phenylpropanoids with extended conjugation are more effective than benzoic acid derivatives. Furthermore, hydrophilicity and lipophilicity of the active components is dictated by the appropriateness of antioxidants in systems. In general, more hydrophilic antioxidants are better in stabilizing bulk oil than oil-in-water emulsions while the activity of lipophilic antioxidants follows the opposite trend. There are also many other factors that must be taken into account when considering and selecting antioxidants and extracts for food application. Specifically, attention should be paid to the photosensitizing effect of chlorophylls in natural extracts. In addition, the level of incorporation of antioxidants in foods should be optimized and the use of chelating agents considered, when and where appropriate. Many antioxidants behave prooxidatively at high concentrations or when present together with ions of transition metals; such effects are also important when considering the in-vivo activity of antioxidants ( Shahidi and Ho, 2000). Some chelators, such as polyphosphates, in addition to metal sequestration, may also exert other beneficial effects such as to improve the cooking yield and juiciness of meat and poultry products or keeping quality of fresh seafoods. The role of natural antioxidants in foods is expected to rise over the years to come.

10. Summary

Antioxidant are molecules that can safely interact with the free radicals and terminate the chain reactions before the vital molecules are damaged.Although there are several enzyme system and vitamins that scavenges free radicals the principle antioxidant in the body are Vitamin E, Vitamin C,beta carotene, catalase enzyme, super oxide dismutase enzyme,glutathion peroxidase enzyme etc.Vitamin E ,a lipid soluble antioxidant prevent peroxidation of phospholipid.Vitamin C is a water soluble chain breaking antioxidant. Beta carotene  protect cell membrane lipid from harmful effect of antioxidant damage.Catalase ,glutathion peroxidase ,super oxide dismutase  etc. enzyme systems also prevent our body oxidative damage by free radicals.

11. Conclusion

Antioxidant plays an important role to prevent cancer,and other disease.They also have role in slowing ageing process and preventing heart disease.So antioxidant are very much necessary for our body .But our body can’t manufacture these chemicals ,so they must be supplied through diet.Although  there is a little doubt that antioxidant are necessary component for good health , no one knows if supplements should be taken or not and if so how much is optimum.Though antioxidant supplement were thought to be harmless but as we are becoming more aware of this chemicals we come to know that antioxidant may be harmful for our body in some cases.In normal concentration vitamin C and beta carotene are antioxidant but at higher concentration they are pro oxidant and thus harmful .Also very little is known about the long term  consequences of megadoses of antioxidant .the body’s finely tuned mechanism are carefully balanced to withstand a variety of insults.Taking chemicals without understanding of all their effect may disrupt this balance. So we should follow the following recommendations. 

1.  It will be helpful for us to follow a balanced training program that emphasizes regular exercise and to eat 5 servings of fruit or vegetables per day. This will ensure that we are developing our inherent antioxidant systems and that our diet is providing the necessary components.

2.  Weekend warriors should strongly consider a more balanced approach to exercise. Failing that, consider supplementation.

3.  For extremely demanding races (such as an ultra distance event ), or when adapting to high altitude, it will be helpful to take a vitamin E supplement @ 100 to 200 IU per day for several weeks  up to and following the race.

4.  We should look for upcoming FDA recommendations, but we should be wary of advertising and media hype.

     5.  We should not over supplement. 

12. Future Scope of Research  

Antioxidant are necessary for our health but we do not know the exact dose and the way how to supplement it. So further research are required to know more about antioxidant. There are so many flora and fauna in our environment which may contain antioxidant  chemicals. So there is a huge scope to conduct research work in this interesting topic to know

1)    How much antioxidant supplementation is required.

2)    Natural sources of different antioxidant.

3)    To discover antioxidant property of different chemicals.

4)  To know whether they have any other pharmacological and toxicological effect.      

Anaberta Cardadose et.al. (2003). Antioxidant Activity In Common Beans. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. pp. 6975-80.

Jeong- Chae Lee (2002). Antioxidant Property of An Ethanol Extract of the Stem of Opuntia fiscus. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. pp. 6490-6496.

Jie Sun and Yi Fang (2002). Antioxidant and Antiprofilactive Activities of Common Fruits. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. pp. 7449-7454.

Joon Hee Lee et. al. (2003). Antioxidant Polyphenolics in Muscadine Grapes Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. pp 480-485.

K.S. Shivashankara and Seiichiro Isobe (2004). Fruit Antioxidant Activity of Irwin Mango Fruits Stored at Low Temperature. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. pp. 1281-1286.

Kagan et al. 1990; Azzi et al. (1993).

Keni Chi Ya na Gimoto et. al. (2002). Antioxidative Activities of Fractions Obtained From Brewed Coffee. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. pp 1281-1290.

Mahinda Wella singh and Kirk Parkin (2002). Phase II Enzyme Inducing Activities of Beet Root From Phenotypes of Different Pigmentation. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. pp. 6704-09.

Qin Yan Zhu et. al.(2001). Antioxidant Activities of Oolong Tea. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. pp. 1280-1286.

Shahidi and Ho. (2000).Valcic, S; Burr ,J.A. Timmermann BN, Liebler DC. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA.

Yi Fang Chu and Xianzona Wu (2002). Antioxidant and Antiprofilactive Activities of Common Vegetables. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. pp. 381-385.

We often hear how good antioxidants are in boosting the body’s immune system. But many of us don’t have a clue as to why they are so important to us and why they thrive in many fruits and vegetables.
Antioxidants are substances that can protect cells from the damage caused by unbalanced molecules such as free radicals. Free radical damage can lead to cancer. These free radicals can damage body cells and tissues that may lead to the premature aging of the cells, which, lowering our body’s immunity against disease such as heart disease. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause.
The Maqui Berry is the most powerful antioxidant source known in the world right now. That’s why Maqui Berry is considered a Super Fruit. This berry has numerous health benefits it can produce. This has the highest levels or antioxidants than any other known fruit in the world. In the Patagonia region of Chile is where the plants Maqui Berries grow and thrive in harsh climates.
This berry is used to naturally increase strength, promote a healthy immune system, and boost stamina. This has 10 times more polyphenols in it than red wine. Compared to red wine, there are 100 times more anthocyanins in this berry also. The high levels of both of these allow the berry to produce numerous health benefits. It’s also good source of Vitamin C, Calcium, Potassium, and Iron.
This super berry is commonly used to help healthy aging and is believed to provide the skin with a little extra protection from the sun. Also, help increase stamina and strength.
Damage from free radicals is believed to be linked to health imbalances. This super fruit can stop free radicals from damaging the body before they have even done any harm. It neutralizes free radicals when affecting the body. It’s also believed to rejuvenate the body’s cells as well as protect them from oxidative stress.
Maqui Berry contains anti-inflammatory properties which could benefit the body’s bones and joints when affected by painful arthritic conditions. When used, it can support the Immune System and guard it from environmental stress. The super fruit promotes healthy cardiovascular functions, such as increased blood flow.
Our health is very important to most of us. To stay healthy most of would do anything. When we breathe in oxygen, it acts together with molecules in our bodies and creates those free radicals and these free radicals damage important cellular structures such as DNA and cell membranes. This is all not healthy for our bodies so we need antioxidants to protect us from that happening.
Trying to find something out there that has all the antioxidants that your body needs is hard, but, trying Azul, with marine phytoplankton is in a proprietary base blend of 24 raw whole foods including Maqui Berry, Acai Berry, Coconut and more. This would explain its high antioxidant level rating and an Orac of 14,800 per 100 grams!

When a new patient comes into my medical practice and asks me about Health & Wellness, I always start with the basics. The first question I ask is, “Are you taking a whole food supplement and how are you getting a good amount of antioxidants?”

Most patients say they are not taking either. I tell them that if I had to take only one product, I would have to say it would be Ultra International’s Mind Super Drink.

The facts speak for themselves:

The highest antioxidant ORAC level per serving available, with over 4500 + per serving…over 144,000 per bottle! This will be certified and actually made PUBLIC, unlike most other companies. Over 120 plant derived vitamins and minerals per serving, to guarantee easy assimilation into the body! A complete and well rounded source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, glyconutrients and phytonutrients to support and boost your immune, digestive and cardiac systems! A Delicious Berry taste that even children like!

Ingredients:

• Patented Aloe Vera – Very high in glyconutrients and the ultimate delivery method for maximum assimilation of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants into and throughout the body. Also a tremendous benefit for the reduction of internal cellular inflammation.

• Acai Berry – One of the most potent sources of antioxidants in any single naturally occurring food.

• Muscadine Grape – Very high in Reservatrol One of the most potent sources of antioxidants in any single naturally occurring food.

• Mangosteen – Very high in antioxidants, xanthones and phytonutrients. Mangosteen offers the most potent source of phytonutrients in any single naturally occurring food.

• Noni Berry – Very high in antioxidants and Vitamin C

• Goji Berry – Very high in antioxidants, vitamins and phytochemicals

• Pomegranate – Very high in antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin B as well as other essential minerals

• Cranberry – Very high in antioxidants, Omegas, minerals and dietary fiber to support a healthy immune, digestive and cardiac system.

• Blueberry – Very high in antioxidants, phytochemicals, dietary fiber, Manganese and Vitamin K.

• Green Tea Extract – Raises the metabolism, enabling the body to use fat as an energy source as well as giving the body a natural source of energy without the crash.

• Vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6 & B12 – Sources for a natural energy boost without the crash

It is so important, when looking for a nutritional product, that a wide variety of ingredients are utilized. If there is not a varied assortment, then move on. Our bodies are designed to utilize many, many different sources of nutrients, thus it is very important to feed your bodies needs with a well rounded nutritional foundation.

Ultra International has done just that with the Mind Super Drink. This Revolutionary Power Packed Drink is the easiest way to guarantee your bodies’ desire for nutrients and more importantly the highest quality antioxidants available on the market today.

Antioxidants play a huge role in our bodies’ ability to fight off Free Radical Damage, (See article: Antioxidants, What is the big deal?), that we should all strive to ingest high quality antioxidants every day.

Can the Mind Super Drink guarantee good health, of course not, but it sure cannot hurt. Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Don’t you owe it to yourself to feed your body the best “fuel” you can? Take some time to learn about the Mind Super Drink and the other products offered by Ultra International at www.myui.com/lscg. Believe me it will be worth your effort.