Maqui Berries (or Aristotelia Chilensis) are found in Southern Chile, in the Patagonia Region as well as in Southern Argentina.
The dark purple berries have a delicious sweet taste and a very rich flavor. The Mapuche native people harvest the berries that grow abundantly in the wild, on hillsides, fields and borders of forested areas. They are the only native people in the Americas who were not conquered by invading colonists, hence it is speculated that the consumption of the fruit has offered them strength and vigor to resist the conquerors.
The benefits of the Maqui Berries
These berries have an astonishing effect on the human body. They reduce the risk of inflammation-caused diseases, balance cholesterol levels in the blood, suppress blood glucose and also have an antibacterial effect. They are rich in anthocyanins, a purple pigment with a high antioxidant activity. Their antioxidant rating of 820 sets them well over Acai berries, which have an antioxidant rating of 160-300, and blueberries with a 61 antioxidant rating.
Main health issues addressed:
– Cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke, hardening of the arteries)
– Colon Cancer
– Diabetes
– Arthritis (and any other inflammatory disease)
– Weight control
The first clinical research made by the North Carolina State and Rutgers University shows that the berries have amazing effects for type 2 diabetes sufferers, as both glucose tolerance and fasting blood glucose were improved by them. The natural conclusion is that these berries should be incorporated in a daily nutrition and diet plan for disease prevention as well as for improving cardiovascular health.
How can I introduce this wonderful fruit into my diet?
These berries are making their way into the U.S. and European market under a variety of forms. They can be consumed as a fresh fruit or made into jam or juice. For those who want to use them as a food supplement, they can order the maqui berries in capsules or powder form.
The wonderful maqui berries have a cleansing and energizing effect on both mind and body jumpstarting you into a balanced day to day experience.