The Power of Antioxidants Times Three

In the third grade I was told I could write a paper onfor proper muscle contraction and
any topic for an English homework assignment. Iregeneration.MANGOSTEEN:The mangosteen (Garcinia
chose the subject of scurvy as it affected sailorsmangostana) is a tropical evergreen tree, believed to
who were away at sea for long periods of time andhave originated in the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas.
the resulting discovery of Vitamin C as its cure. IThe tree grows from 7 to 25 meters tall. The edible
remember the paper well for I was literallyfruit is deep reddish purple when ripe. In Asia, the
transcended from ignorance to a place of awe at themangosteen fruit is known as the "Queen of Fruits."
intricacies of the human body and its response toThe outer shell of the fruit (pericarp) is rather hard,
nutrients.Today, antioxidants are the word on thetypically 4-6 cm in diameter, resembling a spherical,
street. They are used to boost energy (forgetblack cartoon bomb.Health benefits:Mangosteen has
caffeine - this stuff rocks!) and these antioxidantscompounds with antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal,
fight infection, and address a whole range of healthand anti-tumor activity. Laboratory testing thus far
issues.Before XanGo, Tahitian Noni, Fruta Vida,indicates that extracts of mangosteen have activity
(containing, respectively, mangosteen, goji, and acai)against several cancer cell lines including breast, liver,
and now Amigo Juice (a marriage of all three superand leukemia. Mangosteen also appears to have
foods), we had Vitamin C, E, and A. For many of us,anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Most
it was all about drinking that cup of orange juice atnotably, the mangosteen provides powerful
breakfast or taking a vitamin supplement. But today,anti-inflammatory benefits which play an important
we are not talking about just a punch but a real blowrole in numerous health conditions.For hundreds of
to sickness and disease, taking the form ofyears, the people of Southeast Asia have used the
antioxidant rich health beverages that manymangosteen, especially the rind, to ward off and
consumers swear by in their quest for wellness.Livingtreat infections, reduce pain or control fever, and
in today's very toxic world, antioxidants deserve atreat various other ailments.Most of the studies with
special place in the area of nutritional supplementsmangosteen have focused on the pericarp, or the
and are certainly worth examining closer to see whatdark, woody rind as opposed to the fruit inside the
they are all about and learn how we can implementwoody rind. The pericarp contains the active
them into our daily routine.Quite simply put, at thexanthone compounds. The fruit itself probably has
molecular and cellular levels, antioxidants serve tosome beneficial compounds but the compounds within
deactivate certain particles called free radicals. Inthe mangosteen fruit have not been studied as well
humans, free radicals usually come in the form of O2,as the mangosteen rind.Several compounds in
the oxygen molecule. The oxygen molecule desiresmangosteen appear to be active, particularly
to be oxidized, and this oxidation process canxanthones. Some of these xanthones include
sometimes be carcinogenic. Free radicals are themangostin, mangostenol, mangostenone A,
natural by-products of many processes within andmangostenone B, trapezifolixanthone, tovophyllin B,
among cells. They are also created by exposure toalpha- and beta-mangostins, garcinone B,
various environmental factors, tobacco smoke andmangostinone, mangostanol, and the flavonoid
radiation. Of course, this certainly includes air qualityepicatechin.There are numerous studies available for
and all the junk we put into our bodies that ourreview at Just enter the word "mangosteen" to
immune system is forced to combat.If allowed to runaccess a list.GOJIGoji berries have the highest
amok, these free radicals can cause damage to cellconcentration of beta-carotene among all foods on
walls, cell structures, and genetic material within theearth. Beta-carotene can be transformed into vitamin
cell. They are the bully on the playground and needA under the influence of human liver enzymes.
to be dealt a firm hand for the resulting damage canTherefore, vitamin A ultimately plays a major
eventually lead to disease and ultimatelyinfluence in Lycium's actions. Lycium's function on the
death.Antioxidants play a key role in cleaning up theeyes is related to this factor.Lycium's vitamin B1 and
destruction caused by these free radicals. They cleanB2 contents are significant and the vitamin C content
house before free radicals get a chance to harm theof freeze-dried Lycium has been measured to be 73
body. Researchers have determined that antioxidantsmg/100 grams. The fruit also contains vitamin C,
are useful in the prevention of carcinogenic effectsbeta-sitosterol (an anti-inflammatory agent), linoleic
of oxidation.To that end, a variety of healthacid (a fatty acid), sesquiterpenoids (cyperone,
companies, most notably in the form of multi-levelsolavetivone), tetraterpenoids (zeaxanthin, physalin),
marketing, have cropped up offering antioxidant richand betaine (0.1%).Lycium contains 18 kinds of amino
health drinks, as captured in the "pericarp," "hull,"acids, of which 8 are indispensable amino acids for
"pulp," "rind," basically the whole fruit, the kitchen andthe human body (such as isoleucine and tryptophan).
its sink, ground and mixed and served up in tasty 150% of Lycium's amino acids are free amino acid.
oz. servings. Not to mention the mangosteen fruitLycium contains numerous trace elements, of which
has introduced an entirely new classification ofthe main ones are zinc, iron and copper. Mature fruits
antioxidants, called Xanthones with professed healthcontain about 11 mg. of iron per 100 grams. Ning Xia
benefits too numerous to list, many years ofLycium contains 45% glucose, 7% fructose and 5.5%
research, and centuries of positive use.Theseglucose.HEALTH BENEFITS:Goji Berries have been
antioxidant rich drinks created three distinct camps.used in Tibet for at least 1,700 years. Tibetan
One decided the mangosteen is their drink of choice,medicine includes these berries in the treatment of
goji has its determined followers, and there is alsokidney and liver problems. They are also used in Tibet
acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee). It became difficult toto lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and
navigate through hype and look for substance.cleanse the blood. Goji Berries have a long history of
According to numerous reports by customers, theyuse in the treatment of eye problems, skin rashes,
all have their benefits.However, in March of this year,psoriasis, allergies, insomnia, chronic liver disease,
one product was introduced, integrating all threediabetes and tuberculosis. Goji Berries are used by
important fruits into one single product in a driedthe people of Tibet to increase longevity and as a
formula, omitting any need for pasteurization, cuttinggeneral health strengthening tonic.Science has shown
back on the cost of shipping, and providing the mostthat this bright red berry not only contains extremely
bang for the buck. Most importantly, each of thehigh levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, but
three super foods had very distinct benefits. Nowalso contains many unique phytochemicals,
we have a marriage of all three fruits in one drink inpolysaccharides, and complex compounds that
Amigo Juice.THE BIG THREE SUPER FOODSThescientists are only beginning to understand.Goji Berries
following is a look at the three fruits: acai,contain the following complex compounds:Betaine,
mangosteen, and goji.ACAI:The Acai berry, or Acaiwhich is used by the liver to produce choline, a
Fruit grows on majestic palm trees in the Amazoncompound that calms nervousness, enhances
Rainforest and looks like a purple marble or grape.memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects
Acai contains high levels of Antioxidants, Omegaagainst fatty liver disease.Physalin, which is active
Fatty Acids (healthy fats), Iron, Amino Acids, Fiber,against all major types of leukemia. It has also been
and many other vitamins and minerals. The peopleused as a treatment for hepatitis B. Solavetivone, a
living in the Amazon region in Northern Brazil, havepowerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
consumed Acai for hundreds of years and its healingcompound.Beta-Sitoserol, an anti-inflammatory agent.
and sustaining powers are legendary.Acai Berry isIt has been used to treat sexual impotence and
known to harness the following properties:prostate enlargement. It also lowers
Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory,cholesterol.Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits
Antimutagenic, Cardiovascular System. Acai berriesthe heart and blood pressure. It has also been used in
contain very high amounts of essential fatty acidsthe treatment of cervical cancer.These compounds
and omegas proven to lower LDL and maintain HDLas found in the Goji Berry are used in the following
cholesterol levels. They also contain a remarkablemanner: Betaine, which is used by the liver to
concentration of antioxidants to help combatproduce choline, a compound that calms nervousness,
premature aging.Acai Berry is a dense source of aenhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and
particular class of flavonoids called anthocyanins. Theprotects against fatty liver disease. Physalin, which is
ORAC value of Acai Berry is higher than any otheractive against all major types of leukemia. It has also
edible berry in the world. Acai Berry is also anbeen used as a treatment for hepatitis B.
excellent source of dietary fiber. Acai is extremelySolavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
rich in organic vegetable protein which does notcompound. Beta-Sitoserol, an anti-inflammatory agent.
generate cholesterol during its digestion and is moreIt has been used to treat sexual impotence and
easily processed and transported to your musclesprostate enlargement. It also lowers cholesterol.
than animal protein (such as what is found in milk orCyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart
meat).Besides its outstanding content of protein andand blood pressure. It has also been used in the
unsaturated lipids, Acai is also rich in carbohydrates,treatment of cervical cancer.When navigating through
providing your body with the necessary energy whilethe myriad of choices in determining which product to
working or practicing any kind of sport.There is alsochoose in today's antioxidant saturated market, it is
an amazingly high concentration of antioxidants usefulimportant to consider the following criteria: quality of
in combating premature aging. The proanthocyanidineproduct; quantity and source of ingredient; reputation
contents in Acai Berries contain 10 to 30 times theof manufacturing company; and cost.At one time,
anthocyanins (these are the purple coloredhealth products did a little bit of this and a little bit of
antioxidants) of red wine per volume. Although thethat. As someone who used to pop about 30
French consume a high fat diet, they have a lowdifferent pills each day to get what I felt my body
incidence of cardiovascular disease compared to theneeded for good health, it is exciting to see a
western countries. They contribute this factor tonumber of products offering profound results. These
their consumption of red wine. Acai Berries can helpresults are allowing individuals to drop their
promote a healthier cardiovascular system andpharmaceutical drug habit, or at the very least drop
digestive tract, because of its synergy ofthe dose, giving the body what it craves most, all
monounsaturated fats (these are the healthy fats),things natural. We can do much to combat the ill
dietary fiber, and phytosterols.They provide the bodyeffects of toxins and poor diet by the choices we
with an excellent source of fiber. Fiber promotes amake with regards to nutritional supplementation.Paula
healthy digestive system. Research studies suggestRothstein has worked in the field of nutritional
soluble fibers may help lower blood cholesterol. Thesupplementation for nearly 10 years with an emphasis
insoluble fiber may help to reduce the risk ofon offering products which profoundly address
developing certain types of cancers. Essential aminochronic disease relating to toxic overload.Visit: for
acid complex along with trace minerals, which are vitalmore information.