Saturday, December 29, 2012

Eliminate Inflammation With These Super Fruits

December 1, 2010 by  
Filed under Natural Pain Relief


Acai Berries; a great source of antioxidents

Among the best antioxidants is a certain class of organic compound known as Phytonutrients which, though not essential to life, have been shown to promote health in humans. Among the benefits demonstrated by these plant polyphenols are the support of blood lipids, anti-inflammatory properties, and elimination of free radicals. Moreover, the prevention of degenerative diseases has been linked to an increase in consumption of polyphenols. This is especially true with regard to cancer and cardiovascular disorders. It is understandable, therefore, that berries and fruits rich in these elements and their extracts have been touted as some of the best antioxidants and are being called “super fruits”.Here are some specifics: asthma, which has been on the rise, may be relieved with the use of black currant extract which appears to reduce lung inflammation. Likewise, the negative effects of oxidative stress, which is brought on by excessive exercise, might be counter-acted with extracts rich in antioxidant made from blueberries. There is also evidence that the glycemic response in healthy persons may be decreased with consumption of many types of berries (strawberries, currants, cranberries, black currants and bilberries) thus decreasing risk of diabetes as well as obesity.

An extract made from the choke-berry, a berry containing five times more flavonoids than cranberries, might reduce or prevent the weight gain of pre-diabetics. The myriad of effects of consumption of black choke-berries include suppression of cancer cells in the colon, regulation of immune function in breast cancer patients, and as mentioned before a reduction of oxidative damage in the red blood cells of people engaging in vigorous exercise as well as the lowering of blood pressure over-all.

A certain polyphenol, resveratrol, which is found abundantly in the skins of grapes, has been shown by researchers to increase the lifespan of mice by 25 percent. Other studies have shown it to have anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant properties. Apples, which also have a high content of polyphenol, inhibit absorption of triglycerides as well as reduce the accumulation of fat in the abdomen and contributes to the lowering of blood cholesterol. They may also block histamine release thus reducing allergic conditions.

Polyphenols: Is More Always Better?

It may be that, when combined, polyphenols derived from different plants may work synergistically with the net effect equaling more than the individual parts. Indeed, a recent study showed a reduction of inflammatory bio-markers when concentrates of powered berries (including blueberry, Concord grape, red currant, raspberry, blackberry, and black currant) were combined with powdered vegetables (spinach, kale, cabbage, beet, parsley, tomato, carrot and broccoli). Evidence suggests that such concentrates may be beneficial to human health because of the relationship between poor health and chronic inflammation.

In summary, the evidence suggests that common human maladies such as high blood pressure, allergic conditions, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease may all benefit from the consumption of polyphenols provided by nature’s bounty. Moreover, the benefits provided when these substances are taken in combination may be greater than when taken individually.

Seven to nine daily servings of vegetables and fruits of various colors should be consumed by almost everyone. These should include those richest in polyphenols such as blueberries, pomegranates, and red/purple berries. Juicing continues to be the easiest way to consume and take in these critical nutrients. And a whole juicer is best to help extract all the benefits from them.

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- Eric

If you’re happy, if you’re feeling good, then nothing else matters.
-Robin Wright Penn


Photo Credit: gurucrusher

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