Superfruits
Gogi, acai, mangosteen, pomegranate, noni, alma, and camu camu are just a few of the new super fruits on the health store shelf. We all know we need to eat at least a couple of fruits a day and some of us do. Superfruit juices are loaded with antioxidants, enzymes, and phytochemicals in a concentrated form that one can not find in a single piece of fruit. Only the fiber is missing. They taste good and also come in combinations. As we age, we need to counter the free radical damage, and antioxidants may protect us from this. Overwhelming scientific research has connected free radical damage to the increase in chronic health diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Perhaps an exotic fruit juice may be just the answer to compensate the body.
The graying of America is happening. Baby boomers who are very youth minded are fifty and over now. This generation is known for making it happen. Since I am at the top end of the boomers I can say first hand, I am living my life to have a healthy old age. I use the exotic juices known as super fruits.
Baby boomers love to stay physically active and are passionate about it. The health care system in our country is causing a lot of frustration for all people and a lot of individuals are thinking about prevention. I started thinking prevention in my thirties. I got the connection then from Prevention magazine. Today people lead busy lives and it is not always easy to get the fruit in daily. A concentrated drink could be an easier way to get the nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. Wayne Geilman, Ph.D, senior research scientist for American Fork, a pure fruit company, states in Whole Foods magazine “since fruits are often lacking in the diet, any fruit that is concentrated source of phytochemicals has the potential to make consumers feel better.”
Traditional fruits and vegetables from our local farmers market or local health store will certainly supply our bodies with fiber, carbohydrates, and hydration. A large number of so called “health nuts” juice with a machine daily. Sometimes the fiber is eliminated in the juicing process. I for one like the fiber, as God intended. Our colons certainly need it.
Superfruits are different. Exotic superfruit concentrates do not have a lot of fiber. Yet the benefit is that superfruit drinks are loaded with nutritional components not found in common fruits. Apples, grapefruit, kiwi and oranges would not contain the same type of nutrition but would contain fiber. It’s a balance. Usually it is recommended to take an ounce of the exotic juice daily.
The measure to use when examining exotic juices is the ORAC rating. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. This is the measure of a product’s antioxidant strength. The higher the rating the better the product. If the ORAC rating is high then reduction of cellular damage, enhanced immune function, better eyesight, lower cholesterol and healthy nerves cells can be the result. Let us look at some of the juices available.
Pomegranates are native to the Middle East. Ancient cultures revered this fruit as a source of strength and longevity. Pomegranate has become one of the exotic fruits. It is not only high in antioxidants but also contains phytoestrogens known to work synergistically with the antioxidants. Women in menopause will say thank you for this as it may relieve the discomforts of this phase of life. Men like it as well to benefit the prostate and keep it healthy. Pomegranate has been shown to have anti-aging benefits for the skin, help osteoarthritis, diabetes related atherosclerosis, prostate cancer, and dental health to name a few. It can be found in combination or separate as a superfruit juice.
Gogi berries, also known as the wolfberry have been used for centuries in remote parts of Asia which they are native to. It is said to promote longevity and youthfulness. The gogi berry contains twenty nine types of fatty acids, twenty one minerals, B vitamins, eighteen amino acids. and powerful antioxidants known to attack free radicals. Is it any wonder that people get results ranging from improved energy, a better sex life, tumors disappearing, arthritis improved, eyesight restored, and much more. Some people lose weight drinking the wolfberry. It can be purchased separately or in combination with other exotic juices.
Noni is another superfruit juice; it has been around a long time and is found in Hawaii and Tahiti. The islanders have used this juice for centuries. It is known to rid the body of parasites plus much more. It is also known to purify the blood, regenerate damaged cells, lower cholesterol, aid digestion, stop the growth of tumors, and regulate proper cell function. The noni juice boosts the immune system as well as being a powerful anti-inflammatory. It is mostly sold separately but can be found sometimes in combination with other juices.
Ac’ai is the fruit of the ac’ai palm and is native to South and Central America. It is known to provide relief from pain and inflammation and boost the immune system. It seems the enzymes in this fruit were shown to inhibit COX-1 and 2 in a study done in 2006 published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. Ac’ai is also very dense in nutrition. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, E, plus calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorous are all found in this berry. It is found separately and in combination with other fruit juices.
By now you are getting the idea. These exotic juices are very nutritious and may be digested very quickly by the body. There are others such as, mangosteen, alma, sea buckthorn, etc. I would choose a quality company and give one or two a try. Nature’s Sunshine has a very good one. It is called Thai-Go. It has many of the above juices plus much more. It also has the highest ORAC rating of all exotic juices.
This information is not meant to diagnose, treat or prescribe. Always check with your natural health care provider before making any changes.
Until next time I am wishing for you the very best in health. Eva may be reached at littleherbshoppe@hotmail.com