Maqui berry is touted as a powerhouse of antioxidants, with a deep purple colour that's a giveaway to its high anthocyanin content. But what's the real story behind its antioxidant properties? How does it stack up against the other superfoods?
We dug deep to get to the bottom of the maqui berry craze and compared its antioxidant properties to other popular superfoods. Maqui berry is a nutrient-dense superfood that can potentially offer a range of benefits, from anti-aging and cardiovascular health to cognitive function and anti-inflammatory effects.
To understand exactly how maqui berry ranks among other superfoods, we compared the antioxidant properties of several popular options. The results are presented in the table below, which ranks the superfoods by their ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score.
| Superfood | ORAC Score (μmol TE/100g) |
|---|---|
| Maqui Berry | 64,100 (1) |
| Acai Berry | 15,200 (2) |
| Goji Berry | 3,290 (3) |
| Pomegranate | 3,354 (4) |
| Blueberry | 9,621 (5) |
| Elderberry | 14,400 (6) |
The Benefits of Maqui Berry
The high antioxidant content in maqui berry helps to reduce oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to the aging process. By protecting our cells from damage, maqui berry may help to promote healthy aging and reduce the visible signs of aging. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that maqui berry extract had anti-aging effects on human dermal fibroblasts . The anthocyanins present in maqui berry have been shown to have a positive impact on cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and improving blood lipid profiles. Maqui berry has also been found to have neuroprotective effects, which may help to support cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The Maqui Berry Industry
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global maqui berry market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for natural and organic products. As the industry continues to evolve, it's essential to examine the challenges and opportunities facing maqui berry suppliers. A study published in the Journal of Food Science highlighted the importance of quality control and authenticity in the maqui berry industry, citing concerns about adulteration and contamination.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established guidelines for the safe use of maqui berry extracts in food supplements. Many companies are working to meet these standards and ensure the quality and purity of their maqui berry products.
At Fitness Health we source our maqui berry responsibly from reputable suppliers and conduct regular testing to ensure the purity and potency of our products. This commitment to transparency and quality is the same across all of our supplement products.
By prioritising quality and transparency, we can help to build trust with consumers and drive growth in the maqui berry industry. As the demand for maqui berry continues to grow, it's likely that we'll see more companies following suit and implementing similar quality control measures.
Choosing a Maqui Berry Product
When choosing a maqui berry product, it's essential to do your research and look for certifications from organisations such as NSF International or the International Society for Sports Nutrition. You should also ensure that the product is made from high-quality maqui berry that is sustainably sourced, and that the label is transparent and provides clear information about the product's ingredients, dosage, and potential interactions.
If you're considering adding maqui berry to your daily routine, start with a high-quality product from a reputable supplier. Consult with a healthcare professional before adding maqui berry to your regimen, and be aware of potential interactions between maqui berry and other medications or health conditions. You may also want to consider combining maqui berry with other nutrients or supplements to enhance its benefits.
