Although we know that fruit, especially berries, contain many of nature’s most potent antioxidants and phytochemicals, many of us fail to consume the optimal amounts necessary to maintain vibrant health. As well, factors like environmental toxins, stress and excessive free radical exposure challenge us each and every day. Free radicals are reactive compounds that can damage the cells that they come into contact with. Although impossible to avoid, we need to minimize our exposure to free radicals while simultaneously supporting our body’s ability to neutralize them. Unless kept in check, excessive free radicals can cause a chain reaction that contributes to the erosion of good health. Antioxidants protect cells from the destructive effects of free radicals. Consuming a potent antioxidant-rich supplement can act as a wonderful insurance policy providing all the protective power of fresh berries and phytonutrients. Facts: Numerous long-term studies have concluded that people who consume the nutrients found in berries reduce their risk of chronic disease1. Research has shown that antioxidants work synergistically and are far more effective when a spectrum of fruits is ingested, not just isolated compounds2. A significant improvement in antioxidant protection can be achieved by increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in ORAC value3. Maintain a healthy acid-alkaline (pH) balance The foods you consume greatly impact the delicate acid-alkaline, or pH balance of your body. Refined foods, animal products, grains, sugar, alcohol, coffee and salt all cause your system to become more acidic. By contrast, fruits, vegetables, efa’s and certain herbs help to alkalize your body. Being too acidic compromises your immune system and greatly increases your chances of developing health conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. The combination of botanical ingredients in PhytoBerry® includes some of the most highly alkaline. What is ORAC? The latest scientific standard for measuring the antioxidant properties of food is in ORAC units (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). ORAC measures the total antioxidant capacity of a food or nutrient and can help us to understand its antioxidant strength. While in general terms higher ORAC foods offer greater protection, ORAC only tells part of the story. The More Colourful the Better PhytoBerry® is also an excellent source of a group of natural phytochemicals (plant nutrients) called Polyphenols, which includes flavonoids, anthocyanins, and anthocyanidins. Polyphenols give plants their vibrant colours and offer a whole range of secondary health benefits in addition to their antioxidant activity. Red fruits (goji berry, pomegranate, acerola berry, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries) contain anthocyanins and the powerful antioxidant lycopene that supports cardiovascular and immune health. Orange fruits (apricot) contain beta carotene and bioflavonoids and are coloured by natural plant pigments called carotenoids. Apricot is beneficial for circulatory and vision health. Blue/Purple fruits (açai berry, mangosteen, blackberries, blueberries, prunes, raisins, elderberries, bilberries) are excellent sources of anthocyanins and other polyphenols. These fruits promote healthy heart, and immune function. Whole Body Anti Oxidant Protection You also have to understand that our individual organs and internal systems have unique anti oxidant requirements. Often times an organ is best protected by a botanical nutrient that may only have a modest ORAC score. A higher ORAC nutrient that is less supportive of that organ may have a higher score but will not be able to offer the same level of protection. PhytoBerry® offers whole body antioxidant protection by using a harmonized and synergistic combination of nutrients that in concert target and protect each organ and key body system. PhytoBerry® versus a Green Food Supplement While a berry and a green food supplement, at a glance, may appear to make similar nutritional contributions they are in fact quite different. Essentially, PhytoBerry® provides all the benefits found in fruit while its sister product, VegeGreens®, provides all the benefits found in vegetables. However, fruits and vegetables digest in conflicting ways so it is best not to combine them into the same product or to consume them at the same time. PhytoBerry® and VegeGreens® both offer tremendous health benefits, but the most complete nutritional strategy includes a serving of each taken at different times during the day. 1 World Health Organization. 1990. Diet, Nutrition, and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases. Geneva: World Health Organization 2 Department of Health. 1998. Nutritional Aspects of the Development of Cancer. London: The Stationery Office. 3Joshipura KJ, Hu FB, Manson JE, Stampfer MJ, Rimm EB, Speizer FE, Colditz G, Ascherio A, Rosner B, Spiegelman D, Willett WC. 2001. The effect of fruit and vegetable intake on plasma antioxidant levels. Annals of Internal Medicine; 134: 1106-14.