The maqui berry is quite an exotic-looking plant if you take one look at it. It’s dark purple in colour, and grows out in the wild in South American countries. This plant has actually been used and harvested by the Mapuche people of Chile for over a thousand years!
They have used it for the various traditional and health benefits its leaves, stems, and berries are able to offer. Most of the world has caught up to this once-hidden “superfruit” though, with an explosive rise in the maqui berry’s popularity in recent years.
Scientists have been able to study this closely and vouch for its “superfruit” name due to the presence of a high amount of antioxidants in the plant.
A South American Delight
In South America, in the remote regions of Chile, live the Mapuche people. They are renowned as fearless and enduring warriors who show great strength and power both in combat and in doing daily work.
For thousands of years, the secret to the Mapuche people’s amazing vitality has been kept hidden from the rest of the world, and they weren’t telling the reason why themselves. Only in recent years has the secret finally been revealed - and that is the Maqui berry.
These berries have been grown since ancient times by the Mapuche people and have been adopted by the local population in nearby surrounding areas. Even without scientific research, these locals have traditionally valued the maqui berry for supporting the body against the harmful effects of the environment.
Let us now look more closely as to what other secrets the Maqui berry could have.
Six Fascinating Health Benefits of the Maqui Berry
Fighting Free Radicals
One of the main reasons the human body experiences cell damage and inflammation over time is due to the presence of free radicals. An effective way to help counter these effects is to load up on foods which are rich in antioxidants,
which the maqui berry is found to have a copious amount of. These antioxidants are able to stabilise the free radicals which enter the human body, and may help protect our cells from damage.
Reducing Inflammation
There has been various research associated with the maqui berry suggesting it may help reduce inflammation in the human body. This may be due to various compounds within the berry such as delphinidins, which appear to have soothing, anti-inflammatory effects in early studies, including on blood vessels and the lungs. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
Sweet Thoughts
Early research suggests the maqui berry may help support blood sugar levels already within the normal range, possibly through its effect on the way the body breaks down carbohydrates for energy. This is thought to be due to the presence of high levels of anthocyanin, an antioxidant that has been widely studied for its potential benefits.
A Healthy Heart
Speaking of anthocyanin, that multi-purpose antioxidant has also been explored for a possible link to a healthier heart.
Some observational studies have associated diets high in anthocyanins with better heart health in young and middle-aged women, compared to those whose diets were low in these compounds. Small preliminary studies have also explored whether maqui berry may help support healthy cholesterol levels, though larger trials are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Protecting the Gut
One of the parts of the human body which has the highest concentration of bacteria and viruses is the intestines. Overall, having a diverse range of organisms in the gut is actually beneficial for one’s digestion and overall well-being, but this needs to be kept in a constant balance. The maqui berry may help support this balance by encouraging the growth of good bacteria in the intestinal tract.
Eye Overuse
Each day, a person’s eyes are subject to a barrage of radiation, light, and heat from so many sources including television, the sun’s rays, computer monitors, and mobile phones.
It is widely known that too much exposure of one’s eyes to these elements can damage them in the long run, and it is in everyone’s best interest to keep this damage as low as possible. This is where the maqui berry steps in.
Antioxidants in the berry may offer some protection from damage due to light sources and support the normal repair of cells in the eye.
Conclusion
So, is maqui berry good for you? The answer is a resounding yes, and though more studies still need to be conducted to further put its health claims into a more concrete light, it is never a bad idea to start incorporating superfoods like the maqui berry into your diet.
Stock up on maqui berry from Superfoods Australia, where all of our products are sourced responsibly from the best suppliers in the world.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
