Açai Berry (euterpe oleracea): Pronounced (ah-sigh-EE), Açai is a fruit that grows on the Acai Palm Trees in the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil. The Açai berry is quite small in size, similar to a blueberry. It is purple in color and basically all seed, covered in a small amount of fruit pulp and skin. About 90% of the fruit is seed. The Açai seed itself is not used for products or human consumption. This page contains nutritional analysis of the açai berry.

Cupuaçu (theobroma grandiflorum): The cupuaçu fruit (pronounced "coo poo uh sue" and also spelled Cupuassu and Copoasu), from Brazil, is found to have health benefits similar to the açai berry, but is not yet as popular as the açai berry. Although used for years by the indigenous people of Brazil, it is only recently that Americans have begun to show an interest in this unique fruit. It is sweeter than the açai berry and is commonly used in Brazilian desserts such as ice cream. The white pulp of the cupuaçu is uniquely fragrant, and it contains theacrine (1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid) instead of the xanthines (caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline) found in cacao.

Camu Camu (myrciaria dubia): A Potent Immune System And Mood-Balancing Botanical Support. Camu-Camu is the name of a bush which grows in the Amazonian rain forest of Peru. The Camu-Camu bush produces a fruit with the same name which contains powerful phytochemicals with health benefits, including the amino acids serine, valine, and leucine, and more Vitamin C than any other known plant in the world. The camu-camu fruit has a surprising range of therapeutic effects. Many people have stopped using large dosages of synthetic Vitamin C because they find that Camu-Camu is energizing, mood-lifting and highly effective in strengthening the immune system.

Aronia Chokeberries black (aronia melanocarpa), purple (aronia x prunifolia), red (aronia arbutifolia): The chokeberries (Aronia) are two species of deciduous shrubs in the family Rosaceae, native to eastern North America and most commonly found in wet woods and swamps. The two species are readily distinguished by their fruit color, from which the common names derive. Originally considered to be of little medicinal value, new research shows that Aronia melanocarpa has a high concentration of polyphenols and anthocyanins, stimulating circulation, protecting the urinary tract, and strengthening the heart. Ongoing studies at the University of Illinois also suggest that Aronia may include compounds that fight cancer and cardiac disease. Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) has attracted scientific interest due to its deep purple, almost black pigmentation that arises from dense contents of phenolic phytochemicals, especially anthocyanins. Anthocyanins not only contribute toward chokeberry's astringent property (that would deter pests and infections) but also give Aronia melanocarpa extraordinary antioxidant strength.

Acerola (Malpighia glabra): High amount of vitamin C. Also known as Barbados cherry or wild crapemyrtle, is a tropical fruit-bearing shrub or small tree in the family Malpighiaceae. It ranges from southern Texas south through Mexico and the Caribbean to Peru and Bahia in Brazil. It is also cultivated in India. The fruit is edible and widely consumed in the species' native area, and is cultivated elsewhere for its high vitamin C content. In the 1950s, a manufacturer of baby food decided that apple juice was milder for infants than orange juice. The company claimed that a drop of acerola juice in an 8 oz. can of apple juice provided the amount of vitamin C of an equal amount of orange juice. A detailed nutrition facts analysis shows Acerola juice does contain 32 times the amount of vitamin C in orange juice (over 3000% as much) supporting the claim. Vitamin C is known to strengthen the immune system and build collagen cells. It also supports the respiratory system. Vitamin C is known to be an effective antioxidant. The antioxidative qualities of acerola make it an ideal ingredient in skin care products to fight cellular ageing. In another report, acerola extract was shown to enhance the antioxidant activity of soy and alfalfa extracts, acting synergistically. This may be beneficial in coronary artery disease.

Blueberry (disambiguation): Blueberries are flowering plants in the genus Vaccinium, sect. Cyanococcus. The species are native only to North America. Blueberries have a diverse range of micronutrients, with notably high levels (relative to respective Dietary Reference Intakes) of the essential dietary mineral manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber. One serving provides a relatively low glycemic load score of 4 out of 100 per day. Especially in wild species, blueberries contain anthocyanins, other antioxidant pigments and various phytochemicals possibly having a role in reducing risks of some diseases, including inflammation and different cancers.

Bilberry (vaccinium myrtillus): Claimed medical uses and remedies: Atherosclerosis, Diabetes (blood sugar level stabilization), Bruising, Cancer (lower risk), Cataracts, Circulation, Diabetes, Eye disorders (prevention or reversal), Gastrointestinal problems, Heart/cardiovascular disease (lower risk), Macular degeneration, Night blindness (nyctalopia), Retinopathy, Ulcers, Varicose veins. However, there is only limited or no scientific proof to these claims. Other names for Bilberry include: Airelle, blaeberry, dyeberry, European blueberry, fraughan, huckleberry, myrtle blueberry, whortleberry, whinberry, winberry, wineberry.

White grape: Mainly used for the antioxidant quality. The flesh of grapes is just as heart healthy as the skin, says a laboratory study by Italian and US researchers, a result that may challenge the idea that red wine offers better cardiovascular protection than white. Several studies have linked regular consumption of wine to reduced risk of heart disease. The basis for these observations is that the skin of red grapes is a rich source of anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that contribute to the red colour of the fruit. Red grapes are usually crushed whole and fermented with the flesh, meaning the anthocyanins are transferred to resulting wine and juice. To make most white wine or white grape juices however the skins are separated from the flesh. That situation led to the conventional belief that red wines and red grape juice are healthier for the heart than white. Grape phytochemicals such as resveratrol, a polyphenol antioxidant, have been positively linked to inhibiting cancer, heart disease, degenerative nerve disease, viral infections and mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease.

Apple (malus domestica): The proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," addresses the health effects of the fruit. Though this adage was likely the result of farmers encouraging higher sales of produce in an effort to counteract the belief that it was an apple that was the forbidden fruit which Adam and Eve ate, research suggests that apples may reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. Compared to many other fruits and vegetables, apples contain relatively low amounts of Vitamin C as well as several other antioxidant compounds. The fiber content, while less than in most other fruits, helps regulate bowel movements and may thus reduce the risk of colon cancer. They may also help with heart disease, weight loss and controlling cholesterol, as they do not have any cholesterol, have fiber, which reduces cholesterol by preventing reabsorption, and are bulky for their caloric content like most fruits and vegetables. There is evidence that in vitro apples possess phenolic compounds which may be cancer-protective and demonstrate antioxidant activity. The predominant phenolic phytochemicals in apples are quercetin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2. Apple juice concentrate has been found to increase the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in mice, providing a potential mechanism for the "prevent[ion of] the decline in cognitive performance that accompanies dietary and genetic deficiencies and aging." Others studies have shown an "alleviat[ion of] oxidative damage and cognitive decline" in mice after the administration of apple juice.

Purple Grape: Grapes contain beneficial compounds called flavonoids, which are phytonutrients that give the vibrant purple color to grapes, grape juice and red wine; the stronger the color, the higher the concentration of flavonoids. These flavonoid compounds include quercitin, as well as a second flavonoid-type compound (falling into the chemical category of stilbenes)called resveratrol. Both compounds appear to decrease the risk of heart disease. Resveratrol helps keep the heart muscle flexible and healthy. Grapes contain saponins which support heart health. (Red grapes used in wine have been shown to have significantly more resveratrol and saponins than white wine, but the reader is referred to the comment above under White Grape.) In addition to resveratrol and saponins, grapes contain yet another compound called pterostilbene (pronounced TARE-oh-STILL-bean), a powerful antioxidant that is already known to fight cancer and may also help lower cholesterol. While studies show red wine offers numerous protective benefits, red grape juice also provides the majority of these effects without the risks of alcohol consumption, which, if excessive can lead to accidents, liver problems, higher blood pressure, heart arrhythmias-and alcoholism, migraines in some people and may bring on an attack of gout in others.

Cranberry (vaccinium oxycoccos): Cranberries are related to bilberries, blueberries, and huckleberries. Cranberries have moderate levels of vitamin C, dietary fiber and the essential dietary mineral, manganese, as well as a balanced profile of other essential micronutrients which include calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vitamin C, vitamin A, IVitamin K, carotene, beta Lutein + zeaxanthin. By measure of the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity with an ORAC score of 9,584 units per 100 g, cranberry ranks near the top of 277 commonly consumed foods in the United States. Cranberries are a source of polyphenol antioxidants, phytochemicals under active research for possible benefits to the cardiovascular system, immune system and as anti-cancer agents. There is potential benefit of cranberry juice consumption against bacterial infections in the urinary system.

Passion Fruit (passiflora edulis): Fresh passion fruit is known to be high in vitamin A, potassium, and dietary fiber. The yellow variety is used for juice processing, while the purple variety is sold in fresh fruit markets. Passion fruit juice is a good source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Apricot (prunus armeniaca): The apricot has a delicate aroma and is an excellent source of Vitamins A (beta-carotene) and C. Apricots are also a good source of iron, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. Apricots are a rich source of the carotenoid, lycopene, helping provide protection against prostate cancer.

Prune (prunus domesticus): More than 1,000 cultivars of plums are grown for drying. The most commonly grown is European Plum (commonly referred to as a Sugar Plum). Prune juice is made by softening prunes through steaming and then putting them through a pulper to create a watery puree. Prunes and their "juice" contain the natural laxative dihydrophenylisatin (related to isatin). For fast results use heated prune juice. Prunes also contain dietary fiber. Prunes and prune juice are thus common home remedies for constipation. Prunes also have a high antioxidant content. In China, the popular summer drink suanmeitang, made with sour prunes, is sometimes thought to have positive effects on acidity in the body.

Kiwifruit (actinidia deliciosa): Kiwifruit (also called Chinese Gooseberry) is a rich source of vitamin C, 1.5 times the DRI scale in the US. Its potassium content by weight is slightly less than that of a banana. It also contains vitamins A and E. The skin is a good source of flavonoid antioxidants. The kiwifruit seed oil contains on average 62% alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Usually a medium size kiwifruit contains about 46 calories, 0.3 g fats, 1 g proteins, 11 g carbohydrates, 75 mg vitamins and 2.6 g dietary fiber. Kiwifruit is often reported to have mild laxative effects, possibly because of the high level of dietary fiber. Raw kiwifruit is also rich in the protein-dissolving enzyme actinidin, (in the same family of thiol proteases as papain), which is commercially useful as a meat tenderizer but can be an allergen for some individuals. Kiwi also contains carbohydrates, fat, protein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate (B9), vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, manganese.

Wolfberry (goji): Wolfberries contain many nutrients and phytochemicals including 11 essential, 22 trace dietary minerals, 18 amino acids, 6 essential vitamins, 8 polysaccharides and 6 monosaccharides, 5 unsaturated fatty acids, including the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols, 5 carotenoids, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene and cryptoxanthin, a xanthophyll, numerous phenolic pigments (phenols) associated with antioxidant properties. Other nutrients include calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and vitamin C. Wolfberries also contain numerous phytochemicals including beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, carotenoids, polysaccharides.

Lychee (litchi chinensis): Lychee contains calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, ash, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, thiamine, nicotinic acid, riboflavin, ascorbic acid.

Pear (Pyrus): Pears are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, E1, copper and potassium. Pear juice is also known to be the first juice introduced to infants because of its hypoallergenic properties. Pears are an excellent source of natural dietary fiber. One pear will give you 24% of your recommended daily allowance of fiber.

Banana (musa): One large banana, about 9 inches in length, packs 602 mg of potassium and only carries 140 calories. That same large banana even has 2 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. Bananas only have 2 mgs of sodium and only 36 grams of carbs in a large banana. Bananas contain vitamin A. They contain thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folic acid and vitamin C. On the mineral scale calcium, magnesium, trace amounts of iron and zinc. Bananas contain tryptophan, fructooligosaccharide, a compound that nourishes probiotic (friendly) bacteria in the colon, protease inhibitors that help eliminate bacteria in the stomach. Many people report that rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite is very effective in reducing itching and swelling.

Pomegranate (punica granatum): Pomegranate aril juice provides about 16% of an adult's daily vitamin C requirement per 100 ml serving, and is a good source of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), potassium and antioxidant polyphenols. Other phytochemicals include beta-carotene,and polyphenols catechins, gallocatechins, and anthocyanins such as prodelphinidins, delphinidin, cyanidin, and pelargonidin. ORAC of pomegranate juice is considered high, measured at 10,500 units per 100 grams. In preliminary laboratory research and human pilot studies, juice of the pomegranate was effective in reducing heart disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation, all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Pomegranate juice has also been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum angiotensin-converting enzyme, may inhibit viral infections, and may have antibacterial effects against dental plaque. Containing polyphenols which inhibit estrogen synthesis, pomegranate seed oil was effective against proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro.

The drink blended for active people also contains plant-derived glucosamine and esterified fatty acids.