Acai – Açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is the fruit of a palm tree that grows in the Amazon rain forests of Brazil. The fruit is a small, round, blackish purple berry about 1 inch in diameter. Two or three crops of fruit are produced each year. The harvesting of this little berry, allows for the trees to stay where they are. In other words, the famous heart of palm, becomes less valuable because the tree has to be cut down for it and obviously one only gets one rendering of the product by cutting down the tree. Whereas, with the production of the berry, the tree has at least two uses every year.

So the recent popularity of Antioxidant Açaí is not only helping humans in many ways, but also preventing deforestation of the Amazon.

Acai is loaded with antioxidants that protect your health and give you energy. In fact, it delivers 33 times more antioxidant power than both red grapes and red wine. Acai also contains amino acids, important vitamins and trace minerals.

In summary, Acai is rich in the following beneficial nutrients:

• antioxidants
• phytonutrients
• essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, & 9)
• vitamins and minerals
• complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber
• amino acids, trace minerals

Acai berry complex protects the body’s cells from pathogens, antigens and carcinogens. The body recognized these nutrients and adapts them to protect and strengthen the immune system. The berry allows blood/brain barrier transmission while strengthening cell membranes. All cell membranes need to protect against the unwanted entrance of pathogens. The berry strengthens the nervous system. From the brain to the smallest nerve ending, this physiological (electrical) process needs energy for proper synaptic responses that quality food delivers. The berry provides essential oils. Oils are an array of incredibly small particles that bind with other nutrients and transport them through membranes. Our bodies would not work without them. They not only transport, but contain phytochemicals themselves.

White Grape – White Grapes are also a great source of antioxidants like their sibling, Purple Grapes. They are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which, as we know, can protect against heart disease and gastrointestinal complaints.

Some nutritional benefits of white grapes are:
• Vitamin C
• Dietary Fiber

White Grapes can help with:

• Antioxidant Protection
• Gastrointestinal Health

Nashi Pear – The nashi pear, or Asian pear, was been cultivated for thousands of years. Its antioxidants and phytonutrient profile may help with heart disease. Modern Science shows that this powerful cleansing pear is helpful in treating urinary and digestive problems, including constipation.

The nutritional benefits of the nashi pear are:

• Vitamin C
• Dietary Fiber
• B Vitamins

The nashi pear can help with:

• Red Blood Cell Production
• Gastrointestinal Health

Acerola – The acerola cherry (Malpighia glabra) or Acerolla, also known as the Barbados cherry or wild crapemyrtle, native to the West Indies and northern South America, is also cultivated in India. It grows on a shrub that reaches 3M in height and has a thorny crown. The cherry is bright red and contains 2-3 hard seeds. Historically, the acerola has been used to treat dysentery and fever. Recent research suggests that the cherry possesses anti-inflamatory and astringent properties. It is rich in Vitamin C and over 150 phytonutrients have been found in the acerola cherry.

Some nutritional benefits of the acerola cherry are:

• Vitamin C
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Other Minerals

The acerola cherry can help with:

• Immune Function
• Dysentery
• Diarrhea

Aronia – The aronia berry (also known as the Black Chokeberry (Aronia melancarpa/Aronia melanocarpa)), a close cousin of the blueberry, is known for its powerful antioxidant properties and benefits of those properties. Aronia berries are dark pigmented berries that are extremely high in antioxidants. Higher than blueberries, higher than cranberries, higher, even, than pomegranates. Although native to the Americas, it is far more popular in Eastern Europe where its juice has been known to help people with heart conditions.

It has high levels of proanthocyanins and quinic acid (ten times more than cranberries). Quinic acid prevents urinary infection.

Some nutritional benefits of the aronia berry are:

• Polyphenols
• Anthocyanins
• Quinic Acid
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Flavonols

The aronia berry can help with:

• Diabetes
• Inflamation
• Cardiovascular Ailments
• Ciculatory Problems
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Influenza (Flu)
• Cancer

In 2006, Nutrition and Cancer published a study done by the University of Maryland. The study on the aronia berry found that this antioxidant berry may provide protection against colon cancer.

Purple Grape – Ah, the ever popular purple grape. Surely, it has had a long reputation for improving health. All grapes contain resveratrol, the antioxidant that is found in red wine and other grape products. Purple grape juice contains a high flavonoid content which can help protect the body from cardiovascular disease. Some nutritional benefits of purple grapes are:

• Resveratrol
• Proanthocyanins
• Flavonoids

Purple Grapes can help with:

• Aging
• Cardiovascular Problems
• Eye Problems

A study done in Greece found that grapes still uphold their reputation for protective power through antioxidants. The study showed how the formation of cancer cells was inhibited by the extracts from grapes. Those extracts limit the activity of certain types of free radicals.

Cranberry – The cranberry is very tart and is commonly recommended by doctors for urinary tract infections. A study showed that it reduced E. coli bacteria in urine at twice the levels of the placebo. Cranberries are high in vitamin C and proanthocyanins, both of which are powerful antioxidants….which makes the cranberry another one of our antioxidant fruits.

The nutritional benefits of the cranberry are:

• Vitamin C
• Polyphenols

The cranberry can help with:

• Urinary Tract Infections
• High Cholestrol
• Antioxidant Protection

In the medical world, the cranberry is best known for its protective effects on the urinary tract. A 2006 study confirmed this information, showing that the cranberry can inhibit the formation and activity of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria. The cranberry’s capability to fight bacteria is one way it prevents and effectively treats urinary tract infections.

Passion Fruit – Native from southern Brazil through Paraguay to northern Argentina, the passion fruit (Passiflora edulis / P. edulis flavicarpa) is used for anxiety, depression and sleep disorders. There are two varieties of Passion Fruit – one that becomes dark purple in color when it reaches maturity and the other that is yellow at maturity. The fruit is often grown to eat or for its juice. A great product that has the passion fruit in it as well as 18 other antioxidant fighting fruits is this product. Traditional medicine uses it for urinary tract infections, much like the cranberry. The Vitamin C, potassium and other relaxing agents in passion fruit, may help with asthma or spasmodic coughing conditions.

The nutritional benefits of the passion fruit are:

• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Fiber

The passion fruit can help with:

• Urinary Tract Infection
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Asthma

Studies suggest that passion fruit can fight chronix inflammation, which is increasingly being linked to more diseases.

Apricot – The velvety-orange skin apricot is known for its antioxidant properties and contain high amounts of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. These nutrients contribute overall to the health and protection of the heart and eyes.

Some nutritional benefits of an apricot are:

• Beta-carotene
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Potassium
• Fiber

The apricot can help with:

• Eye problems
• Heart Disease
• Stroke

In 2005, a study done by researchers in Spain was published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, identifying the antioxidant compounds in apricots, including cyanidin-3-glucoside.

Prune – Prunes are the dried result of a plum. Surely, we all know the biggest benefit of prunes is regularity! Hallelujah for that! As we know, plums have impressive antioxidant properties, but when converted into prunes their antioxidant powers can increase by as much as 600 percent!

Some nutritional benefits of a prune are:

• Vitamins
• Anthocyanins
• Minerals

Prunes can help with:

• Aging-related conditions
• Constipation

A recent study done at Oklahoma State University found that prunes can help reverse bone loss due to menopause. It suggested that dried plums can reverse a particular process of osteoporosis previously thought to be irreversible.

Kiwi – The Kiwi Fruit was created in New Zealand, but originates from the Actinidia, which is native to Southern China. The fruit has a green-brown skin and inside is bright green flesh with rows of small black seeds. Kiwi has the ability to protect cell DNA from oxidant-related damage and it protects cardiovascular health. In addition to its protective qualities, kiwi provides generous amounts of vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, trace minerals and dietary fiber. Its potassium levels are slightly less than that of a banana.

Some nutritional benefits of the kiwi fruit are:

• Vitamins
• Fiber
• Minerals

The kiwi fruit can help with:

• Damaged DNA
• Eye Problems
• Cardiovascular conditions

Blueberry – Before the acai berry, the blueberry was touted as having very high antioxidant values when compared to other fresh fruits and vegetables. The anthocyanins in the berries are the chemicals responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflamatory properties.

Some nutritional benefits of the blueberry are:

• Anthocyanins
• Vitamins
• Minerals

The blueberry can help with:

• Heart Disease
• Memory Loss
• Urinary Tract Infections

In June 2006, Pharmacology and Biochemical Behavoir published a study which showed that diet supplementation with blueberries improved performance on memory tasks in mice. Also, the berry’s polyphenols help give it a protective effect on DNA damage.

Wolfberry – Although the wolfberry’s, also the goji berry, original habitat is unknown, researchers believe its origins are southeastern Europe or southwest Asia. China is the country that produces the wolfberry the most. The wolfberry contains lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) which helps the berry protect and repair cellular DNA. The berry is also an excellent source of 18 amino acids and 21 trace minerals. Like the acai berry, it helps with sexual health, a natural viagra, if you will.

Some nutritional benefits of the wolfberry are:

• LBP
• Vitamins
• Amino Acids
• Minerals

The wolfberry can help with:

• Damaged DNA
• Sexual Dysfunction

In 2006, the World Journal of Gastroenterology suggested that extracts from the wolfberry help prevent the proliferation and induce the self-destruct mechanism (apoptosis) of certain types of liver cancer cells.

Pomegranate – In the last couple of years, the pomegranate has been all the rage…with new pomegranate juice appearing on the shelves. This seasonly available fruit is renowned for its nutritional properties. Studies show that the juice from the pomegranate is one of the most powerful antioxidants, which contains a very high level of polyphenols and other free radical-fighting agents.

Some nutritional benefits of the pomegranate are:

• Polyphenols
• Vitamins
• Anthocyanins

The pomegranate can help with:

• Arteriosclerosis
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes

In 2006 the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published a study which showed that “the polyphenolics in pomegranate can play an important role in the modulation of inflammatory cell signaling in colon cancer cells.”

Lychee – The lychee, a tropical fruit originally from Southern China, is gaining popularity in the United States. This low-calorie fruit has more Vitamin C than citrus fruits, as much fiber as an apple and potassium levels comparable to a banana.

Some nutritional benefits of the lychee are:

• Dietary Fiber
• Vitamin C
• Potassium

The lychee fruit can help with:

• Gastrointestinal Health
• Overall wellness

A study found in the Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology publication done by a Chinese team, found that the lychee fruit may have anti-breast cancer properties.

Camu Camu - A native of Peru, Camu-camu, or Myciaria dubia, is a purple-skinned
fruit with a diverse nutritional profile. It is essentially unknown in the United States, but is held in high esteem in Japan. The Japanese believe it improves mood, fights depression and increases energy levels.

• Potassium
• Flavonoids
• C Vitamins
• Amino Acids

Camu-camu can help with:

• Immune Disfunction
• Mood disorders
• Viral Infection
• Bacterial Function

In 2005, researchers in Brazil discovered that Camu-camu has a lot of antioxidant powers – many of which reduce a variety of diseases linked to the aging process.

Pear – The “common” or European pear is packed full with a variety of nutrients,
including dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin C and several polyphenols. Research has concluded that pears may be able to help normalize blood sugar levels, boost metabolism and provide a variety of other health benefits.

The nutritional benefits of the Pear are:

• Potassium
• Dietary Fiber
• Vitamin C

The pear can help with:

• Gastrointestinal health
• Blood glucose
• Diabetic conditions

Banana – Your favorite snack food is popular for a reason. Bananas, as we all know,
are an excellent source of potassium and keep us from getting bruised easily. Bananas contain no fat, sodium or cholesterol. And is a great source of vitamin B6, vitamin C and magnesium in addition to potassium.

Some nutritional benefits of a banana are:

• B Vitamins
• Potassium
• Vitamin C
• Magnesium

The banana can help with:

• Sleep and nervous system health
• Blood cell health

Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.

Bilberry – The bilberry, a close relative to the blueberry, has impressive antioxidant properties and is historically linked to eye health. Studies indicate that bilberry, with its abundance of antioxidants, may also be effetive in protecting the body against carcinogens and free radicals. Some of its nutritional highlights include:

• Flavonoids
• Anthocyanins
• Resveratol

The bilberry can help with:

• Eye Problems
• Arthritis
• Heart Attack and Stroke
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Diarrhea and dysentery

A study done in Canada in 2006, found that the bilberry can help and may be able to prevent and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases (like Parkinson’s), mainly due to its antioxidant powers.