Acai

Acai berries contain many times more antioxidants (anthocyanins) than blueberries. The ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of Acai is higher than any other known edible berry in the world. ORAC basically measures the antioxidant activity of a substance.

J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Nov 1;54(22):8604-10.

Antioxidant capacity and other bioactivities of the freeze-dried Amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (acai).

Schauss AG, Wu X, Prior RL, Ou B, Huang D, Owens J, Agarwal A, Jensen GS, Hart AN, Shanbrom E.

Green Tea

Green tea extract has large volumes of published scientific findings that validate its multiple biological benefits. The most significant findings involve studies showing that green tea extract helps maintain cellular DNA and membrane structural integrity. The active constituents in green tea are powerful antioxidants called polyphenols (catechins) and flavonols. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most powerful of these catechins. EGCG functions as an antioxidant that is about 25-100 times more potent than vitamins C and E.

Eur J Clin Nutr. 1996 Jan;50(1):28-32. In vivo antioxidant effect of green and black tea in man. Serafini M, Ghiselli A, Ferro-Luzzi A. Istituto Nazionale della Nutrizione, Roma Italy.

Benzie IF, Szeto YT, Strain JJ, Tomlinson B. Consumption of green tea causes rapid increase in plasma antioxidant power in humans. Nutr Cancer 1999;34:83-7.

Lutein

Lutein (pronounced loo-teen) is a carotenoid, meaning a natural colorant or pigment, found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, plus various fruits and corn. Egg yolks are also sources of lutein.

Lutein has been linked to promoting healthy eyes through reducing the risk of macular degeneration. Other studies suggest that a mixture of nutrients, including lutein, may provide supplemental antioxidant capacity to the skin, helping counteract free radical damage.

Lutein filters the high-energy, blue wavelengths of light from the visible-light spectrum (a cause of free radical damage) by as much as 90%.

Research suggests 10 mg of lutein from food or dietary supplements, may play a role in maintaining healthy skin. A recent human clinical study showed 10 mg of lutein daily increased skin hydration, elasticity and skin lipid content.

Gonzalez, S., Astner S., et al. (2003). "Dietary lutein/zeaxanthin decreases ultraviolet B-induced light epidermal hyperproliferation and acute inflammation in hairless mice." J Invest Dermatol 121: 399-405.

Van de Leun, J.C. (1996). "UV Radiation from Sunlight: Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations." J Photochem. Photobiol. B: Biol. 35: 237-244.

Podda, M., Traber, M.G., et al. (1998). "UV-Irradiation depletes antioxidants and causes oxidative damage in a model of human skin." Free Rad. Biol. Med. 24: 55-65.

Morganti, P., Bruno, C., et al. (2002). "Role of topical and nutritional supplement to modify the oxidative stress." International J Cosmetic Science 24:331-339.

Morganti P., Palambo, P., et al. (2006). "New Evidence for Efficacy of Lutein/Zeaxanthin in Skin Health." Beyond Beauty Paris 2006 Conference Abstract.

Omega Oils

Well known for their brain enhancing properties, omega oils are seen as an important part of a balanced diet. Research is also underway that is linking omega oil to anti ageing through reduced inflammation.

Calder, P. C. (2001) Polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation, and immunity. Lipids 36, 1007-1024.

Gingko Biloba

Studies have shown Ginkgo Biloba to be an effective herb in guarding against oxidative stress. Studies also show Ginkgo Biloba to help protect the eyes and brain function.

A Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) prevents mitochondrial ageing by protecting against oxidative stress. Sastre J, Millán A, García de la Asunción J, Plá R, Juan G, Pallardó , O'Connor E, Martin JA, Droy-Lefaix MT, Viña J. Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Univ. Valencia, Spain.

Ferrandini C, Droy-Lefaix MT, Christen Y, eds. Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb 761) as a Free Radical Scavenger. Paris: Elsevier, 1993.

Lebuisson DA, Leroy L, Rigal G. Treatment of senile macular degeneration with Ginkgo biloba extract. A preliminary double-blind, drug versus placebo study. Presse Med 1986;15:1556-8 [in French].

Le Bars PL, Katz MM, Berman N, et al. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia. North American EGb Study Group. JAMA 1997;278:1327-32.