Maqui berry refers to a type of fruit, belonging to Elaeocarpaceae family, which is a native of Valdivian rainforests in Chile as well as adjacent areas of Argentina. Its botanical name is Aristotelia chilensis. The berries are small and purple-black in color and have a diameter of around 4-6 mm. Maqui is also known as Chilean wineberry, apart from several local names, such as maquei, koelon, queldrón, ach, and clon.
Macui is a dioecious tree, which is around 4-5 m tall, evergreen, and features smooth bark and a divided trunk. The branches are flexible, thin and abundant, whereas the leaves are pendulous, simple, opposite, glabrous, oval-lanceolate, coriaceous and have serrated edges, as well as red petioles. The flowers are white and small in size, yielding small edible fruits, which we know as Maqui berry.
With those boring details out of the way, let’s focus on the benefits of maqui berry so that you may learn how using maqui can increase your quality of life.
Acai Berry Not Just For Weight Loss — It Promises Longevity
Today’s guest post was written by Matt Papa, Ph.D. Having worked in biology labs for more than a decade, Matt devotes much of his time reading and researching the scientific literature pertaining to diets and natural weight loss programs. He blogs about research findings in obesity-treatment and gives away a Medifast discount coupon and a Nutrisystem coupon, two leading portion-controlled meal replacement diet plans.
About Acai Berries – Why Are They so Good for Your Health
Botanical-rich diets have been shown to have numerous health benefits, and acai is one botanical product that is garnering a great deal of attention. The acai berry, the fruit of a palm tree indigenous to the Amazon River area of South America, has been praised by experts for its health benefits.
The purple fruit is considered a superfood and is widely consumed as a dietary supplement because of the many therapeutic properties it is believed to possess. Marketed mostly as an effective supplement to induce weight loss, scientific studies are now recognizing other significant health benefits of the acai berry.
Berries, including the acai berry, receive their vibrant red, blue, and purple colors from a phytonutrient known as anthocyanin. In clinical trials, biochemical analysis, and animal and cell-based studies, anthocyanins have been shown to possess several important biomedical functions.
In addition to anti-inflammatory and anti-cardiovascular properties, anthocyanins have been demonstrated to decrease cancer cell growth by more than 50%. They also have significant potential as an anti-aging supplement, as they can reduce the oxidative stress associated with aging, improve neuronal and cognitive brain function, and repair and protect DNA – all of which are associated with aging, especially the accumulation of DNA damage or mutation.
Scientific Study Finds Acai Improves Longevity
The free radical theory addresses the issues of DNA mutation accumulation and oxidative stress mentioned above. This theory postulates that free radicals cause oxidative damage, which results in aging. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules responsible for cell damage, including oxidative harm to macromolecules like DNA. As organism ages, this oxidative stress accumulates in the cell. Based on this theory, treatments that reduce oxidative damage should be effective aging interventions. This has been supported through animal experiments that have shown reducing oxidative damage increases lifespan.
A study recently published in the January 2010 issue of Experimental Gerontology examined acai berry’s potential as an aging intervention. This groundbreaking animal study looked at the anti-aging effect of acai in Drosophila melanogaster, otherwise known as the fruit fly. Acai’s anti-aging effect was evaluated under two different conditions.
Condition 1. Flies fed a high fat diet. Condition 2. Flies pre-conditioned to experience extreme oxidative stress.
Acai Counteracts High Fat Diet’s Damaging Effect
Conjecturing that acai’s beneficial phytonutrients and its robust anti-oxidant activity would reverse the harmful effects of a diet high in fat, researchers manipulated the diet of fruit flies. All flies in the experiment were placed on a diet high in saturated fat; compared to a standard diet, one high in saturated fat is known to shorten lifespan by 19%. The flies were divided into two groups, one of which had their high-fat diet supplemented at 2% with acai pulp.
Compared to the flies who did not receive the acai supplement, those in the supplementation group saw a 22% increase in lifespan. In effect, supplementing with acai restored lifespan to a normal length, counteracting the damaging impact of a high fat diet. The researchers’ search for the mechanism responsible for this positive effect on longevity found that the acai diet resulted in increased activity of anti-aging genes.
In addition to a shortened lifespan, high fat diets are associated with a heightened risk for a variety of health problems. One common result of a chronic high fat diet is the development of insulin resistance, which eventually leads to type 2 diabetes. Dr. Sun, the study’s primary investigator, is hopeful “that acai pulp may be effective in prevention and control of type 2 diabetes,” as the findings seem to suggest. Acai pulp has demonstrated promise as a medicinal food that can inhibit a high fat diet’s detrimental health effects.
Acai Found To Reduce Oxidative Damage
The researchers also proposed that the survival of flies in oxidative stress would be improved by the administration of acai pulp. They tested this by using a model of oxidative stress commonly used in the biological study of aging. The model relies on fruit flies which, as a result of genetic modification, contain a dysfunctional Superoxide Dismutase enzyme (SOD). This enzyme is essential to the flies’ ability to reduce the cellular damage done by free radicals as well as to repair cells that do sustain damage. The genetically modified (SOD-mutated) flies live under constant oxidative stress because they do not have the ability to repair oxidative damage.
The SOD-mutated flies were placed in two groups. One group received 2% acai pulp for the duration of their adult life, while the control group received no supplementation. Comparison of the groups showed that flies who had received the acai supplement lived approximately 18% longer than those in the control group, suggesting that acai alleviates oxidative stress and thereby improves survival.
According to the researchers, the anti-aging properties demonstrated by acai may be due to its high level of polyphenolics, which give it the ability to function as a hunter of free radicals. Another polyphenolic compound shown to have similar anti-aging benefits is resveratrol. Supplementation with resveratrol increased longevity in mice fed a diet high in fat.
Final Remarks
This study, the first to examine the effects of acai’s anti-aging properties in an animal population, joins over 20 other peer-reviewed studies that refer to acai berry’s antioxidant properties and potential benefits to human health. In addition to these benefits, acai is currently being tested for its effectiveness as a weight-loss tool. Although research in this area is still ongoing, the inclusion of berries and other fruits is known to be an important component of any healthy weight loss diet.
Even though research on the weight loss effect of acai is not complete, anecdotal evidence and reports from real-life experiences suggest that it may help shed unwanted weight. The popular fruit is being recognized as a superfood with health benefits that include increased longevity, possible disease prevention, and the potential to aid in weight loss. Read Steve’s article where he clearly explains how the Acai berry speeds up weight loss.
Useful Literature
– Açai palm fruit (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp improves survival of flies on a high fat diet. Sun X, Seeberger J, Alberico T, Wang C, Wheeler CT, Schauss AG, Zou S. Exp Gerontol. 2010 Mar;45(3):243-51.
– What is the açaí berry and are there health benefits? Marcason W. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Nov;109(11):1968
At Project Swole I receive all kinds of offers to try free samples and then review them on my blog. Some successful reviews in the past have been for Zola Acai, Sobe Lifewater, and the Venom Energy Drink. There have also been some pretty horrible free samples sent to me; someone once sent me some kind of lemonade ice cube diet product that was totally lame.
Fortunately some free samples work out great! I recently got to experience a free sample delight when the Wings of Nature folks recently sent me their 3 organic snack bars and I must say they are straight yummy.
Wings of Nature has this great new line of certified organic fruit, nut, and coffee bars. They are made using a cold process rather than baking or cooking, which allows them to retain the wholesome taste, texture, and nutritional properties of their all-natural whole food ingredients.
Often when I review products on Project Swole, it is because I receive an offer to try a free sample in exchange for posting a review online. Incidentally, I NEVER accept money in exchange for positive reviews. Any review you find on Project Swole is legit; I tried it and I liked it.
In the past, some of my positive reviews have been for Acai Roots, Captains of Crush grippers, Sobe Lifewater, and Optimum Nutrition protein powder. I have definitely receive a couple of horrible free samples like a disgusting acai powder and some lemonade ice cube diet, both of which I never bothered to review; and a half-cheesy workout book that pretty much just contained a bunch of still photos.
But as I mentioned, some free samples work out great, including a recent batch of organic snack bars by Wings of Nature. Each of the three snack bars they sent me are simply delicious. Snacking on these bars is definitely a positive health habit.
The Wings of Nature folks have produced a tasty new line of certified organic fruit, nut, and coffee bars. Each bar is made using a cold process rather than baking or cooking, which allows them to retain the wholesome taste, texture, and nutritional properties of their all-natural whole food ingredients.
I receive numerous offers to try free samples of food, health, and exercise products in exchange for a review on Project Swole. I have had several successful reviews in the past including Sambazon Acai, Venom Energy Drink, and Sobe Lifewater. There have also been some pretty horrible free samples sent to me; I recently tried some Celsius energy drink powder mix that was straight gaggable (oddly enough, the premixed drink in a can was great).
Just recently got to experience a taste extravaganze when the Wings of Nature folks sent me 3 of their organic snack bars. I have to admit that each bar is pretty fricken tasty. Often my free samples will sit around the house (or get tossed in the trash, in the case of the Celsius drink powders), but these bars were gone is just a few short days.
Wings of Nature has this great new line of certified organic fruit, nut, and coffee bars. They are made using a cold process rather than baking or cooking, which allows them to retain the wholesome taste, texture, and nutritional properties of their all-natural whole food ingredients.
Instead of thinking about things you should not eat, consider foods you can add to your eating plan to help fight disease. One disease or condition that is common to all animals and people is called oxidation.
Like rust on a car, oxidation can cause damage to cells and may contribute to aging. Oxidation causes the formation of substances called free radicals, which is the primary cause of age related skin wrinkles and pigment discoloration. This is why we combat oxidation with antioxidants, which help keep wrinkles and pigmentation at bay.
LOSE FAT FAST with the Project Swole Three Step Full Body Weight Loss Plan. Combine the supplement plan with a full body fat loss exercise routine for record breaking fat loss results!
The Project Swole Three Step Full Body Detox Plan is the most effective detox and weight loss plan ever. Combine the supplement plan with a full body fat loss exercise routine for record breaking fat loss results!
For fat loss and good health, acai berries are one of the best foods you can eat.
Using an acai berry supplement will help speed up your fat loss considerably as long as you already follow a proper fitness and nutrition plan. Additionally, everyone can use the high concentration of antioxidants in acai to help stay healthy and young as the years pass by.
The Project Swole Three Step Full Body Detox Plan is the most effective detox and weight loss plan ever. Combine the supplement plan with a full body fat loss exercise routine for record breaking fat loss results!
Acai is one of the top 5 foods you can eat for good health and it speeds up fat loss too!
Acai berries help to speed up fat loss considerably when you follow a healthy exercise and diet plan. As a bonus, the high concentration of antioxidants in acai will keep you feeling healthy and looking young as you grow older!
I talk about acai all the time, so constantly I am asked the question: “Do you know how I can get a free trial of acai pills sent to Egypt?”
Finally I can say to all the Project Swole visitors from Egypt: “Get your risk-free* trial of acai berry supplements shipped to Egypt using this link:”
A study of potential schizophrenics has determined that supplementing with fish oil, primarily long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, can reduce the risk of ever developing full-blown schizophrenia or bi-polar disorder. In fact, supplementing with fish oil was found to be equally effective at preventing psychotic episodes as anti-psychotic medications.
The study was conducted with 81 patients at ultra-high risk of developing a psychotic disorder. At the end of the study, less than 5% of patients supplementing with fish oil developed full-blown psychosis, while nearly 28% of patients in the placebo group transitioned to a psychotic state.
This is great news for adolescents, since that age group is highly affected by the weight gain side effects of anti-psychotic medication. Supplementing daily with fish oil sounds like a great idea to me.
Bodybuilding.com has initiated an international recall of 65 dietary supplements that the FDA insists probably contain steroids.
Since they would probably get in some kind of legal trouble down the road, the popular bodybuilding website pretty much has to cooperate, so they have recalled all lots and expiration dates related to the 65 supplements flagged on the FDA’s list. Click here to see the list.
The FDA claims that the products on its list could contain some of the following substances:
Insulin can be a touchy subject when it comes to fat loss, muscle growth, and weight training. It is extremely important that we understand the role of insulin in the body and how the foods we eat affect our health and physiques.
What is Insulin?
First, we must define what insulin is:
Insulin in a peptide hormone composed of 51 amino acid residues, which is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas and released when any of the several stimuli is detected. These stimuli include ingested protein and glucose in the blood, produced from digested food. Insulin has expansive effects on metabolism and other bodily systems.
What Insulin Does in the Body
Let us look at what insulin does when it is present in the body.
When present, insulin causes the uptake of blood sugar (glucose) by the vast majority of bodily cells. These cells include muscle, fatty tissue, and liver cells.
Insulin is primarily responsible for storing glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles. When insulin is at high concentrations in the body, it prevents the use of fat as an energy source.
If you are someone who trains for a month then takes a week off because life gets busy, you are just like me.
If you are someone who normally trains 4 days a week and then can only get in the gym once in a 9 day stretch because life gets busy, you are just like me.
And like you, I put together than occasional plan to commit for a solid 3 months, eat right, train 4-5 times a week, and make some real progress.
We are not lazy, we just get busy or have to deal with family situations. Right?
Excuses, excuses…
Lazy Man – This is not me and it better not be you!
The Project Swole Three Step Full Body Detox Plan is the most effective detox and weight loss plan ever. Combine the supplement plan with a full body fat loss exercise routine for record breaking fat loss results!
Acai berry is one of the best foods you can eat for fat loss and good health.
Acai will help speed up your fat loss considerably if you already follow a moderate fitness and nutrition plan, and you can definitely use the high concentration of antioxidants in acai to keep you healthy and young for the rest of your life!
Constantly I get asked the question: “How can I get a 14 day free trial of acai shipped to France?”
Well now finally I can say: “Get your free trial of Acai Berry shipped to France using the link below.”
The good news is that there is a new hypothesis to consider on how to combat the pain and discomforts associated with inflammation.
By attacking the inflammatory cascade at the start (in the mitochondria) as opposed to inhibiting the COX pathways (as is the mode of action of many NSAIDs), a safe, non-toxic, and natural pain reliever called StayActiv is able to prevent the cascade of cellular inflammatory events up front, and it also avoids the many negative and dangerous kidney, liver, and gastro-intestinal side effects related to NSAIDs.
The Project Swole Three Step Full Body Detox Plan is the most effective detox and weight loss plan ever. Combine the supplement plan with a full body fat loss exercise routine for record breaking fat loss results!
Acai berry is one of the best foods you can eat for fat loss and good health.
Acai will help speed up your fat loss considerably if you already follow a moderate fitness and nutrition plan, and you can definitely use the high concentration of antioxidants in acai to keep you healthy and young for the rest of your life!
Because I talk about acai all the time, I am constantly asked the question: “How can I get a 14 day free trial of acai shipped to Germany?”
Well now finally I can say: “Get your free trial of Acai Berry shipped to Germany using the link below.”
Note: Acai Nutraburst is a shady company that Project Swole is no longer promoting. Acai Berry is a clone of Acai Nutraburst and provides an identical product.
The Project Swole Three Step Full Body Detox Plan is the most effective detox and weight loss plan ever. Combine the supplement plan with a full body fat loss exercise routine for record breaking fat loss results!
I am always talking about antioxidant benefits, and now four of the healthiest most concentrated antioxidant foods, plus hoodia, are now available in one product.
That’s right, I found a supplement called Acai Berry that contains acai, resveratrol, and green tea. Not only that, but Acai Berry also contains hoodia for increased fat loss, and another lesser known antioxidant called quercetin, which also acts as an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine.
I could write about and promote individual products for acai, resveratrol, green tea, and hoodia, but instead I want to share with you this one-of-a-kind supplement that contains everything you could possibly need. The manufacturers of Acai Berry contacted me specifically with this unique product offer, and so I am passing it on to you.
No, I’m not talking about the ephedra laced Hydroxycut that actually works, I’m talking about the ephedra-free Hydroxycut products that are supposed to be safe. Yeah, not so safe.
Hydroxycut products are marketed as inexpensive, energy-enhancing fat-burners. They do work to some extent. Hydroxycut will definitely increase your energy, but at what cost to your body?
Why Hydroxycut Was Recalled
23 reports of serious liver injuries
liver damage
elevated liver enzymes
reports of jaundice
liver transplants
confirmed as the cause of death in a 19 year old male
cardiovascular problems
seizures
rhabdomyolysis – serious muscle damage directly linked to kidney failure
Recent studies say that resveratrol may counter diabetes and insulin resistance, two well-known culprits of obesity.
Some studies have recently reported that the supplement resveratrol, most commonly found in red grapes and wine, aids in preventing and treating obesity. In fact, consuming a full wine bottle’s worth of resveratrol reportedly has the same effect as being on a reduced calorie diet. Of course the calories in wine offset that particular effect. =)
Let’s examine how and why we can use resveratrol to help us lose weight.
