Maqui

Nutrition:

Maqui berry is considered a ‘superfruit’ due to its powerful antioxidant and potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, blood sugar control and heart health. It is a dark purple fruit that is mainly harvested in Chile by native Mapuche Indians, who have used the leaves, stems and berries for medicinal purposes for centuries. These berries get their deep purple colour from the anthocyanins they contain, a group of antioxidant that some studies have shown to prevent certain chronic diseases, such as cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Health Benefits:

Reduces inflammation

Multiple studies suggest these berries have strong anti-inflammatory effects and could help to combat conditions associated with inflammation, such as arthritis, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other conditions. This research shows maqui berry extract was able to suppress lipopolysaccharide whilst also restraining the expression of COX-2 enzyme process, which is the inflammation and pain pathway. One study shows that maqui could reduce inflammation in blood vessels, meaning it could potentially prevent heart disease.

Heart health

The antioxidants in maqui, anthocyanins have been linked to a healthier heart. Studies have found that a diet high in these antioxidants was associated with a 32% reduced risk of heart attacks, in comparison with those lowest in anthocyanins.

One particular study found that when given maqui three times a day, participants had significantly lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) compared to the participants that were given a placebo. Oxidative LDL is linked to the hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases. Special molecules with maqui help to relax and heal the walls of blood vessels, whilst also protecting the blood vessels against inflammation.

Support eye health

Excessive light exposure can damage the eyes and maqui could help reduce this damage, according to research. In one study, participants were given maqui extract every day for four weeks. These participants suffered from dry eyes and fatigue from regularly working on computers, however after the four week period they showed a significant improvement in symptoms.

Typical Uses:

Maqui can be consumed as a juice or as a freeze-dried powder. Our Organic Maqui Berry powder can make a delicious addition to smoothies, oatmeal or yoghurt. We suggest taking 1 heaped teaspoon or 6 grams daily with food, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25892567/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23319811/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07315724.2015.1080108