Superfoods to the Rescue!

They can’t fly, and they certainly can’t save you from a burning building, but superfoods are the next big heroes in the natural foods marketplace.

Superfoods—a massive category spanning whole foods, green foods and superfruits—are foods that are touted as being nutritionally superior with more health benefits, due to a high amount of nutrients and/or phytonutrients such as vitamins, fats, fiber, polyphenols, polysaccharides, glycoproteins and lipoproteins. They can be as mundane as blueberries, fish and cereal grasses, or more exotic, like noni and pomegranate. And while Jonny Bowden, Ph.D, author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, noted, “There’s no one food on earth that provides absolutely everything that you need,” incorporating superfoods into the diet can help consumers maintain a healthy lifestyle.

According to Bowden, any food that provides omega-3 fatty acids is automatically a superfood, including his favorite, wild salmon, along with walnuts, soy nuts, flaxseed oil and wheat germ.¹ “Omega-3s are highly anti-inflammatory, and inflammation is part of the body’s healing process; it’s good for our bodies and we want occasional inflammation,” he said. “But, what has happened in our life and with our diets and lifestyles is that we’re in chronic, low-level inflammation all the time. The blood vessels get inflamed, and they contribute to every major degenerative disease.” Inflammation plays a role in the pathology of a score of health ills including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.

A study from researchers at the University of Glasgow studied the effects of eating salmon on the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD).² They found that, compared to no fish, eating salmon decreased systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure by 4 percent, triglycerides by 15 percent and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 7 percent, and increased beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by 5 percent. The changes in blood pressure and lipids alone with salmon intake predicted an approximate 25 percent reduction in CHD risk. Another study from the Michigan Department of Community Health concluded that the consumption of fish or fish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of CHD, decreases mild hypertension, and prevents certain cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.³

Omega-3 fatty acids have also shown promise in treating mental disorders. Researchers from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine found omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were well-tolerated by both children and adults with mental disorders, with mild gastrointestinal (GI) effects being the only consistently reported adverse effect.⁴ Evidence from the study indicates omega-3 PUFAs may reduce symptoms of anxiety. The most convincing evidence for beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFA is to be found in mood disorders. Researchers concluded that meta-analysis of trials involving patients with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder provided evidence that omega-3PUFA supplementation reduces symptoms of depression.

The Grass is Always Greener

Hay may be for horses, but cereal grasses, which include wheat grass, barley grass, oat grass, rye grass and alfalfa, are phytonutrient-rich superfoods. Barley grass is especially popular, as it is “extraordinarily high in the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) and also contains as much usable protein as meat,” according to Gillian McKeith, Ph.D., author of Living Food for Health. “Green barley grass is the only vegetation on earth that can nourish an animal from birth to old age. Barley grass has as much protein as meat, but in an easily digestible form, and is crammed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and chlorophyll.” Barley’s high SOD content can help clear cellular toxins. “Barley grass is beneficial for all tissues and organs, especially the heart, lungs, arteries, joints and bones,” McKeith added.

Researchers from the Memorial University of Newfoundland discovered barley extracts inhibited LDL cholesterol oxidation and prevented colon cancer cells from proliferating.⁵ McKeith added barley grass contains unique digestive enzymes that “resolve indigestible and toxic substances in food.” A study from the University of Tokyo found the various proteins and compounds found in barley grass juice support anti-ulcer activity, which protects the stomach mucosa from injury.⁶

The anti-inflammatory properties of barley grass have also been studied. Researchers at the Science University of Tokyo discovered the anti-inflammatory activity of barley juice was not only produced by SOD, but also by proteins found in the juice.⁷ The protein fractions P4-D1 and D1-G1 were extracted from the juice and both exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity. It was concluded that P4-D1 and D1-G1 “exhibited much better anti-inflammatory action than a common aspirin.”

Green foods are an increasingly popular nutrient base for superfood formulas; for example, Amazing Grass created a powder with cereal grasses, antioxidants, B-vitamins, betacarotene, bioflavonoids, lycopene, folic acid, dietary fiber, SOD and omega-3, -6 and -9 EFAs. The powder can be easily mixed with cold water, smoothies, fruit juices and dairy or soy milk, according to Brandon Bert, co-founder and president, Amazing Grass.

Green foods formulas have great benefits to deliver, added Bob Terry, customer & technical services director, Green Foods Corp., the producers of Green Magma. “If processed as a juice powder with low-temperature methods such as spray drying, barley grass provides active enzymes, intact chlorophyll, bioflavonoids, carotenoids and other phytonutrients that promote health in a variety of important ways,” he said. “Because these combined actions of barley grass support the function of all major organ systems, it supports the health of the entire body, including cardiovascular function, digestion, immunity and detoxification.”

Many of the super foods making waves in the marketplace are the exotic superfruits. With their nutrientdense nutritional profiles and unique tastes, consumers flock to the stores to try the unknown. Some of the newest superfruit offerings include goji, açaí, mangosteen, noni, pomegranate and seaberry.

Goji (Lycium barbarum), also known as wolfberry, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for at least 2,000 years, noted Susan Ballantyne, director of operations for South Pacific Trading Co. Researcher Paul M. Gross, Ph.D., said: “Goji has high concentrations of amino acids and protein, vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, iron, magnesium, copper and zinc. In addition, as a rarity among plants, goji skin and pulp contain dense pigmentation both of phenolic acids and carotenoids, giving it high dietary antioxidant value. Its betacarotene and zeaxanthin content in particular is exceptional.” The berry is extremely high in antioxidants and is said to provide enhanced immune system function, better eyesight and improved circulation.

Recently, researchers at Sichuan University studied the anti-atherosclerosis effects of lycium seed oil.⁸ Rabbits were administered lycium seed oil for eight weeks. Researchers found aortic atherosclerotic extent and area in low dosage and high dosage lycium seed oil groups were smaller than that in high fat diet group. It was concluded that lycium seed oil has potent anti-atherosclerosis effects and its potency was similar to a commercial statin drug.

Researchers from the University of Hong Kong demonstrated goji’s neuroprotective ef fects to counter neuronal loss.⁹ Polysaccharides extracted from goji protected neurons against beta-amyloid peptide toxicity in neuronal cell cultures, and retinal ganglion cells in an experimental model of glaucoma. Further work by the researchers including isolating the active component of polysaccharide, which can at tenuate stress kinases and pro-apoptotic signaling pathways. A similar study was done at the same university regarding the effects goji berries have on Alzheimer’s symptoms.¹⁰ Researchers found that pretreatment of goji extract effectively protected neurons against A beta-induced apoptosis. They also found that the aqueous extract isolated from L. barbarum exhibited significant protection on cultured neurons against harmful chemical toxins, such as A beta and dithiothreitol. The study also showed the polysaccharidecontaining extract (LBP) from goji exhibited neuroprotective effects in the retina against ocular hypertension in a laser-induced glaucoma animal model. It was determined LBP can elicit neuroprotection to neurons stressed by A beta peptides and that pretreatment of LBP effectively protected neurons against A beta-induced apoptosis.

“In traditional cultures, goji may be eaten as a food or drunk as a tea or other beverage,” said Gene Bruno, MHS.

Now, however, the natural marketplace is finding many new uses for the berry. Goji berries are being used in food products like snack bars, as well as Flora Health’s snack bags of berries that can be eaten straight from the bag or used in salads, cereals, yogurt and soups. Goji juice is also a popular ingredient for smoothies and other recipes. Riding on the wave of the notion that goji can be used for anti-aging due to their antioxidants, many cosmeceutical companies are even using the berries. Home Health launched a collection of goji berry skin care formulas, including facial cream, eye cream and body lotion, using the antioxidants to hydrate skin while diminishing wrinkles.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) is a dark purple berry that only grows in the Amazon. “It is in the enviable position of tasting like chocolate, blueberries and wine,” Ballantyne said. “Açaí is extremely popular in Brazil, where it is consumed in beverages, smoothies and frozen desserts. It’s rich in omega fatty acids, fiber and vitamins.”

Açaí is also high in vitamin E, calcium, copper, potassium, magnesium and niacin. “As measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and phenolic concentration, antioxidant strength for açaí is the highest known, exceeding the next closest food by three-fold,” Gross said. Reported health benefits include greater energy and stamina, improved digestion and circulation, greater mental activity and improved sleep.

Because açaí is relatively new, studies on the berry tend to lean toward determining its antioxidant capacity, said Bowden. However, a study from the University of Florida investigated açai polyphenolics on the antiproliferation and induction of apoptosis in HL-60 human leukemia cells.¹¹ They found açaí extract triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells.

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), known as the “queen of all fruits” in Asia, is an un-pigmented, white fruit that grows in the South Pacific islands. Because of its lack of pigments, mangosteen “is predictably low in antioxidant quality and also has some insignificant nutrient content,” Gross said. “Only when phenolics (xanthones) are extracted from its inedible exocarp (rind) and added to mangosteen juice, or when a puree of the whole fruit is used, does mangosteen offer any phytochemical value as a dietary source.”

Claims for mangosteen include better intestinal health, strengthened immune response, improved cartilage and joint function, and a bolstered respiratory system. A recent study, conducted by Pure Fruit Technologies and presented at the 233rd American Chemical Society National Conference, which manufactures Mango-xan, a mangosteen juice supplement, revealed mangos teen may be anti-inflammatory.¹² Wayne Geilman, Ph.D., senior research scientist, Pure Fruit Technologies, said: “Mango-xan may have an anti-inflammatory effect as a result of its dual inhibitory effect on both COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes. Future steps include conducting a human clinical trial to determine the dosage needed to elicit these results.”

In another in vivo study, researchers at the National Chiayi University found that alpha-mangostin, derived from the fruit’s hull, significantly inhibited mice carrageenan-induced paw edema.¹³ It was concluded that alpha- and gamma-mangostins from G. mangostana are bioactive substances with anti-inflammatory effects. A similar study investigated the activity of Thai medicinal plants on inflammation caused by Propionibacterium acnes in terms of free radical scavenging and cytokine reducing properties.¹⁴

The result showed G. mangostana possessed the most significant antioxidant activity and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In addition, G. mangostana was highly effective in scavenging free radicals and was able to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Mangosteen is also said to have antibacterial properties.¹⁵ A study from the Osaka Prefectural Institute of Public Health revealed that alpha-mangostin was found to be active against vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Increased oxidative stress and a deficiency in antioxidants have been suggested to play a major role in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction. A study at the University of Madras was designed to evaluate the effect of alpha-mangostin on the antioxidant defense system and lipid peroxidation against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.¹⁶ Research showed induction of rats with ISO for 2 days resulted in a marked elevation in lipid peroxidation, serum marker enzymes and a significant decrease in the activities of endogenous antioxidants. Pre-treatment with alpha-mangos t in orally for s ix days pr ior to the ISO administration and two days along with ISO administration significantly attenuated these changes when compared to the individual treatment groups.

One of the biggest players in the superfruits category is noni (Morinda citrifolia), a “prickly, stinky fruit” that is wellknown for its analgesic properties. “Noni fruit has excellent levels of carbohydrates and dietary fiber,” Bruno said. “The main micronutrient features of noni include exceptional vitamin C content and high amounts of niacin, iron and potassium. Vitamin A, calcium and sodium are also present.”

According to Ballantyne, noni was hailed as 75 percent as effective as morphine sulphate, minus the addictive side effects by the University of Metz.¹⁷ Ballantyne said benefits of noni include heightened immune response, disease protection, anti-inflammatory properties, and improved sense of well-being and pain cessation. “Noni has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties,” said Bruno, who cited a study in which cancerous mice were given noni juice, which significantly increased their life spans.¹⁸ The research team concluded the noni juice “seems to act indirectly by enhancing [the] host immune system involving macrophages and/or lymphocytes.” In another study at Nihon University, components from the methanol extract of noni exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity.¹⁹ In addition, when the compounds were evaluated against the Epstein-Barr virus early antigen, all of the compounds exhibited moderate inhibitory effects. A similar study looked at the effects of noni on the immune system.²⁰ Results suggested noni modulates the immune system via activating of the cannabinoid 2 receptors, suppressing interleukin (IL)-4, and increasing the production of interferon-gamma cytokines. It may also exert beneficial immunomodulation effects in conditions involving inadequate immune responses.

Traditionally, noni fruit was used by Polynesians to combat fatigue. Researchers from the Tianjin Medical University investigated the anti -fatigue and endurance promoting potential of noni juice.²¹ In their study, aged mice were pretreated orally with increasing doses of noni juice and then compared with young and aged controls in the forced swim test and rotarod test. The average times of all noni juice dose groups were significantly longer than the aged controls in both the swim test and the rotarod test, and were similar to those of the young controls. The results demonstrated not only an improvement in endurance, but also in balance and flexibility.

Ballantyne suggested there may be better health effects when consumers use “whole fruit ” noni products; she recommended South Pacific Trading’s Noni Pacific, a 100 percent, whole fruit noni juice. Other noni offerings on the market include teas, fruit powders, energy bars and candies, as well as cosmetic products, which use noni seeds and oils.

One of nature’s most nutrient-dense plants, Gross said, is the seaberry (Hippophae rhamnoides), also known as sea buckthorn. It has yellow or orange-red barriers, and is known for its sour taste and juiciness. “It has abundant micronutrient and phytochemical contents, including extraordinary vitamin C and E levels, essential minerals and amino acids, carotenoid and phenolic pigments, dense sterol amounts and unusual pulp and seed richness of omega fatty acids,” Gross added. Native to Asia and northern Europe, seaberry has been used in traditional medicine and is also used in products such as jam, juice, tea, liquor or skin creams. Gross said seaberry’s greatest assets are its seed and pulp oils, which contain “an extraordinary profile of essential fatty acids not replicated similarly among edible plants.”

In the past year, studies on the seaberry have included how seaberry affects inflammation, cancer and cardiovascular disease, burns and skin wounds, and its antimicrobial effects and antioxidant properties. “All the research uses preliminary animal models or in vitro preparations. There have been no expert-reviewed clinical trials of seaberry published to date in Western literature,” Gross noted.

Seaberries contain several phytochemicals, such as phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins and other flavonoids. There has been growing interest in a variety of potential chemo-preventive activities of edible berries. In a 2007 study from Centre de Recherche de l’Hôpital Sainte-Justine, several different types of berries, including seaberry, were evaluated for antioxidant capacity, anti-proliferative activity, antiinflammatory activity, induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.²²

Researchers found the growth of various cancer cell lines, including those of stomach, prostate, intestine and breast, were strongly inhibited by many of the berries, seaberry included. Another study from East China Normal University looked at the effect of flavonoids from seed residues of the seaberry on the lipid metabolism and antioxidative activity in climacteric rats.²³ After 13 weeks, serum total cholesterol was decreased significantly in rats fed seaberry, suggesting the berry could improve lipid metabolism and deliver antioxidant effects. A study from India investigated the effect of different fruit extracts of H. rhamnoides on altered biochemical parameters indicative of haematological alterations, tissue oxidative stress, and arsenic concentration in arsenic-exposed mice.²⁴ The fruit extract of seaberry demonstrated a significant protective role against arsenic-induced oxidative injury; however, it lacked the ability to remove arsenic from the binding sites, suggesting the extract could be co-administered with a chelating agent of known efficacy during treatment of arsenic to achieve the optimum effect of chelation treatment.

Because consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of healthy eating, retailers would do well to promote exotic, as well as every day, superfoods with signage, displays and seminars to educate consumers about the benefits of eating superfoods. Rick Simpson, president, Ultra Laboratories, explained: “If retailers can focus on educating their customers on the new and exciting exotic fruits that are available to them, with an added emphasis on natural, additive-free ingredients, both their customers and their business will be all the better for it.”

References

1. Pratt, Stephen M.D., Kathy Matthews. SuperFoods RX. New York: HarperCollins, 2004.

2. Lara, J.J. "Benefits of salmon eating on traditional and novel vascular risk factors in young, non-obese healthy subjects." Atherosclerosis. 2007: 193.1; 213-21.

3. Sidhu KS. "Health benefits and potential risks related to consumption of fish or fish oil." Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003: 38.3: 336-44.

4. Ross B.M. " Omega-3 fatty acids as treatments for mental illness: which disorder and which fatty acid?" Lipids Health Dis. 2007: 18; 6:21.

5. Madhujith T. "Antioxidative and antiproliferative properties of selected barley (Hordeum vulgarae L.) cultivars and their potential for inhibition of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol oxidation." J Agric Food Chem. 2007: 55.13: 5018-24.

6. Othake, et. Al. "Studies on the constituent of green juice from young barley leaves, antiulcer activity of fractions from barley juice. Yakaguka Zasshi. 1985: 105.11; 1046-51

7. Jiang, Y.D. "Experimental study of anti-atherosclerosis potency by lycium seed oil and its possible mechanism." Zhong Yao Cai. 2007:30.6; 672-7.

8. Chang, R.C. "Use of Anti-aging Herbal Medicine, Lycium barbarum, Against Aging-associated Diseases. What Do We Know So Far?" Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2007: [Epub ahead of print].

9. Yu, M.S. "Characterization of the effects of anti-aging medicine Fructus lycii on beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity." Int J Mol Med. 2007: 20.2; 261-8.

10. Del Pozo-Insfran D. "Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) polyphenolics in their glycoside and aglycone forms induce apoptosis of HL-60 leukemia cells." J Agric Food Chem. 2006: 54.4; 1222-9.

11. Wayne Geilman. "Garcina mangostana liquid Dietarty Supplement Mango-xan: It's Anti-Inflammatory Effects." Presented March 25-29, Chicago IL, at the 233rd American Chemical Society National Conference.

12. Chen, L.G. "Anti-inflammatory activity of mangostins from Garcinia mangostana." Food Chem Toxicol. 2007: [Epub ahead of print].

13. Chomnawang M.T. "Effect of Garcinia mangostana on inflammation caused by Propionibacterium acnes." Fitoterapia. 2007: 78.6; 401-8.

14. Sakagami Y . "Antibacterial activity of alpha-mangostin against vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE) and synergism with antibiotics." Phytomedicine. 2005: 12.3; 203-8.

15. Devi Sampath, P. "Cardioprotective effect of alpha-mangostin, a xanthone derivative from mangosteen on tissue defense system against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats." J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2007: 21.6; 336-9.

16. Hirazumi, A. Proc West Pharmacol Soc. 1994: 37; 145-6.

17. Akihisa, T. "Anti-inflammatory and potential cancer chemopreventive constituents of the fruits of Morinda citrifolia (Noni)." J Nat Prod. 2007: 70.5; 754-7.

18. Palu A.K "The effects of Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) on the immune system: Its molecular mechanisms of action.". J Ethnopharmacol. 2007: [Epub ahead of print].

19. Ma D.L. "Evaluation of the ergogenic potential of noni juice." Phytother Res. 2007: 21.11; 1100-1.

20. Boivin D. "Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and suppression of TNF-induced activation of NFkappaB by edible berry juice." Anticancer Res. 2007: 27.2; 937-48.

21. Yang, X.Y. "Effect of flavonoids from Hippophae rhamniodes residues on blood lipoid metabolism and antioxidative activity in climacteric rats." Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006: 31.13; 1109-12.

22. Gupta, R. "Protective effects of fruit extracts of Hippophae rhamnoides L. against arsenic toxicity in Swiss albino mice. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2006: 25.6; 285-95.

23. Naaz F. "Hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. et Thonn. on aflatoxin B1-induced liver damage in mice." J Ethnopharmacol. 2007: 113.3; 503-9.

24. Yokozawa T. "Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) attenuates age-related renal dysfunction by oxidative stress." J Agric Food Chem. 2007:55.19; 7744-52.

Amazing Amla

India delivers the exotic superfruit amla (Phyllanthus emblica), also known as Indian gooseberry.

“Amla, the Ayurvedic ‘superfruit,’ is one of nature’s richest sources of vitamin C. Its superior antioxidant activity is enhanced by gallotannins with additional benefits for digestion and support for healthy aging and immune function,” said Ken Seguine national sales manager, Avesta, formerly Ayurceutics. The fruit of the amla tree is highly regarded in Ayurveda to promote healthy aging, and is “traditionally considered to be the best of all the rejuvenative herbs.” Seguine added, “In the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, amla is used as a rasayana, a dietary supplement or practice promoting rejuvenation, mental and physical health, as well as providing a defense against aging and challenging environmental factors.” A recent study evaluated the hepatoprotective effect alma on aflatoxin B(1)-induced liver damage in mice (J Ethnopharmacol. 2007: 113.3; 503- 9). Results indicated alma possesses a potent protective effect against aflatoxin B(1)-induced hepatic damage, and the main mechanism involved in the protection could be associated with its “strong capability to reduce the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species by enhancing the level of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.” Another study from the University of Toyama investigated the effects of amla on renal dysfunction involved in oxidative stress during the aging process (J Agric Food Chem. 2007:55.19; 7744-52). Researchers found oral administration of amla extract significantly reduced thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels of serum, renal homogenate, and mitochondria in aged rats, suggesting that amla would ameliorate oxidative stress under aging.

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