Maqui berries are dark and purplish berries that taste similar to blackberries and provide numerous health benefits due to all the rich nutrients. You have probably heard of acai berries however, maqui berries are a superfood that exhibits even more nutritional power. Although less popular in the US, maqui berry is known as a “superfruit” all over the world due to its high nutrients content and potential health benefits.
Do you want to feel like a superwoman or superman naturally and do things you have not been able to do for years? If so, start adding maqui berries into your diet. In addition to being a food, Maqui has been harvested for thousands of years to be used medicinally and the berries are not the only part of the plant used for alternative treatments, they also use the stems and leaves.
In this post, you will learn 15 maqui berry benefits to your health and beauty, including improve symptoms of various diseases and disorders like digestive and eye health, diabetes as well as slowing down the aging process.
- Boosts Immunity
The immune system protects our body from invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and foreign pathogens. The white blood cells are a key component to play these functions. Our immunity is boosted by the antioxidants found in Maqui berries. If you don’t have the plant, you can consume powder by adding it in your smoothie, fruit juice, tea, coffee, or other beverages. It is, however, important that you consume the berries raw to make the most of the health benefits.
- More Antioxidants than blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries
Although little research has been done to determine on how much more antioxidants are packed into these little gems as opposed to other berries however, researchers agree that maqui berries have anywhere from 3-30 times more antioxidants than blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. Specifically, they are rich in the group of antioxidants called anthocyanins.
- Anti-aging
Maqui berry has antioxidants that are valuable in helping to slow down signs of aging by warding off free radicals in the body. It also has an incredible ability to nourish and care for the skin cells – resulting in youthful, glowing healthy skin. Most people are unaware that maqui berry is packed with more antioxidant power than acai berry.
- May Help Fight Free Radicals
Maqui is rich in many antioxidants especially one called anthocyanins. Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress, damage and inflammation by fighting free radicals. You may be able to fight many disorders by adding more antioxidants like maqui berry to your diet.
- Reduces Inflammation
Maqui berry contains phenolics such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and organic acids which are potent anti-inflammatories. When you consumed regularly, the berries can help your body ward off inflammatory disorders like heart disease, respiratory ailments, diabetes, and arthritis. The juice has important medicinal values, such as an astringent, tonic, and antidiarrheal properties. Its therapeutic qualities make the whole plant the undisputed sovereign of the family of so-called superfruits; as well as a potent alternative to combat cellular inflammation of bones and joints.
- May Protect Against Heart Disease
Maqui berries have been linked with reduced heart disease due to their anti-inflammatory effect. Their extracts could help reduce inflammation in human endothelial cells. Maqui berries may also help reduce the risk of heart attacks due to the rich antioxidant.
- May Help Lower LDL Cholesterol levels
A 90-day clinical study used delphinol (a maqui berry supplement) in prediabetic people. The supplement could reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL). Lowering LDL may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders. One study found that supplementation with maqui berry extract daily for 12 weeks lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol and increased HDL (good) cholesterol in adults, while at the same time protected blood vessels against damage due to oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Aids in Blood Sugar Control
The delphinol found in maqui berry extracts may significantly lower blood glucose in prediabetic individuals. Studies have shown that daily intake of 180mg of maqui berry extract helped reduce blood glucose levels by 5%.
- May Support Eye Health
Animal studies have reported to that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of maqui berry extracts may help improve eye health by preventing the death of photoreceptor cells induced by visible light and relieving dry eyes. These studies show promising results however, more studies are warranted to understand if there are similar effects in humans.
- May Improve Digestive Health
Maqui berries promotes gut health by improving the growth of good bacteria. The dietary fiber in the berries can help improve digestive function and help prevent gastrointestinal issues. The anthocyanins in maqui berry have also been linked to gut health.
- May Reduce Cancer Risk
A study published in the Journal of Berry Research reported on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of maqui berry extracts on colon cancer cells. This particular study demonstrated that the anthocyanins, flavonoids, and organic acids in maqui extracts inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the colon. A Recent review discovered that the leaves have potent antibacterial and antitumor activities.
- Supports Metabolic Health
Studies have found that maqui berry positively effects carbohydrate metabolism and glucose metabolism due to its high levels of the compound delphinidin. Maqui berries may assist in regulating fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. The delphinol found in maqui berry has been well tolerated among adults with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. It is not likely to cause them to have adverse effects among people with metabolic problems.
- May Help Reduce Pain and Arthritis Symptoms
There are many people that suffer from arthritis and they will tell you but once they ease the inflammation, it often helps to decrease their pain. Maqui berry may be beneficial to those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain
- Skin Dressings
The leaves from the maqui plant have long been used to make dressings that are applied to wounds. The berries also have incredible properties to nourish and care for the skin cells. Using the leaves along with the berries will result in glowing, youthful, healthy skin.
- The Whole plant is useable
please allow me to provide you with some basic information about this superfruit. Maqui berries are grown on small evergreen trees in Chile. Chileans not only drink the juice but also use the plant for medicinal purpose. Fresh berries are not readily available in most parts of the world which is why they are mainly consumed as a dietary supplement in powder or capsule form. Maqui berries have been used for centuries as remedy for a variety of diseases and prevent symptoms of many ailments. Now it is time for you to start reaping the benefits of this magnificent superfood.
Whether you want to improve your appearance or both your internal and external health, you cannot go wrong with maqui berry. New research is being done all the time but researchers and scientist have already uncovered a tremendous number of benefits from using maqui berry.
