Why buy oragnic fruits and vegetables!

Why are organic products higher in antioxidants?

“Selecting organic produce and organic processed fruits and vegetables will increase antioxidant levels by about 30 percent, compared to produce grown on otherwise similar conventional farms.”

There are two reasons why organic fruits and vegetables are higher in antioxidant compounds. The first reason is linked to what is called “pest pressure.”  Plants under stress from pests have to engage their natural defense mechanisms, called secondary plant metabolites or SPMs.  Most SPMs tend to be antioxidants and they’re also responsible for giving plants their bright colors and distinctive flavors.  When organically grown plants have to engage their defense mechanisms, they yield fruits and vegetables that are higher in SPMs and therefore higher in antioxidants.  This also explains why you can actually taste the difference between organic and conventionally grown produce.  Organic produce tends to have a much richer and fuller flavor in part because of those antioxidant rich SPMs.

The second reason has to do with using the natural growing methods on organic farms. Conventional farms speed up plant growth by heavily fertilizing plants and spraying pesticides to get plants to grow as quickly as possible. This actually shortens the growth cycle for plants and yields fruits and vegetables that are lower in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Organic farms, on the other hand, rely on slower/natural growth cycle to allow fruits and vegetables to mature naturally.  This leads to better tasting and far more nutritious produce.

Obviously this is good and good for you!

Foods with the most antioxidants per serving:

Maqui berries	Acai berries
Blueberries	Elderberries
Pomegranates	Citrus Fruits
Cranberries	Kidney beans
Blackberries	Pinto beans
Raspberries	Asparagus
Strawberries	Yellow pepper
Apples	Black-eyed peas
Plums	Cooked tomatoes
Sweet cherries	Cooked artichoke
Prunes	Red cabbage
Grapefruit	Red grapes
Peaches	Broccoli raab
Potatoes	Beets

Acai and Maqui berries offer some of the highest antioxidant levels of all super fruits and berries.

Elderberries are also high in antioxidants and are related to blueberries and cranberries. Studies have also shown elderberries can be effective in boosting the immune system and helping reduce your risk of colds, flu and coughs. For more on elderberries and the benefits of elderberry juice in boosting your immune system naturally, click here.

But remember, a person can not live on just one fruit alone!  Variety is the spice of life, and that’s why it’s so great we have all these wonderful organic products to choose from.  Click here to see more great antioxidant rich fruit and berry products.

California Academy of Health Catalog

Full product catolog for California Academy of Health (CAOH).

What is the Maqui Berry?

What is Maqui Berry?

Maqui Berry is a purple variety of berry found in the South American Region (Patagonia Region) of Chile and Argentina.  The berry has been found to contain high levels of antioxidant properties.  In fact it tops all others!

Antioxidants are substances found in the fruits and vegetables we eat everyday.  They in fact vary in every fruit and vegetable so that an ORAC scale was established to measure the quantity of antioxidant each fruit has.

The enormous quantity of antioxidants found in the Maqui Berry is so significant that eating the fruit on a regular basis could be quite beneficial:

• Antioxidants present in Maqui Berries aid in body detoxification.
• Maqui Berries can enhance the body’s immune system
• Increases the energy levels of the individual
• Aid in the bodies anti-aging properties.

The Maqui Berry does not differ from many of the other super fruit stories, but the Maqui Berry is gaining popularity.

Why is Acai being touted as a weight reduction product if it isn't?

Q: Why is Acai being touted as a weight reduction produce if it isn’t?  What is it’s value to the user?

A: Joan,

I am sorry to say, but it’s purely to rip people off!!!

Acai is a potent, polyphenol rich, antioxidant.  It can be used as a preventative or treatment whenever a super-strong antioxidant is indicated/required.  I take it as a preventative and anti-aging nutrient.

See: Absolute Acai & Acai Max

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Absolute Acai, absolutely made my hair and nails grow

Good Morning!

Heather, can you please increase my order of Absolute Acai Powder to 2 every 30 days instead of the one I am receiving now?  Thank you so much!

Regina Janicki

Okay Regina, I have taken care of this. So your mid July shipment will have 2 packages instead of 1.

Sincerely,
Heather

Thank you, Heather.  I have to tell you, that  for the past couple of months my hair and nails are growing like never before.  Usually in the Spring that its a normal occurrence, but for me, my nails never grow. until-Acai.  My husband looked at all the benefits of Acai, and although I knew it was a “super fruit” and “antioxidant”, he also discovered that it has been known to grow hair and nails.  Well, I am one of those statistics!  Now he is convinced and hooked!  That’s why I have decided to increase my monthly order.  I wouldn’t want to run out!

Thanks again!
Regina

Noni got rid of my gout!

I tell a lot of people about you, I doubt if they give my name as a referral,  but I believe in your product and I feel the difference,  noni got rid of my gout!  My uric acid levels dropped and my MD was impressed.  KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!!

David Cecil
MO

Berries the Superfruit; Learn How Small Amounts in Your Diet Can Have a Huge Impact on Your Health

Berries – the “Superfruit”

Who could have imagined?

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. ………… Click here to read more!

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Don’t forget about our two newest products!

Power Multi-V Vegi Capsules™:

This product is comparable to our Liquid V Power Multi Vitamin, but in a conveniently portable capsule form. It doesn’t need refrigeration, and the capsules are so easy to take along when traveling. Not only do you get your vitamins and minerals, it includes all the following great greens: spirulina, barley grass, chlorella, wheat grass, alfalfa juice concentrate, and green tea extract. For a full list of its ingredients see the Nutrition Facts on our website.

Absolute Goji Powder™:

A wonderfully easy way to get your Goji. This powder is easy to mix into a shake, smoothie or yogurt and can also be sprinkled on foods such as cereal and oatmeal. Travelers also find the powder form more convenient than juice. Priced affordably at just $24.99 for a 30-40 day supply.

Did you know. . . Aside from the many traditional and therapeutic uses of goji which we have listed on our website, we have also found that goji has been used to reduce sugar cravings! This can be useful to people with hypoglycemia and for hyperactive children.

We like adding the Absolute Goji Powder™ and Absolute Acai Powder™ to our cereal in the morning. And we even sprinkle it on our dogs’ dinners every night. They really love it – really!!!. In fact once a week we put a little Liquid V Power™ and Naked Noni Juice™ on their food too! They eat better than we do!!

Also coming next week Absolute Acai Capsules™ this is a great product and a super convenient way to get your Acai at work or traveling. Click here to read more!

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Aerobic exercise stimulates release of appetite suppressing hormone. Vigorous aerobic exercise suppresses appetite by triggering the release of the appetite suppressing hormone peptide YY and lowering levels of the appetite stimulating hormone ghrelin, suggested in a recent study results.

David J. Stensel and colleagues from Britain’s Loughborough University and Sheffield Hallam University enrolled 11 male university students for their study of the effect of exercise on appetite and the appetite-regulating hormones peptide YY and ghrelin. Each participant was required to take part in three eight-hour sessions: one in which they ran for 60 minutes on a treadmill, and then rested for seven hours; another in which they did 90 minutes of weight lifting, and then rested for six hours and 30 minutes; and a third session during which the participants did no exercise.

Results showed that ghrelin levels dropped and peptide YY levels increased during the aerobic exercise session on the treadmill. Whilst ghrelin levels dropped but peptide YY levels did not change significantly during the weight-lifting session (resistance exercise). The participants also filled out hunger questionnaires after each exercise session. Results of the questionnaires showed that both aerobic and resistance exercise suppressed hunger, but aerobic exercise produced a greater suppression of hunger. However, appetite suppression was only short-lived – lasting for approximately two hours, including the time spent exercising.

“The finding that hunger is suppressed during and immediately after vigorous treadmill running is consistent with previous studies indicating that strenuous aerobic exercise transiently suppresses appetite,” Dr Stensel said in a news release. “The findings suggest a similar, although slightly attenuated response, for weight lifting exercise.”

Broom DR, Batterham RL, King JA, Stensel DJ. The influence of resistance and aerobic exercise on hunger, circulating levels of acylated ghrelin and peptide YY in healthy males. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. Published online November 5th 2008. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.90706.2008

News release: Exercise Suppresses Appetite by Affecting Appetite Hormones. American Physiological Society. December 11th 2008.

The point here is that exercise gets the body going. Not everyone can exercise vigorously 60 minutes a day but we all can take a 30 minute walk and get outside for a little bit. This does wonders for our well being, let alone our waist lines.

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How can you get the supplements you need and still save money?

Like most people, you are probably looking for ways to cut costs. Here are some tips to save money on your orders from California Academy of Health:

Order in volume. Many of our products have graduated pricing, and you can save money by ordering more at once.

For example: A single bottle of Almost Naked Noni is $24.99, but is only $18.74 per 32 oz bottle if you order 12 at once. A single package of Absolute Acai is $39.99 per package, but if you order 4 at once the price is only $29.99 each. Order at least $75 worth so you can take advantage of free shipping, and don’t forget that you can choose a 10% discount instead!

If you use some products regularly, join our Replenishment Club. Replenishment Club orders over $150 get 15% off and free shipping in the continental US. For example, 3 Goji Fusion and 3 Liquid Power at regular price is $209.82. Set this up on the Replenishment Club and it is only $178.35.

Team up with friends and relatives and order wholesale. If you meet the minimum order volume for wholesale pricing you can buy wholesale even if you are not a reseller. Call us for details or look at the “wholesale” link on the website.

Always check the coupons page online or call us to find out if we are running a sale or special. Please check our website for further details, and don’t hesitate to give us a call at (800) 643-7188 between 9-5 Pacific Time if you have any questions.

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There is a greens solution!

Important Information:

“The alarming fact is that foods (fruits, vegetables and grains), now being raised on millions of acres of land that no longer contains enough of certain minerals, are starving us – no matter how much we eat. No man of today can eat enough fruits and vegetables to supply his system with the minerals he requires for perfect health because his stomach isn’t big enough to hold them.”

“The truth is that our foods vary enormously in value, and some of them aren’t worth eating as food … Our physical well-being is more directly dependent upon the minerals we take into our system than upon calories or vitamins or upon the precise proportions of starch, protein or carbohydrates we consume.”

U.S. Senate Document No. 264 (1936).

The Solution:

Ultra Supreme Greens™:

An organically grown synergistic whole-food formulation, combining fruits, vegetables, sea vegetables, grains, grasses, herbs, and potent antioxidants. CAOH® Ultra Supreme Greens™ unique combination of ingredients will help to balance your body’s pH level, while adding a naturally balanced ratio of proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Everything your body needs for all of its cells to function properly.

Receiving the proper amount of vitamins and minerals is not as easy as it used to be. Plants absorb many different ingredients from the soil, yet farmers reintroduce only a few of these when replanting, resulting in the average diet being nutrient deficient. Ultra Supreme Greens™ helps counter this deficiency with each serving equal to the nutritional value of 2 lbs. of fresh vegetables – that’s 3 to 5 servings of vegetables .

Cell regeneration is vital to our bodies. It takes skin 30 days to regenerate and bodies take up to 120 days. Without the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients our bodies fall into a degenerative state, also known as aging. Ultra Supreme Greens™ introduces the necessary amino acids, minerals, proteins, and vitamins to revitalize proper cell regeneration.

Sickness and disease occurs when the pH level of the cell and human body becomes acidic when the cell is normally alkaline. In an acidic environment disease producing levels are at their highest points. Ultra Supreme Greens™ will naturally alkaline your body to help combat against such disease and sickness, leaving you healthy and feeling young.

The Ultra Supreme Greens, taken in combination with our Liquid Power™, make an unbeatable nutrition team.

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Not just another Mangosteen!

It couldn’t be easier to find Mangosteen juice these days. What sets us apart? For one thing, California Academy of Health is one of the only two sources of Certified Organic Mangosteen juice available on the market today in the United States. When you are considering buying Mangosteen, take a hard look to see if the juice you are considering is Certified Organic. Our juice is just that!

Our Mangosteen Elixir® is a wonderful blend of Mangosteen, Goji, Noni, and other juices that are dynamic and beneficial in their own right. In addition, we provide Absolute Mangosteen™, which is just 100% Organic Mangosteen. And what is even cooler is that Absolute Mangosteen™ is on sale right now for only $16.99 per bottle.

What Benefits may I see from Mangosteen?

• Supports Healthy Weight Loss

• Supports Health Cholesterol Levels

• Supports Healthy Joints and Skin

• Supports a Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract

• Supports Healthy Connective Tissue

• Supports Healthy Cognitive Function

• Supports a Healthy Cardiovascular System

• Supports a Healthy Immune System

“My own personal research has revealed that Mangosteen is being widely used by health practitioners worldwide for a variety of body ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, weight loss, nerve pain, infections, arthritis, anxiety, depression, dementia, cancer and many others.” (Dr. E)

Click here for more information: Absolute Mangosteen™ and Mangosteen Elixir™

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Contact Us

As always, we at California Academy of Health strive to offer you the best products and customer service available. If you have a question, comment, or testimonial please share it with us. Please send your e-mail to info@caoh.com or askthedoctor@caoh.com. You can order our products online at www.caoh.org or give us a call at 800-643-7188.

Notice: Please let us know if you would like for us to stop sending you email. Just unsubscribe using the link below and this will automatically add you to our unsubscribe list – which will stop you from receiveing future newsletters.

Thanks,

California Academy of Health, Inc. 31805 Highway 79 South # 553 Temecula, California 92592 Phone: 800-643-7188 Fax: 800-987-0062 Email: info@caoh.com

 

Can you clear-up some questions I have on acai processing, please

Question: CAOH,

I like the what I’ve read about acai juice (Acai Max), but wonder when it is processed from it’s natural state, does it change the vitamin and mineral content. Thanks for the update!

Sherry

Answer: Hello Sherry,

I have copied below some data from our blog which replies to a question about or freeze dried acai powder (Absolute Acai).

3. Is your Acai spray dried? – We utilize freeze drying only. At present the processing method likely to yield the most beneficial açaí berry product is lyophilization (freeze-drying). Lyophilization is widely employed in the pharmaceutical industry to stabilize drugs and extend the lifetime of their potency. The lyophilization process is a stabilizing procedure in which a substance is first frozen and then the quantity of the water within the açaí is reduced, initially by a primary drying process and then by a secondary drying process to levels that will no longer support biological activity or chemical reactions. This process avoids the five destructive factors (heat, light, air, moisture, and time) producing a stable material which retains a greater concentration of active, volatile constituents. Because lyophilization is the most complex and expensive form of drying, its use is usually restricted to delicate, heat-sensitive materials of high value such as our Absolute Acai.

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Response from Sherry: Dr. E

Thank you, I appreciate your response. Has a study been done on the product comparing the liquid state versus freeze dried state on vitamin/mineral content. Also from the natural berry to the liquid state. I’m interested as any time products are changed from their natural state, something is usually lost or changed in the translation.

Sherry

My response back: Sherry,

To the point: Freeze dried is the closest to natural as any process will allow. If you want the FULL benefits of acai, freeze dried IS the ONLY way to go.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Sherry’s response back: Hi Marcus,

Thank you for your recommendation and I appreciate your response, but you did not answer my question. I’m very much interested in finding out if there are any comparative studies for vitamin/mineral and content/changes from the berry state to liquid vs freeze dried. That’s ok if you don’t have the answer, I’ll just have to research more.

Much appreciation,

Sher

My response back: Sherry,

The berry has no juice. It is water added to the skins that makes the juice. So there will be no research on the juice. I hope this helps. Go Here Fro More

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Sherry’s response back: Thank you. There are so many vitamins, minerals, herbs that claim something that I’m very much interested in educating myself and what I’m taking into my body. I like your products, and just wanted to see if there had been any studies done that compared the vitamin/mineral content from the natural state of the product (berry) to freeze dried. The juice product is still the berry in its natural state, other than the process that adds water and makes it into juice.

I’m not a doctor or in the medical field, how vitamins and minerals affect your body has always interested me. If you do find any information or studies done, or to direct me to any books you can recommend, it will be greatly appreciated.

My response back: Sherry,

I should have added more detail for a clearer picture. The juice is skins and water, yes, a natural state, as is flash freezing. The point I’m trying to make is that the freeze dried acai IS the closest anyone will ever get to “real, fresh, whole fruit.” The juice will never be close to freeze dried, here is why: The juice is at best 15% acai and 85% percent water – they call this 100% acai juice (I have no idea how this ever came to be the standard but it is what it is). So, 10oz of “so called” 100% juice gives you just 1.5oz of actual acai. 1.5oz of freeze dried acai gives you 1.5oz of actual acai.

Research is irrelevant unless you are very wealthy and would like to consume a quart or more of the juice daily. Please e-mail me back to let me know if this helps.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Sherry’s response back: Dr. E

It makes better sense proportionately-wise, actually a better deal going freeze dried for the amount of actual acai. Thanks again for the explanation,

Sher

Berries the “Superfruit” The Healing Antioxidant Effects and Powers of Berries

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

Are you interested in learning more about Acai, Goji, Noni, Mangosteen and High Quality Liquid Vitamins?

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

Noni made me pain-free and strong

Dear CAOH,

About five years ago, one of my teammates told me about Noni Juice.  At the time, I was approaching fifty and playing competitive baseball.  I work out quite a bit, so I know what my body can do and how fast it heals.  After taking Noni, I noticed my body was healing faster than it normally did.

I also golf once or twice a week with a special tournament during the summer.  At that time, we were playing 90 holes in three days and by the last round I would always be hurting pretty good.  After using Noni for baseball, I decided to try it for the golf tournament.  I took a sixteen ounce bottle with me to last the three days.  My legs never got tired, my back didn’t become ambulatory and some of the other golfers actually asked me why I wasn’t gimping around like they were!  Noni.

I had never taken that much Noni before, so before the next baseball game, I took five ounces.  I pitched that game (about one hundred throws), then again two days later and a game three days after that at shortstop.  I was amazed at how the swelling and pain that normally accompanied that much throwing just wasn’t there!  Pain free — strong — Noni.

To all the athletes out there — give Noni a try.  Hopefully you will have similar results.  And yes, five years later I’m still playing and still taking Noni — with a little extra on game day!

Chex — Minnesota

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