Berry Boost

Did you know that berries and grapes are likely the healthiest fruits on the planet?

Berries are one of the few types of fruits that are allowed on the Phase One Diet, so that should tell you something.

There's a rating system that's done on food called the ORAC. Basically, it shows how much antioxidant power a food has, and blueberries have the highest ORAC rating of any food. Studies show that when people eat more blueberries, not only is the body less prone to oxidative damage, but the brain seems to work better, as well. Plus, the University of Illinois tested foods to see which ones inhibited cancer enzyme activity. The one that tested highest was blueberry.

Raspberries are also a superfood. The American Cancer Society says they're among the most promising natural products for preventing cancer. They say it because ellagic acid, which is found in raspberries, causes apoptosis, or cell death. Aptosis doesn't occur as frequently in cancer cells, and as a result, they keep living and living. Ellagic acid is said to cause apoptosis in cancer cells, but leaves healthy cells intact. Raspberries also have a compound that acts like a natural, safe COX-2 inhibitor, so it could be a real help for people with arthritis.

Cranberries have long been used for urinary tract infections by preventing microbes from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract. They're also being studied to inhibit food poisoning.

And lets not forget about the grapes. We all know about the heart-healthy benefits of grape, but did you know that the chardonnay grape has some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any other grape? It protects the heart, skin, eyes, and blood, and shows real promise as a detoxifying fruit.

These, along with pomegranate are the heavy hitters in nutrition science these days. It would be a great idea to add these to your diet every day. One of the easiest ways is in a smoothie, along with a good, high-protein meal replacement powder. Without pulverizing these fruits, you wouldn't get the additional benefit of their seeds, which are incredibly nourishing. The seeds are the genesis of life and contain huge amounts of the antioxidant benefits of the fruit itself.

Would you like to know a great way to get all the benefit of these fruits and seeds in an easy to use supplement? Just call my office or visit the Berry Boost web page.

I'm Guy Evans, and now you know!