Sip Your Way to Youth With The Botox Berry
Brace yourself for an exciting journey to the heart of Chile, where we’ll discover the magic of the Maqui Berry, known to the Mapuche Indians as the "Botox Berry." They didn't exactly call it that, but it's a fitting nickname!
The Berry of Youth
The Maqui Berry (Aristotelia chilensis) is a small, dark purple berry that is packed with potential anti-aging benefits. Native to Chile, it's been a staple in the diet of the Mapuche Indians for centuries and is said to contribute to their remarkable health and vitality.
But what makes the Maqui Berry the reigning queen of the berry world? The Maqui Berry boasts an incredibly high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) level [^1^], a measure of a food's antioxidant capacity. Antioxidants are anti-aging molecules, ready to combat those naughty free radicals that love nothing more than wreaking havoc on our cells [^2^].
Maqui berries have an estimated value of around 27,600 per 100 grams (about 3/4 cup). Apart from maqui berries, some other foods that are recognized for their high ORAC levels include:
Açaí berries: Açaí berries have an estimated ORAC value of around 15,405 units per 100 grams (3/4 cup).
Blueberries: Blueberries have an estimated ORAC value of around 4,669 units per 100 grams (3/4 cup).
Dark chocolate: High-quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content has an estimated ORAC value of around 13,120 units per 100 grams (roughly a standard chocolate bar size).
Antioxidant breakdown
It's important to note that ORAC values can vary based on factors such as the specific variety, ripeness, and processing of the food. These values are approximate and can differ based on different sources and testing methods.
Let's compare the ORAC values of Maqui berries, known for their antioxidant properties and originating from Chile, with the freshness of ripe wild blueberries from your own backyard. While Maqui berries boast a relatively high ORAC value, it's essential to consider factors such as variety, ripeness, and processing, which can influence their antioxidant levels. On the other hand, plucking ripe wild blueberries straight from your backyard ensures maximum freshness and potentially higher antioxidant content, making them a delightful and nutritious treat. Remember, nature's bounty can offer varying levels of antioxidants, so embracing local and fresh options can be a rewarding choice for your well-being.
Research also shows that the Maqui Berry is packed with anthocyanins, which have been linked to a range of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, and yes, anti-aging[^3^]. So not only do these berries have the power to keep your skin glowing, but they also pack a punch for overall health.
the botox berry mocktail
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon Maqui Berry powder
1 cup sparkling water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey or sweetener of choice
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Directions:
In a glass, mix the Maqui Berry powder, lemon juice, and your chosen sweetener.
Stir until the powder and sweetener are fully dissolved.
Pour in the sparkling water, and gently stir.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves, and enjoy!
However, take note that while Maqui Berry is indeed powerful, it's not a cure-all. Different bodies respond differently to natural remedies. It's always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new supplements into your regimen.
Céspedes, C. L., El-Hafidi, M., Pavon, N., & Alarcon, J. (2008). Antioxidant and cardioprotective activities of phenolic extracts from fruits of Chilean blackberry Aristotelia chilensis (Elaeocarpaceae), Maqui. Food Chemistry, 107(2), 820-829. Link
Wu, X., Beecher, G. R., Holden, J. M., Haytowitz, D. B., Gebhardt, S. E., & Prior, R. L. (2004). Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant capacities of common foods in the United States. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 52(12), 4026-4037. Link
Rojo, L. E., Ribnicky, D., Logendra, S., Poulev, A., Rojas-Silva, P., Kuhn, P., Dorn, R., Grace, M. H., Lila, M. A., & Raskin, I. (2012). In vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic effects of anthocyanins from Maqui Berry (Aristotelia chilensis). Food Chemistry, 131(2), 387-396. Link