Scientifically Good

Bergamot

Citrus Bergamia

Nestled at the tip of Italy’s boot by the Ionian Sea, in Reggio Calabria, the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia) grows. This fragrant fruit, with a glossy rind that matures from green to bright yellow, is found virtually nowhere else on Earth. It offers a light, fresh, citrus taste with a kick of tartness and an abundance of flavonoids.

Supports Healthy Cholesterol

Several studies have shown that the bergamot orange may help to reduce overall cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol. It may also help to increase "good" HDL cholesterol and has the potential to be an effective supplement to cholesterol drugs.

Promotes Healthy Blood Sugar

Balanced blood sugar is important for maintaining energy levels and supporting the organ function necessary for avoiding long-term illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease, per the CDC. “Elevated blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia, occurs when a person consumes too much sugar in their diet. A flavonoid found in citrus bergamot, called naringin, has been shown to promote balanced blood sugar.” Researchers believe that naringin works in the body to improve glucose sensitivity and glucose tolerance.

• Integr Food Nutr Metab. 2019 Mar; 6(2): 10.15761/IFNM.1000249.
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31057945/

"In a month-long study of 77 patients published in 2013 in the International Journal of Cardiology, 1,000 milligrams daily of bergamot extract lowered cholesterol from an average of 278 milligrams per deciliter of blood to 191. “Bergamot polyphenolic fraction enhances rosuvastatin-induced effect on LDL-cholesterol, LOX-1 expression and protein kinase B phosphorylation in patients with hyperlipidemia".

https://www.internationaljournalofcardiology.com/article/S0167-5273%2813%2901708-7/abstract

A 2015 study conducted by the Journal of Clinical Lipidology suggests that citrus bergamot may inhibit cholesterol absorption in the gut. “Citrus Bergamot Improves Atherogenic Lipoprotein Particle Characteristics in Patients With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Syndrome."

https://www.lipidjournal.com/article/S1933-2874(15)00186-5/fulltext

Pomegranate

Pomum Granatum

Low-grade chronic inflammation is known to be a root cause of many chronic conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes," Experts believe that the antioxidants found in pomegranates might help counteract that inflammation and thus reduce the risk of these and other health conditions. Preliminary research shows that the pomegranate may be one of the best antioxidant fruits that can fight cancer, slow the aging process, increase heart health and help with Alzheimer’s disease. Not all the research is in, but several studies from the University of California, Los Angeles and the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicate that pomegranates are a major stabilizer of cancer. The naturally occurring antioxidants in this fruit fight the free radicals that promote disease.

In addition, some evidence indicates that pomegranate juice may benefit people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other bowel conditions due to its polyphenol content. In one study, it was found that drinking pomegranate juice every day may improve learning and memory. And, according to a 2018 review, compounds present in pomegranate may help improve exercise performance and help with post-exercise recovery.

Pomegranates are also a good source of potassium. "Potassium is necessary for the normal functioning of all cells. It regulates the heartbeat, ensures proper function of the muscles and nerves, and is vital for synthesizing protein and metabolizing carbohydrates."*

"Thousands of years ago, when humans roamed the earth gathering and hunting, potassium was abundant in the diet, while sodium was scarce. The so-called Paleolithic diet delivered about 16 times more potassium than sodium. Today, most Americans get barely half of the recommended amount of potassium in their diets. The average American diet contains about twice as much sodium as potassium, because of the preponderance of salt hidden in processed or prepared foods, not to mention the dearth of potassium in those foods. This imbalance, which is at odds with how humans evolved, is thought to be a major contributor to high blood pressure, which affects one in three American adults."*

*The Importance of Potassium, Staying Healthy - Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School

Goji Berry

Lycium Barbarum

The goji berry, which has long been part of Chinese traditional medicine, is now being viewed as a superfood beyond China. In 2013, a young group of Italian growers noted that the climate and soil conditions in Calabria would be highly favorable for the cultivation of this red berry fruit packed with antioxidants and powerful properties. They made a commitment to grow this renowned fruit without the use of pesticides or fertilizers and incorporate it into the Mediterranean diet.

Rich in Nutrients and a Natural Energy Booster

Some early studies using goji berry juice found that there may be possible benefits that include:

• a feeling of well-being and calmness

• better focus

• better athletic performance

• better sleep

• weight loss

• increased energy levels

• a boost to your immune system

• higher antioxidant levels

Antioxidant-Rich

Some of the primary antioxidants found in goji berries include polysaccharides, carotenoids, and phenolics. Each of these compounds is related to the vast health benefits that goji berries offer.

•Polysaccharides—a type of carbohydrate—are found in goji berries in the form of arabinose, galactose, glucose, rhamnose, mannose, xylose, and galacturonic acid. These polysaccharides are known to support energy production, digestive health, and cardio-protection (the protection of the health of the heart).

•Carotenoids are responsible for the bright orange and red color of goji berries and provide a specific carotenoid called zeaxanthin, which is advantageous for eye health. The level of zeaxanthin is in goji berries is higher than in any other plant.

•Phenolics acid and flavonoids are known for their antiviral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities, protecting the body from chronic disease. The high antioxidant quality of phenolics and flavonoids in goji berries makes them an advantageous antioxidant as well as a nutritive and immune-boosting source.

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019; 2019: 2437397.

Published online 2019 Jan 9. doi: 10.1155/2019/2437397