Antioxidant Superstar

What if we told you there was a food out there with more beta carotene than carrots, more vitamin C than oranges and an ORAC value (a measure of antioxidant potential) of more than 25,000 units? You’d think we were pulling your leg, right?

Well, we are not. Such a food does exit; Goji berries. While more than 40 varieties of this berry can be found worldwide, research points to the Tibetan or Himalayan Goji as the most potent. Wild-crafted, pesticide free and hand-picked, Goji berries have long history of medicinal use in Asia and to date, more than 60 scientific studies have been conducted on their therapeutic value.

With this antioxidant punch – plus an array of amino acids, B complex vitamins, vitamin E, essential fatty acids, vision protecting zeaxanthin and other nutrients – Goji berries just may be Mother Nature’s perfect fruit. Dried Goji berries can be eaten whole, added to trailmix, blended in a smoothie, or added to your favourite teas. Look for them in your health food store.

A Better Peanut

An enzyme found in apples may offer protection from dangerous peanut allergies. USDA scientists recently observed that when polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is added to nuts, it restructures reaction-provoking proteins. This may cause the body to recognize these proteins as nutrients, not toxic invaders. More tests are needed, but if successful, they could yield new food-processing techniques to lower the risk of a potentially deadly allergic reaction.