While mom always recommended getting those extra servings of fruits and vegetables, she probably wasn’t aware of all the health benefits packed into those nutrient-dense pieces of produce. She might likewise be stunned at the impact delivered by the smallest of fruits—berries. With rich nutritional value, berries can be found in a range of dietary supplements, functional foods and beverages, and even cosmeceutical products.

Among their health benefits:

Antioxidant Effects: reduce brain aging, enhance memory and reduce oxidative stress

Cardiovascular Protection: enhance the strength of the blood vessels, prevent oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, reduce plaque formation and increase plasma’s antioxidant capacity

Eye Health: prevent the onset of cataracts via reduced oxidation, increase blood flow and blood vessel strength and regenerate rodopsin

Anti-Diabetic Effects: reduce diabetic angiopathy and improve starch digestion

Antiviral/Antimicrobial Properties: reduce the onset of colds, protect against infections from microbes such as Helicobacter pylori and those causing urinary tract infection (UTI)

Although the exact active ingredients responsible for all these health benefits in berries have yet to be fully determined, it has been speculated that anthocyanins are the key class of compounds acting singly or synergistically. These are present as glucoside monomers, responsible for the intense red and purple colors noted with berries, or combined (proanthocyanins), which are colorless and serve as copigments. Anthocyanins react with atmospheric oxygen or light, which can polymerize the compounds, losing their color and causing fruit to brown.

Botanically, berries are fruits, meaning they originate from mature ovaries of flowers that have been pollinated. Specifically, berries originate from single flowers with one superior ovary with one or more seeds that entirely ripens to an edible pericarp. A berry then can be described as a fleshy/pulpy fruit of specific origin with embedded seeds that remain undischarged (indehiscent). Berries have been used as drug preparations in Europe for treating various inflammatory and circulatory conditions associated with vascular health, specifically for treating venous inflammation (edemas and tiredness of lower limbs), treating capillary fragility of skin and soft tissue (gum and nose bleeding) and treating acute attack of piles and circulatory disorders of the retina.

The Bountiful Berry Basket

Acai Berry (Euterpe Oleracea): The acai berry or acai fruit (ah-sigh-ee) grows on acai palms in the Amazon Rainforest and is similar to a grape in size, shape and properties. Acai berries are considered to be one of the most nutritious (antioxidant) fruits of the Amazon Rainforest and the native peoples have been consuming the berries for hundreds, maybe even thousands of years. The acai berry itself is 88-90% seed and 10%-12% pulp and skin. Acai must be carefully harvested and processed before it can be made into a juice, as it is very sensitive to the effects of the sun after picking. Acai berries offer up a delicious tropical berry flavor and have an exceptional nutritional profile. Acai berries contain high levels of antioxidants (polyphenols), essential fatty acids (healthy fats), amino acids, fiber, minerals (iron and calcium), vitamins (B and E), and a plethora of beneficial phytonutrients like resveratrol and anthocyanins. Acai berries also have one of the highest ORAC values of any known edible berry and 33 times more health promoting anthocyanins than red grapes.(27)

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) produces black berries with a slightly caustic and sweet taste and is a rich source of phenolic compounds. Bilberries have been used for non-specific diarrhea, venous insufficiency of the lower limbs, for varicose veins, hemorrhoid conditions, inflammation of the mouth, improving visual acuity and degenerative retinal conditions.(1) Bilberry extract is marketed in Europe as a prescription drug for venous disorders and heavy legs. Bilberry has been fairly well evaluated clinically relevant to its health benefits for the eyes and vision as well as for its overall vascular support.(2,3)

Black currant (Ribes nigrum) is a dark purple to black edible berry with a sweet sharp taste used extensively for flavoring. Presently the awareness and popularity of black currants is growing again since it represents a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins. In addition, the seeds are rich in oil with significant amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs), including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Preliminary studies have shown it may impact visual acuity, increase circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, relieve symptoms of allergic response and even protect the dental enamel from carbonated beverages.(4,5,6,7)

There are about 16 species of blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) that are categorized as “superfruits.” They are extensively used in cooking, having a favorable combination of nutrient richness, antioxidant strength and health benefits. Clinical trials support the antioxidant efficacy of blueberries. In one study, consumption of a single meal of blueberries (100 g freeze dried powder) increased plasma antioxidant capacity in the postprandial state.(8) Trials have also shown ingesting blueberries can increase plasma antioxidant activity(9) and reduce oxidative stress as measured by plasma biomarkers.(10) Such effects were shown to be specific to the anthocyanin content of blueberries.(11) Aronia arbutifolia (red chokeberry) and Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) are two species of chokeberry, which has attracted attention due to its rich anthocyanin content: 1.5 percent by weight of fresh berries. The health benefits of chokeberry have been evaluated in several clinical studies, mainly for its benefits controlling oxidative stress.(12) Potential benefits of chokeberry have been suggested for colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, gastric mucosal disorders and eye inflammation; however, all need clinical evaluation.

There are four species of cranberry, the most popular of which are Vaccinium oxycoccus (European) and Vaccinium macrocarpon (American). Cranberries are well recognized in the Western world and classified as a superfruit for their flavor, nutrient content and health benefits. They are used primarily as an antioxidant and to prevent or address UTIs.(13,14) Cranberries represent one of the highest sources for polyphenol antioxidant compounds. These are uniquely synthesized as A-type (1-4 tannins) in cranberry and are responsible for the characteristic benefit of this fruit for UTIs.(15)

The health benefits of cranberry with regard to UTIs have been evaluated through several clinical studies, with many reporting positive results of using cranberry as a UTI preventive.(16) Further, the socioeconomic benefit for preferring cranberries to antibiotics as prophylaxis to UTIs has been clinically demonstrated.(17) A recent review discussed two well-designed studies that showed women with previous UTIs who took cranberry products for prophylactic purposes experienced fewer recurrent UTIs.(18)

Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, the common elder, is found in several regional varieties as a group of similar species such as American elder (black elder), Chinese elder and Mexican elder. Elderberries have long been used in food, wines and liquors. Flavonoids including quercetin are believed to be the active health-promoting principals; albeit, the exact nature of these active principals is yet to be determined. The antiviral activity of elderberry lectins has been well documented.(19,20) The presence of lectins in elderberry have been found in the bark, seeds and fruit (berries).(21,22,23) Clinical evidence of elderberry’s antiviral properties has been shown in studies using the patented extract Sambucol. This preparation has been shown in vitro to inhibit hemagglutination and replication of various human influenza strains.(24) One placebo-controlled clinical study found a threefold acceleration in speed of recovery of patients inflicted by influenza when taking a 30 mL dose of Sambucol.(25) In another trial, 60 patients suffering from influenza-like symptoms were given a dose of 15 mL of Sambucol four times a day for five days.(26) Again, speed of recovery occurred four days faster than the placebo group.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophe rhamnoides) is a shrub introduced from Eurasia. Sea buckthorn is very tolerant of weather extremes, growing in arid places where competition for nutrients with other plants is less. Its name likely derived from the preferential growing along the sea coast; however, it also grows in high altitudes in the alpine zone, requiring full sun. Sea buckthorn produces a yellowish-orange color berry that tastes very acidic and astringent; it does not contain anthocyanins like most other red to dark purple ones. The berries are traditionally used for jams, juices, lotions and liquors while uses of the oil range from treating burn injuries to addressing inflammation and digestive disturbances. Recently, sea buckthorn has been used as an ingredient in several cosmetic products to topically address wrinkles, dry skin or as an anti-aging ingredient. It is also being incorporated into dietary supplements, touted for lowering cholesterol and reducing blood clots.

Finally, Lycium barbarum, known as wolfberry or goji, are two closely related species producing a bright orange ellipsoid berry. Used in traditional Chinese medicine for many years, it is believed wolfberries enhance immune function, improve eye sight, protect the liver, boost sperm production and improve circulation. In the western world, interest in wolfberries is growing for their nutrient density and antioxidant properties. Wolfberries contain many phytochemicals, including polysaccharides, phenolic pigments and nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and carotenoids including beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein and lycopene.

Learn more about the amazing power of all the super foods today, visit us at

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Get educated, it’s the key to a lifetime of health.

Read quality articles and learn more – Visit the California Academy of Health blog: For products please visit our store at http://www.caoh.org

Dear CAOH,

Well to be honest I am kind of disappointed. I read that true colloidal silver is supposed to be amber in color or darker and that fake “ionic silver” comes in clear color as your product is, so I feel as though I was deceived. I would like to have true colloidal silver if you do ever happen to sell the actual product and thank you for your concern.

Romain

Romain,

I was forwarded your e-mail and I would like to respond to it. Whomever told you that or wherever you got that misinformation from is lying or totally misinformed. There is no truth to the color having to be amber, just as it doesn’t have to be clear either. We are talking 15 parts per million (PPM) here. Think of it this way: it’s like dumping 15 cups of cherry Kool-Aid into 1,000,000 cups of water; it’s not going to change the color! There is not enough substance contained in the entire bottle to effect to color in any way shape or form. Please understand that sometimes when others make claims they may be doing so solely to make themselves look good and others to look bad.

The truth is that “colloidal silver” is in fact a generic term like Xerox is for making a copy of something.  Read below and you will get a clear picture of what I am talking about.

Colloidal silver is a liquid suspension of microscopic particles of silver. A colloid is technically defined as particles which remain suspended without forming an ionic, or dissolved solution. The broader commercial definition of “colloidal silver” includes products that contain various concentrations of ionic silver, silver colloids, ionic silver compounds or silver proteins in purified water. Colloidal silver with concentrations of 30 parts per million (ppm) or less are typically manufactured using an electrolysis process, whereas colloidal silver with higher concentrations of 50 ppm or more are usually silver compounds that have been bound with a protein.

I hope this clears things up.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

I have tried many pro-biotic formulas but your Probiotic FloraHealth works the best. Stools look normal now.

Thanks,

Gary

Question: I noticed that your Ultra Supreme Greens Powder has peppermint in it (to make it taste good, maybe?). Is it available WITHOUT? I have read in too many places that mint is anti-testosterone, and would love your product except for that one item.

Thanks!

Answer: Encycloman,

There is 150mg’s per serving, a very tiny amount. The only way you would notice a difference in your testosterone level is if you were the size of a lab rat, which I am sure you are not. I have taken this in my morning shake for years and haven’t noticed a reduction in my libido or ability to gain or maintain muscle. I am 44 and without working-out too much still look good for my age. Here’s a pic. http://www.caoh.org/acaipictures18.html. It’s your call, but I really like the addition of the peppermint to the powder.

Thanks for the question.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger Dc, BSc.

Question: Hi

Do you have any grape seed extract formulas?  I didn’t see any.  Thanks

Bill

Answer: Bill,

We have an amazing grape seed extract formula. Take a look. Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

Related Product

TheraAloe

Subject: Product inquiry

Question: Dr. Ettinger,

I have been attempting to order a product you have shown in your product catalog; however I do not see the product listed on the website and when I contacted your customer service line to place an order the customer service representative stated he could not pull the product up on his computer either. I want to know has the product ( LIQUID GHR- PRO) HGH for the body been discontinued or is it listed under a different name. Please help as I would love to place an order for this product. The description of the product definitely makes me interested in receiving the benefits from using
such a product.

Thank you in advance for your response.

Lisa DeLoatch

Answer: Lisa,

I am very sorry for the delay. That product has been discontinued. Tell me what body challenge you want handled or what are you trying to achieve and I can help pick out some products. They may be ours or something else you can get at a health food store.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

Reply: Dr. Ettinger,

Thank you for your response. I am so sorry the product is discontinued. Right now I am experiencing the need for some hormone therapy. I need or desire a supplement that will help me keep my youthful appearance and help me with my skin, hair and nails; something that can control some of the symptoms of menopause as well as increase my metabolism to help rid my body of fat. I hope I am not asking for something impossible, but according to the description of the product (Pro HGH) I am inquiring about with you, it is such a product.

Thanks in advance for your help. I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Lisa DeLoatch

Reply: Lisa,

Age is genetics + diet (food and supplements) + outside forces (drinking, smoking, sun) + attitude. I can help with “diet”.

To help slow down aging we need lots of antioxidants. I am 43 and I take our Vitamin E (1), Vitamin C (1), Ultra Supreme Greens (1 heaping tblsp), Lecithin Granules (2 tblsp), Liquid Power (1 ounce), and Whey Protein. From a health food store I take liquid flax seed oil (1 tblsp) and psyllium husk fiber (1 heaping tblsp). I mix everything with water and some frozen fruit in a blender; that’s’ my breakfast. I know it may seem like a lot, it isn’t and I know it does cost a bit.

This program is immune stimulating, anti-aging, low calorie, high antioxidant, super energy producing, anti-Alzheimer’s….. My wife and I will do this for the rest of my life and so will hundreds of patients of mine. This is not only one of the best breakfasts we can have it’s medicine – preventative and curative (my opinion).

I am also attaching my food list.

There is no magic pill to help us stay young. It comes down to clean, natural food; good supplements; exercise; positive attitude; and good genetics.

Let me know what you think about this.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

Reply: Dr. Ettinger,

I currently use the Ultra supreme greens and the Liquid Power, Vitamin C and E; the Goji and Mangosteen juice, HRT and an iron supplement; and eat a variety of fruits for breakfast; however I never thought to mix all of this in a blender and enjoy it that way. Of course I will have to add whey protein, flaxseed and fiber. I make it a point to make sure I choose products that are high in antioxidants. Yes, I like it and will consider the change this week. I did not have an attachment of the food list you indicating you were attaching ,will you send it to me please? What else do you have to help me with the diet? Thank you very much for this information it helps a lot.

Lisa DeLoatch

Reply: Lisa,

When you have that for breakfast and follow the food list your body will naturally lean down. Exercise is very important to keep your metabolism up. If you need a little edge than check out the bottom products on our full product list. There are some aids for fat burning, cortisol (stress weight gain), energy, and appetite suppression.

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

Reply: Thank you Dr. E!

I will use the list as a guide to a healthier and better me.

Lisa

Related Products:

CaliTrim
Adrenal Cortisol Support
Thermogenic Energy Factors
Pure Hoodia

Full Product Catalog Here

E-mail me at askthedoctor@caoh.com for a copy of my food list.

Liver Cancer Appears to Be Rarer in Coffee Drinkers Than in People Who Don’t Drink Coffee

Aug. 2, 2007 — Could a cup of coffee cut your risk of developing liver cancer? It just might, but as always we’ll wait for what the next study says.

A new report, published in the August edition of the journal Hepatology, combines the results from 10 studies on coffee and liver cancer.

Together, the studies included 2,260 people with liver cancer and nearly 240,000 people without liver cancer. Participants lived in Greece, Italy, or Japan.

Participants reported their coffee-drinking habits. The data show that overall coffee drinkers were 41% less likely to have been diagnosed with liver cancer than people who don’t drink coffee.

For every daily cup of coffee people drank, their odds of having been diagnosed with liver cancer dropped by 23%, compared with people who never drink coffee.

People who drank a lot of coffee were 55% less likely to have been diagnosed with liver cancer than those who didn’t drink any coffee.

Ranges for high coffee consumption were from as little as one cup to more than three cups daily.

The fact that liver cancer was rarer among coffee drinkers a world apart — in Greece, Italy, and Japan — suggests that the coffee findings weren’t a fluke or a local phenomenon. The theory is that coffee perks up liver enzymes and may cut cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Whether or not coffee prevents liver cancer will remains open to discussion, as the next study may point to an opposite finding.

My Personal Thoughts: It seams that positive and negative studied about coffee have been written for decades. Personally I feel coffee is a wonderful beverage and posses little if any deleterious effects. Caffeine is the only substance in coffee with the potential of producing negative symptoms and it’s usually from abuse or long term consumption. My recommendation is if you are sensitive to caffeine, suffer from insomnia, or experience uncontrolled hypertension, stay away from caffeine.

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

Related Products:

• Ultra Supreme Greens

• New Energy

• Total Detox
  
  SOURCES: Bravi, F. Hepatology, August 2007; vol 46: pp 430-435. News release, Hepatology.

Dear Mr. Bxxxxxx,

That is a very difficult question to answer with out a consultation, examination and maybe some blood tests. It is a very individualistic type of condition. What works for one does not work for another. Here are some very general nutritional recommendations.

Liquid Power
Ultra Supreme Greens
Power E Complex
Power C
Super Power Enzymes
Probioitc Flora Health

This may look like a lot but it covers many bases and is really an average program in my practice. My wife and I take every one of those on a daily basis.

I also own a med spa. Beside the above supplements you may want to search out a dermatologist who does Photodynamic therapy (PDT) w/Levulan. It’s not cheep but it works. We do it at our facility and it has about an 85% effective rate after 4-6 treatments. It must be done in combination with IPL or a laser followed by 10 minutes of Blu-U or ClearLight. The doc will know what I am talking about.

Supplements are a must! Do not do just the PDT treatments!

http://www.dusapharma.com/home_p.html

http://www.drkovaklaser.com/laser-hair-removal-chicago/conditions/acne_chicago.htm

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

Q:  How is a liquid going to cleanse the colon in the total detox 3 formula?

A:  Larry,

Good question. The ingredients stimulate peristalsis thus the colon will move more freely and more rapidly thus it cleans house.

Sincerely,

Dr. E

Q: How do I take your Total detox? There was a number of drops indicated in each bottle. Do we have to mix all of them in a glass of juice?

Secondly, I was diagnosed last year for a bacteria in my stomach that causes hyper acidity. As of now, I limit myself to drink one glass a day for citrus family juices or coffee to avoid pain in my upper abdomen. Can I use the detox product?

Thank you.

Rudy

A: Dear Rudy,

Yes, all the drops can be mixed in a glass of distilled water, preferably. You can mix it in juice if you must.

I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t use this product.

As far as hyperacidity goes, 99.9% of those who experience ulcers, IBS, GERD, heartburn, or gastritis are chronically dehydrated. Yes, you may have H. Pylori bacteria but dehydration was most likely there first. Coffee, tomato, milk, and alcohol in any amount are no-no’s. Vitamin A, L- Glutamine, carnosine, zinc, and acidophilus are great too for what you have going on. 64oz of distilled water is a must.

In my opinion, “the little purple pill”, Zantac, Tums, etc… only mask the symptoms leaving the underlying problem untouched. Hyperacidity is not the problem it’s a symptom or result of chronic alcohol consumption, chronic stress, chronic dehydration, or all the above.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.