Berry Healthy

Berry Healthy is a nutritious drink mix that provides a rich supply of vitamin C, combined with the many health benefits of blackberry, blueberry, chokeberry, cranberry and raspberry fruit powders. Each serving of Berry Healthy also supplies 100% of the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) for vitamin C. Berry Healthy contains no artificial flavors and is naturally sweetened with fructose and stevia extract.

Berries contain important antioxidant flavonoids known as anthocyanins, which protect body tissues against oxidative (free radical) damage. One study found anthocyanins to have the strongest antioxidant power of 150 flavonoids tested. Interestingly, a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that blackberries demonstrated the highest antioxidant capacity of any berry variety.

Research shows that anthocyanins protect against oxidative damage to blood vessels and capillaries, and aid in the repair of damaged proteins in vessel walls. Anthocyanins have also been shown to prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, anthocyanins protect brain tissues, which are especially vulnerable to oxidative damage. Other studies indicate that anthocyanins may help improve eyesight, inhibit tumor cells, reduce the effects of stress, and protect against ulcers.1-3

Each serving of Berry Healthy contains the following fruit powders:

Blackberry extracts have demonstrated inhibitory activity against hyaluronidase (an enzyme that is involved in invasion and metastasis of ovarian and endometrial cancers).4,5

Blueberry – Blueberries have been shown to reverse age-related neurological deficits in animals, as well as significantly inhibit mutation of breast and cervical cancer cells in vitro.6,7

Chokeberry nectar (juice and pulp) has been shown to protect against nitrosamine-induced liver cancer in rats.8

Cranberry – Cranberries have been shown to inhibit LDL oxidation, as well as provide inhibitory effects against human liver cancer cells in vitro.9

Raspberry – Raspberries were found to significantly inhibit mutation of breast and cervical cancer cells in vitro.7

Berry Healthy also contains:

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an important antioxidant that helps improve vascular disorders by strengthening the collagen structures of the blood vessels to prevent hemorrhaging and easy bruising. Research indicates that a majority of patients with heart disease (70-80%) exhibit very low blood levels of vitamin C. In addition, a recent study published in Lancet provides evidence that vitamin C intake increases lifespan by reducing the chances of dying from cardiovascular disease.10-12

Citric acid, from citrus fruits and berries, is commonly used in drink mixes for its tart flavor and antioxidant properties.13,14

Malic acid—one of several alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) found in apples, grapes, cranberries, and other fruits and vegetables—is a naturally-occurring antioxidant and essential component for the synthesis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)—the energy that runs the body. Research findings suggest that malic acid helps prevent and may even reverse the muscle tissue breakdown and muscle pain associated with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Animal studies have also shown that malic acid enhances aerobic capacity and exercise performance, which may prove helpful for increasing stamina and endurance in human athletes.15-18

Stevia, in its natural herb form, is considered to be 10-15 times sweeter than common table sugar, while extracts of stevia (in the form of steviosides) can be 100-300 times sweeter. Fortunately, most experts have concluded that stevia does not affect blood sugar metabolism and may be safely used by both diabetics and hypoglycemics. Stevia contains virtually no calories.19,20