(14-11-12) Maqui - A rebellious little berry that tames inflammation, prevents cancer and supports a healthy heart

by Carolanne Wright

(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

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