They can’t fly, and they certainly can’t save you from a burning
building, but superfoods are the next big heroes in the natural foods
marketplace.
Superfoods—a massive category spanning whole foods, green foods and
superfruits—are foods that are touted as being nutritionally superior with more
health benefits, due to a high amount of nutrients and/or phytonutrients such as
vitamins, fats, fiber, polyphenols, polysacchrides, glycoproteins and
lipoproteins. They can be as mundane as blueberries, fish and cereal grasses, or
more exotic, like noni and pomegranate. And while Jonny Bowden, Ph.D, author of
The150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, noted, “There’s no one food on
earth that provides absolutely everything that you need,” incorporating
superfoods into the diet can help consumers maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Power of Three
According to Bowden, any food that provides omega-3 fatty acids is
automatically a superfood, including his favorite, wild salmon, along with
walnuts, soy nuts, flaxseed oil and wheat germ.1 “Omega-3s are
highly anti-inflammatory, and inflammation is part of the body’s healing
process; it’s good for our bodies and we want occasional inflammation,” he said.
“But, what has happened in our life and with our diets and lifestyles is that
we’re in chronic, low-level inflammation all the time. The blood vessels get
inflamed, and they contribute to every major degenerative disease.” Inflammation
plays a role in the pathology of a score of health ills including Alzheimer’s
disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.
A study from researchers at the University of Glasgow studied the effects of
eating salmon on the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD).2 They found that,
compared to no fish, eating salmon decreased systolic, diastolic and mean
arterial blood pressure by 4 percent, triglycerides by 15 percent and
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 7 percent, and increased beneficial
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by 5 percent. The changes in blood
pressure and lipids alone with salmon intake predicted an approximate 25 percent
reduction in CHD risk. Another study from the Michigan Department of Community
Health concluded that the consumption of fish or fish oil containing omega-3
fatty acids reduces the risk of CHD, decreases mild hypertension, and prevents
certain cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.3
Omega-3 fatty acids have also shown promise in treating mental
disorders. Researchers from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine found omega-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were well-tolerated by both children and
adults with mental disorders, with mild gastrointestinal (GI) effects being the
only consistently reported adverse effect.4 Evidence from the study indicates
omega-3 PUFAs may reduce symptoms of anxiety. The most convincing evidence for
beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFA is to be found in mood disorders. Researchers
concluded that meta-analysis of trials involving patients with major depressive
disorder and bipolar disorder provided evidence that omega-3 PUFA
supplementation reduces symptoms of depression.
The Grass is Always Greener
Hay may be for horses, but cereal grasses, which include wheat grass, barley
grass, oat grass, rye grass and alfalfa, are phytonutrient-rich superfoods.
Barley grass is especially popular, as it is “extraordinarily high in the
antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) and also contains as much usable protein
as meat,” according to Gillian McKeith, Ph.D., author of Living Food for
Health. “Green barley grass is the only vegetation on earth that can nourish
an animal from birth to old age. Barley grass has as much protein as meat, but
in an easily digestible form, and is crammed with vitamins, minerals, amino
acids, enzymes and chlorophyll.” Barley’s high SOD content can help clear
cellular toxins. “Barley grass is beneficial for all tissues and organs,
especially the heart, lungs, arteries, joints and bones,” McKeith added.
Researchers from the Memorial University of Newfoundland discovered barley
extracts inhibited LDL cholesterol oxidation and prevented colon cancer cells
from proliferating.5 McKeith added barley grass contains unique digestive
enzymes that “resolve indigestible and toxic substances in food.” A study from
the University of Tokyo found the various proteins and compounds found in barley
grass juice support anti-ulcer activity, which protects the stomach mucosa from
injury.6
The anti-inflammatory properties of barley grass have also been studied.
Researchers at the Science University of Tokyo discovered the anti-inflammatory
activity of barley juice was not only produced by SOD, but also by proteins
found in the juice.7 The protein fractions P4-D1 and D1-G1 were extracted from
the juice and both exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity. It was concluded
that P4-D1 and D1-G1 “exhibited much better anti-inflammatory action than a
common aspirin.”
Green foods are an increasingly popular nutrient base for superfood formulas;
for example, Amazing Grass created a powder with cereal grasses, antioxidants,
B-vitamins, beta-carotene, bioflavonoids, lycopene, folic acid, dietary fiber,
SOD and omega-3, -6 and -9 EFAs. The powder can be easily mixed with cold water,
smoothies, fruit juices and dairy or soy milk, according to Brandon Bert,
co-founder and president, Amazing Grass.
Green foods formulas have great benefits to deliver, added Bob Terry,
customer & technical services director, Green Foods Corp., the producers of
Green Magma. “If processed as a juice powder with low-temperature methods such
as spray drying, barley grass provides active enzymes, intact chlorophyll,
bioflavonoids, carotenoids and other phytonutrients that promote health in a
variety of important ways,” he said. “Because these combined actions of barley
grass support the function of all major organ systems, it supports the health of
the entire body, including cardiovascular function, digestion, immunity and
detoxification.”
The Super Friends of Superfruits
Many of the superfoods making waves in the marketplace are the exotic
superfruits. With their nutrient-dense nutritional profiles and unique tastes,
consumers flock to the stores to try the unknown. Some of the newest superfruit
offerings include goji, açaí, mangosteen, noni, pomegranate and seaberry.
Goji (Lycium barbarum), also known as wolfberry, has been
used in traditional Chinese medicine for at least 2,000 years, noted Susan
Ballantyne, director of operations for South Pacific Trading Co. Researcher Paul
M. Gross, Ph.D., said: “Goji has high concentrations of amino acids and protein,
vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, iron, magnesium, copper and zinc. In addition,
as a rarity among plants, goji skin and pulp contain dense pigmentation both of
phenolic acids and carotenoids, giving it high dietary antioxidant value. Its
beta-carotene and zeaxanthin content in particular is exceptional.” The berry is
extremely high in antioxidants and is said to provide enhanced immune system
function, better eyesight and improved circulation.
Recently, researchers at Sichuan University studied the anti-atherosclerosis
effects of lycium seed oil.8 Rabbits were administered lycium seed oil for eight
weeks. Researchers found aortic atherosclerotic extent and area in low dosage
and high dosage lycium seed oil groups were smaller than that in high fat diet
group. It was concluded that lycium seed oil has potent anti-atherosclerosis
effects and its potency was similar to a commercial statin drug.
Researchers from the University of Hong Kong demonstrated goji’s
neuroprotective effects to counter neuronal loss.9 Polysaccharides extracted
from goji protected neurons against beta-amyloid peptide toxicity in neuronal
cell cultures, and retinal ganglion cells in an experimental model of glaucoma.
Further work by the researchers including isolating the active component of
polysaccharide, which can attenuate stress kinases and pro-apoptotic signaling
pathways. A similar study was done at the same university regarding the effects
goji berries have on Alzheimer’s symptoms.10 Researchers found that pretreatment
of goji extract effectively protected neurons against A beta-induced apoptosis.
They also found that the aqueous extract isolated from L. barbarum exhibited
significant protection on cultured neurons against harmful chemical toxins, such
as A beta and dithiothreitol. The study also showed the
polysaccharide-containing extract (LBP) from goji exhibited neuroprotective
effects in the retina against ocular hypertension in a laser-induced glaucoma
animal model. It was determined LBP can elicit neuroprotection to neurons
stressed by A beta peptides and that pretreatment of LBP effectively protected
neurons against A beta-induced apoptosis.
“In traditional cultures, goji may be eaten as a food or drunk as a tea or
other beverage,” said Gene Bruno, MHS. Now, however, the natural marketplace is
finding many new uses for the berry. Goji berries are being used in food
products like snack bars, as well as Flora Health’s snack bags of berries that
can be eaten straight from the bag or used in salads, cereals, yogurt and soups.
Goji juice is also a popular ingredient for smoothies and other recipes. Riding
on the wave of the notion that goji can be used for anti-aging due to their
antioxidants, many cosmeceutical companies are even using the berries. Home
Health launched a collection of goji berry skin care formulas, including facial
cream, eye cream and body lotion, using the antioxidants to hydrate skin while
diminishing wrinkles.
Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) is a dark purple berry that only
grows in the Amazon. “It is in the enviable position of tasting like chocolate,
blueberries and wine,” Ballantyne said. “Açaí is extremely popular in Brazil,
where it is consumed in beverages, smoothies and frozen desserts. It’s rich in
omega fatty acids, fiber and vitamins.”
Açaí is also high in vitamin E, calcium, copper, potassium, magnesium and
niacin. “As measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and phenolic
concentration, antioxidant strength for açaí is the highest known, exceeding the
next closest food by three-fold,” Gross said. Reported health benefits include
greater energy and stamina, improved digestion and circulation, greater mental
activity and improved sleep.
Because açaí is relatively new, studies on the berry tend to lean toward
determining its antioxidant capacity, said Bowden. However, a study from the
University of Florida investigated açai polyphenolics on the antiproliferation
and induction of apoptosis in HL-60 human leukemia cells.11 They found açaí
extract triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia
cells.
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), known as the “queen of
all fruits” in Asia, is an un-pigmented, white fruit that grows in the South
Pacific islands. Because of its lack of pigments, mangosteen “is predictably low
in antioxidant quality and also has some insignificant nutrient content,” Gross
said. “Only when phenolics (xanthones) are extracted from its edible exocarp
(rind) and added to mangosteen juice, or when a puree of the whole fruit is
used, does mangosteen offer any phytochemical value as a dietary source.”
Sponsored Links
High potency, standardized herbal extracts and patent-pending, award winning
formulas such as WinterWell and ThinkWell provide effective, innovative health
solutions. Environmental standards even include organic cotton stuffing. Coming
soon, we’ll be changing our name to the easier-to-say, Avesta™.
www.ayurceutics.com
Noni Pacific – “Life is short. Drink it in.” Noni juice is the essential
super fruit. As an adaptogen, it provides benefits for all body systems and
potentiates the effects of vitamins and minerals. Coupled with the natural
relief from pain and inflammation, this is the choice for the highest quality of
life. www.nonipacific.com
To Go Brands introduces great-tasting, all-natural, organic, “Healthy To Go”
drink mixes, designed to pour right into bottled water. Go Greens Super Fruits &
Veggies Plus™ has the antioxidant power of 6 servings of fruits and vegetables
in 1 pack. Two all-natural energy drinks are also available, Acai Natural Energy
Boost™ & Green Tea Energy Fusion™. www.togobrands.com / 866-494-8646
Fruitrients exotic fruit supplements are all natural with no fillers or
additives. We use only pure, organically-grown fruit ingredients. Don’t let your
customers settle for watered-down high-sugar juice when they can have a potent,
effective natural extract. www.ultralaboratories.com
XanGo Blazes New Trails with Mangosteen Research
From rind to pulp, XanGo is leading the charge of mangosteen research—studying
the host of phytonutrients, flavonoids and xanthones present throughout the
whole fruit. Later this year, we’ll break new ground with our scientific
research. The best is yet to come. Visit www.thewholefruit.com
Claims for mangosteen include better intestinal health, strengthened immune
response, improved cartilage and joint function, and a bolstered respiratory
system. A recent study, conducted by Pure Fruit Technologies and presented at
the 233rd American Chemical Society National Conference, which manufactures
Mango-xan, a mangosteen juice supplement, revealed mangosteen may be
anti-inflammatory.12 Wayne Geilman, Ph.D., senior research scientist, Pure Fruit
Technologies, said: “Mango-xan may have an anti-inflammatory effect as a result
of its dual inhibitory effect on both COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes. Future steps
include conducting a human clinical trial to determine the dosage needed to
elicit these results.”
In another in vivo study, researchers at the National Chiayi University found
that alpha-mangostin, derived from the fruit’s hull, significantly inhibited
mice carrageenan-induced paw edema.13 It was concluded that alpha- and gamma-mangostins
from G. mangostana are bioactive substances with anti-inflammatory effects. A
similar study investigated the activity of Thai medicinal plants on inflammation
caused by Propionibacterium acnes in terms of free radical scavenging and
cytokine reducing properties.14 The result showed G. mangostana possessed the
most significant antioxidant activity and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS)
production. In addition, G. mangostana was highly effective in scavenging free
radicals and was able to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Mangosteen is also said to have antibacterial properties.15 A study from the
Osaka Prefectural Institute of Public Health revealed that alpha-mangostin was
found to be active against vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE) and
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Increased oxidative stress and a deficiency in antioxidants have been
suggested to play a major role in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial
infarction. A study at the University of Madras was designed to evaluate the
effect of alpha-mangostin on the antioxidant defense system and lipid
peroxidation against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.16
Research showed induction of rats with ISO for 2 days resulted in a marked
elevation in lipid peroxidation, serum marker enzymes and a significant decrease
in the activities of endogenous antioxidants. Pre-treatment with alpha-mangostin
orally for six days prior to the ISO administration and two days along with ISO
administration significantly attenuated these changes when compared to the
individual treatment groups.
One of the biggest players in the superfruits category is noni (Morinda
citrifolia), a “prickly, stinky fruit” that is well-known for its analgesic
properties. “Noni fruit has excellent levels of carbohydrates and dietary
fiber,” Bruno said. “The main micronutrient features of noni include exceptional
vitamin C content and high amounts of niacin, iron and potassium. Vitamin A,
calcium and sodium are also present.”
According to Ballantyne, noni was hailed as 75 percent as effective as
morphine sulphate, minus the addictive side effects by the University of Metz.17 Ballantyne said benefits of noni include heightened immune response, disease
protection, anti-inflammatory properties, and improved sense of well-being and
pain cessation. “Noni has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties,” said
Bruno, who cited a study in which cancerous mice were given noni juice, which
significantly increased their life spans.18 The research team concluded the noni
juice “seems to act indirectly by enhancing [the] host immune system involving
macrophages and/or lymphocytes.” In another study at Nihon University,
components from the methanol extract of noni exhibited potent anti-inflammatory
activity.19 In addition, when the compounds were evaluated against the
Epstein-Barr virus early antigen, all of the compounds exhibited moderate
inhibitory effects. A similar study looked at the effects of noni on the immune
system.20 Results suggested noni modulates the immune system via activating of
the cannabinoid 2 receptors, suppressing interleukin (IL)-4, and increasing the
production of interferon-gamma cytokines. It may also exert beneficial
immunomodulation effects in conditions involving inadequate immune responses.
Traditionally, noni fruit was used by Polynesians to combat fatigue.
Researchers from the Tianjin Medical University investigated the anti-fatigue
and endurance promoting potential of noni juice.21 In their study, aged mice
were pretreated orally with increasing doses of noni juice and then compared
with young and aged controls in the forced swim test and rotarod test. The
average times of all noni juice dose groups were significantly longer than the
aged controls in both the swim test and the rotarod test, and were similar to
those of the young controls. The results demonstrated not only an improvement in
endurance, but also in balance and flexibility.
Ballantyne suggested there may be better health effects when consumers use
“whole fruit” noni products; she recommended South Pacific Trading’s Noni
Pacific, a 100 percent, whole fruit noni juice. Other noni offerings on the
market include teas, fruit powders, energy bars and candies, as well as cosmetic
products, which use noni seeds and oils.
One of nature’s most nutrient-dense plants, Gross said, is the seaberry
(Hippophae rhamnoides), also known as sea buckthorn. It has yellow or
orange-red barriers, and is known for its sour taste and juiciness. “It has
abundant micronutrient and phytochemical contents, including extraordinary
vitamin C and E levels, essential minerals and amino acids, carotenoid and
phenolic pigments, dense sterol amounts and unusual pulp and seed richness of
omega fatty acids,” Gross added. Native to Asia and northern Europe, seaberry
has been used in traditional medicine and is also used in products such as jam,
juice, tea, liquor or skin creams. Gross said seaberry’s greatest assets are its
seed and pulp oils, which contain “an extraordinary profile of essential fatty
acids not replicated similarly among edible plants.”
In the past year, studies on the seaberry have included how seaberry affects
inflammation, cancer and cardiovascular disease, burns and skin wounds, and its
antimicrobial effects and antioxidant properties. “All the research uses
preliminary animal models or in vitro preparations. There have been no
expert-reviewed clinical trials of seaberry published to date in Western
literature,” Gross noted.
Seaberries contain several phytochemicals, such as phenolic acids,
proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins and other flavonoids. There has been growing
interest in a variety of potential chemopreventive activities of edible berries.
In a 2007 study from Centre de Recherche de l’Hôpital Sainte-Justine, several
different types of berries, including seaberry, were evaluated for antioxidant
capacity, anti-proliferative activity, anti-inflammatory activity, induction of
apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.22 Researchers found the growth of various
cancer cell lines, including those of stomach, prostate, intestine and breast,
were strongly inhibited by many of the berries, seaberry included. Another study
from East China Normal University looked at the effect of flavonoids from seed
residues of the seaberry on the lipid metabolism and antioxidative activity in
climacteric rats.23 After 13 weeks, serum total cholesterol was decreased
significantly in rats fed seaberry, suggesting the berry could improve lipid
metabolism and deliver antioxidant effects. A study from India investigated the
effect of different fruit extracts of H. rhamnoides on altered biochemical
parameters indicative of haematological alterations, tissue oxidative stress,
and arsenic concentration in arsenic-exposed mice.24 The fruit extract of seaberry demonstrated a significant protective role against arsenic-induced
oxidative injury; however, it lacked the ability to remove arsenic from the
binding sites, suggesting the extract could be co-administered with a chelating
agent of known efficacy during treatment of arsenic to achieve the optimum
effect of chelation treatment.
Because consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of healthy
eating, retailers would do well to promote exotic, as well as every day,
superfoods with signage, displays and seminars to educate consumers about the
benefits of eating superfoods. Rick Simpson, president, Ultra Laboratories,
explained: “If retailers can focus on educating their customers on the new and
exciting exotic fruits that are available to them, with an added emphasis on
natural, additive-free ingredients, both their customers and their business will
be all the better for it.”
1. Pratt, Stephen M.D., Kathy Matthews. SuperFoods RX. New York:
HarperCollins, 2004.
2. Lara, J.J. "Benefits of salmon eating on traditional and novel vascular
risk factors in young, non-obese healthy subjects." Atherosclerosis.
2007: 193.1; 213-21.
3. Sidhu KS. "Health benefits and potential risks related to consumption of
fish or fish oil." Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003: 38.3: 336-44.
4. Ross B.M. " Omega-3 fatty acids as treatments for mental illness: which
disorder and which fatty acid?" Lipids Health Dis. 2007: 18; 6:21.
5. Madhujith T. "Antioxidative and antiproliferative properties of selected
barley (Hordeum vulgarae L.) cultivars and their potential for inhibition of
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol oxidation." J Agric Food Chem.
2007: 55.13: 5018-24.
6. Othake, et. Al. "Studies on the constituent of green juice from young
barley leaves, antiulcer activity of fractions from barley juice. Yakaguka
Zasshi. 1985: 105.11; 1046-51
7. Jiang, Y.D. "Experimental study of anti-atherosclerosis potency by lycium
seed oil and its possible mechanism." Zhong Yao Cai. 2007:30.6; 672-7.
8. Chang, R.C. "Use of Anti-aging Herbal Medicine, Lycium barbarum, Against
Aging-associated Diseases. What Do We Know So Far?" Cell Mol Neurobiol.
2007: [Epub ahead of print].
9. Yu, M.S. "Characterization of the effects of anti-aging medicine Fructus
lycii on beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity." Int J Mol Med. 2007: 20.2;
261-8.
10. Del Pozo-Insfran D. "Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) polyphenolics in their
glycoside and aglycone forms induce apoptosis of HL-60 leukemia cells." J
Agric Food Chem. 2006: 54.4; 1222-9.
11. Wayne Geilman. "Garcina mangostana liquid Dietarty Supplement Mango-xan:
It's Anti-Inflammatory Effects." Presented March 25-29, Chicago IL, at the 233rd
American Chemical Society National Conference.
12. Chen, L.G. "Anti-inflammatory activity of mangostins from Garcinia
mangostana." Food Chem Toxicol. 2007: [Epub ahead of print].
13. Chomnawang M.T. "Effect of Garcinia mangostana on inflammation caused by
Propionibacterium acnes." Fitoterapia. 2007: 78.6; 401-8.
14. Sakagami Y . "Antibacterial activity of alpha-mangostin against
vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE) and synergism with antibiotics."
Phytomedicine. 2005: 12.3; 203-8.
15. Devi Sampath, P. "Cardioprotective effect of alpha-mangostin, a xanthone
derivative from mangosteen on tissue defense system against isoproterenol-induced
myocardial infarction in rats." J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2007: 21.6; 336-9.
16. Hirazumi, A. Proc West Pharmacol Soc. 1994: 37; 145-6.
17. Akihisa, T. "Anti-inflammatory and potential cancer chemopreventive
constituents of the fruits of Morinda citrifolia (Noni)." J Nat Prod.
2007: 70.5; 754-7.
18. Palu A.K "The effects of Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) on the immune
system: Its molecular mechanisms of action.". J Ethnopharmacol. 2007: [Epub
ahead of print].
19. Ma D.L. "Evaluation of the ergogenic potential of noni juice."
Phytother Res. 2007: 21.11; 1100-1.
20. Boivin D. "Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and suppression of TNF-induced
activation of NFkappaB by edible berry juice." Anticancer Res. 2007:
27.2; 937-48.
21. Yang, X.Y. "Effect of flavonoids from Hippophae rhamniodes residues on
blood lipoid metabolism and antioxidative activity in climacteric rats."
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006: 31.13; 1109-12.
22. Gupta, R. "Protective effects of fruit extracts of Hippophae rhamnoides
L. against arsenic toxicity in Swiss albino mice. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2006:
25.6; 285-95.
23. Naaz F. "Hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus
amarus Schum. et Thonn. on aflatoxin B1-induced liver damage in mice." J
Ethnopharmacol. 2007: 113.3; 503-9.
24. Yokozawa T. "Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) attenuates age-related
renal dysfunction by oxidative stress." J Agric Food Chem. 2007:55.19;
7744-52.
To take the exam for this course, please make sure you have the course in your
nutrilearn.com profile. If you need to add the course to your profile
click
here
and complete the checkout process.
If you already have the course in your profile and are ready to take the test,
click here
or visit your profile once you are logged in to the nutrilearn system. Note: To access the
available courses in your profile, click on the "courses" link at
the top of the page once you are logged in.
