Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) is a vibrant purple fruit species native to Chile. Consumed locally as a fresh fruit or in juice form, maqui berry is now available as a freeze-dried powder derived from the fruit. It is also available in a number of nutritional supplements.
Maqui fruit has been found to provide numerous health benefits, due in part to substances in the fruit (such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and ellagic acid) that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
The antioxidant content of maqui fruit, measured by the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value, is 19850 per 100 mg of fresh fruit. In comparison, fresh blueberries are slightly higher at 21080 for 100 mg.
Maqui Berry Uses
Maqui Berry: Mixing the juice into beverages or adding fruit powder to smoothies or cereals There are several ways to use maqui fruit, including:
Maqui is touted as a remedy for a variety of health conditions, including arthritis and high cholesterol. Additionally, maqui is claimed to protect against several inflammation-related diseases (including diabetes and heart disease).
Maqui has also been shown to support weight loss efforts, slow the aging process, help with dry eyes, skin suggests that it may help improve health and stimulate the immune system.
Maqui Berry Benefits
Research shows that consumption of maqui berry's anthocyanin antioxidants called delphinidins may increase your defense against certain conditions.
p>Diabetes
In a small study published in BioMed Research International, researchers gave participants diagnosed with prediabetes a single capsule of a standard delphinidin-rich maqui berry extract and found that their fasting blood sugar and insulin levels improved.
Dry eyes
A pilot study published in Panminerva Medica in 2014 found that a maqui berry extract (30 mg or less daily) in adults with moderate dry eyes over a 60-day period. examined its use (taken at a dose of 60 mg). Dry Eye Quality of Life scores when added to both doses After 30 days of treatment, tear fluid volume increased significantly.
After 60 days, tear fluid volume decreased slightly in the group receiving 30 mg, while improvement continued in those receiving 60 mg per day. More research is needed because this study was very small (13 participants) and had no control group.
May help maintain a healthy gut flora
Your gut contains trillions of bacteria, collectively known as your gut microbiome. harbors viruses and fungi.
While this may sound alarming, a different gut microbiome can positively impact your immune system, brain, heart, and of course – your gut.
However, bad Problems can occur if bacteria outweigh beneficial ones.
Interestingly, research shows that plant compounds in maqui and other fruits may help reshape the gut microbiota by increasing the number of good bacteria.
These beneficial bacteria They metabolize plant compounds and use them to grow and multiply.
Anticancer effects
In vitro and animal studies, the type of antioxidants found in maqui fruit have been shown to reduce cancer cell replication, suppress tumor growth and prevent cancer cells. has shown to have the potential to induce death.
Possible side effects
Maqui berry is generally considered safe when eaten as a fruit in small amounts. More research is needed to determine the safety of maqui when taken as a supplement or in large amounts.
Theoretically, maqui berry might lower blood sugar levels and may reduce blood sugar levels when taken with diabetes medication.
You can also get tips on using supplements, but it's important to note with maqui that self-treating a health problem and avoiding standard care can have serious consequences.
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