Maqui Berry
Maqui Berry/Chilean wineberry Aristotelia chilensis This superfood is a tree species in the Elaeocarpaceae family(flowering plants.) A native to South America, primarily Chile and parts of Argentina. These small fruits are found in the dense rainforest, harvested from the wild, very few are cultivated in gardens. The small purple-black berries, leaves and stems were harvested by the native Mapuche Indians of Chile for its medicinal qualities. With its high amount of antioxidants, polyphenols and ORAC count(Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) this exotic fruit is labelled a " superfood ". Let us discuss two of the benefits of using Maqui Berry. 1. Antioxidants Some may suggest the Maqui Berry is the highest antioxidant fruit in the world. WHY??? One word comes to mind, Anthocyanins ! Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid, a class of compounds with antioxidant effects that fights free radicals(unstable molecules that can cause cell damage, inflamma...