Polyphenal Antioxidants
Polyphenal Antioxidants – Just what are they, what do they do, and where do we find them? A polyphenal antioxidant is a type of antioxidant that combats oxidative stress. They scavange free radicals.
There are over 4,000 identified polyphenal antioxidants and different ones will act differently in the body. Overall it is considered that these effects are beneficial to people. Research so far has shown that some of these effects include:
- A reduction in inflammatory effects
- Inhibiting tumors (particularly the polyphenal antioxidant resveratrol)
- May reduce risk factors for cardiovascular diseases
- Possible links with inhibiting Alzheimer’s
- Anti-aging effects, such as slowing down skin wrinkling
None of these benefits are fully scientifically confirmed and further research is on-going in determining exactly what polyphenals do, and what levels actually make a difference. In the meantime it is thought that consuming foods that are rich in Polyphenal antioxidants is a positive part of a well balanced diet and can have protective effects.
Polyphenal antioxidants are found in a variety of plant foods. For reaping the greatest benefits from these antioxidants it is recommended that eating a variety of these foods, rather than focusing on just one is the key. This ensures that the body has the benefit of receiving the greatest number of the different antioxidants.
Richly colored fruits, vegetables and whole grains are the best sources of polyphenal antioxidants.
In the vegetable range, aim for a variety of colored vegetables, and purple potatoes. Reds and purples have the highest levels of anthocyanins and other polyphenals.
Black rice, purple barley and dark chocolate (cocoa) are also good sources.
Dark malt beers, red wine and olive oil have all been shown to have good levels of polyphenal antioxidants too.
Some of the richest sources of these antioxidants though come from fruits. Red and purple fruits have the highest levels. Fruits both common and more exotic are the way to go. Pomegrante, blueberry, cranberry, wolfberry and the widely acclaimed acai berry are all high in antioxidants as well as being nutrient dense.
For many of us, getting hold of all these foods and then incorporating them into our diet is sometimes difficult or inconvenient. Nor would we want to overdo some of these things such as red wine and beer. For many people getting their polyphenal antioxidants in a juice form, along with vegetables and legumes, is a convenient way to go. Remember though that variety is the key, so rather than leaning heavily on one particular fruit, a blend of fruit juices may well give the most benefit. Quality blended juices such as MonaVie may be a little expensive but many people believe the health benefits are worth it.
For more information on how MonaVie can increase your energy and improve your sleep quality, visit the MonaVie blog.
MonaVie Kosher
There were many people who had heard about the great health benefits that people were getting from MonaVie and it became apparent that there was a need for MonaVie Kosher. MonaVie Kosher is labeled with the OU (Orthodox Union) symbol.
Just like the other MonaVie products MonaVie is a blend of delicious fruits gathered from around the world. It focuses on the ‘miraculous’ acai berry. The fruits used in MonaVie Kosher are:
- Acai
- Acerola
- Apple
- Pear
- Grape
- Plum
- Pineapple
- Kiwi
- Passion fruit
- Elderberry
- Biberry
- Wolfberry (Goji)
- Cherry
- Pomegranate
- Lychee
- Blackberry
- Banana
- Cranberry
Preservatives: sodium benzoate, citric acid.
The acai berry has very high levels of antioxidants, amino acids, phytonutrients, vitamins and trace minerals, but these can all be lost if the berries are not processed well. MonaVie uses a proprietary blend of freeze dried, puree acai. Some companies also use kettle pasteurization in their processing. This involves the fruit being boiled for several hours where it can lose much of its effectiveness. MonaVie uses flash pasteurization which keeps all the goodness locked in.
MonaVie adopts a policy of balance, variety and moderation in its choice of fruits. While many people will take one particular food to an excess, MonaVie (and most nutritionists would agree) believes that no matter how wonderful a food might be, a good balance is better. Having a variety of fruits simply makes sense to get the maximum health benefits they all have to offer. While claims may be founded that acai has enough nutrients to live on, variety would seem a better option. MonaVie recommends (and it is a recommendation only), that 4-6 oz a day of juice is sufficient for optimum health support. 4oz of MonaVie Kosher delivers the equivalent of around 13 servings of fruit and vegetables.
People who drink MonaVie Kosher regularly report an increase in energy levels, better sleep, improved joint health and an overall sense of better health and wellbeing. MonaVie Kosher is great for both children and adults who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle and protect against free radicals. You could think of MonaVie Kosher as ‘rust prevention’ for the body. And because MonaVie Kosher is so packed with goodness it doesn’t take a lot to get the benefits offered.
MonaVie Kosher comes in a stylish ‘wine’ bottle and you will be able to recognize it by both the OU sign and the white sleeve on the bottle. For excellent nutritional support that is kosher MonaVie is a great choice.
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