MANGOSTEEN: The Power of Xanthones

The mangosteen pericarp is comprised of two important components: (1) the beneficial antioxidants; and (2) the health properties of xanthones. (Xanthones are biologically active compounds more powerful than any other form of antioxidant.)

Please review the following function claims associated with the mangosteen pericarp:

· Rich source of xanthones
· Anti-inflammatory
· Prevents hardening of the arteries (Athlerosclerosis)
· Protects the heart muscle (Cardio)
· Anti-Parkinson, Anti-Alzheimer and other forms of dementia
· Anti-depressant – gives sense of well being
· Anti-fungal properties
· Prevents bacterial infections
· Anti-viral properties
· Effective against skin disorders such as dermatitis, infections from wounds, ringworm, acne, etc.
· Helps prevent gum disease
· Anti-diarrheal
· Lowers fevers
· Helps prevent glaucoma and cataracts
· Whole body health (paystemic)
· Provides energy
· Anti-aging by promoting whole body health
· Reported to help with weight loss
· Lowers blood fat (anti-lipidemic)
· Anti-tumor benefits
· Lowers blood pressure
· Helps stabilize blood sugar levels

Mangosteen has compounds with antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-tumor activity. Laboratory testing thus far indicates that extracts of mangosteen have activity against several cancer cell lines including breast, liver, and leukemia. Mangosteen also appears to have anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Most notably, the mangosteen provides powerful anti-inflammatory benefits which play an important role in numerous health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease; allergic diseases; breast cancer; colon cancer; Crohn's disease; celiac disease; degenerative arthritis; heart disease; hypoglycemia; Parkinson's disease.

For hundreds of years, the people of Southeast Asia have used the mangosteen, especially the rind, to ward off and treat infections, reduce pain or control fever, and treat various other ailments.

Most of the studies with mangosteen have focused on the pericarp, or the dark, woody rind as opposed to the fruit inside the woody rind. The pericarp contains the active xanthone compounds. The fruit itself probably has some beneficial compounds but the compounds within the mangosteen fruit have not been studied as well as the mangosteen rind.

Several compounds in mangosteen appear to be active, particularly xanthones. Some of these xanthones include mangostin, mangostenol, mangostenone A, mangostenone B, trapezifolixanthone, tovophyllin B, alpha- and beta-mangostins, garcinone B, mangostinone, mangostanol, and the flavonoid epicatechin.

There are numerous studies available for review at http://www.pubmed.com/. Just enter the word "mangosteen" to access a list.




Continue here for more information.

GOJI BERRY: The most powerful anti-aging food

To give you an idea of the multi-faceted power of the goji berry, please review the following function claims associated with this particular fruit:

· Increase energy and strength
· Maintain healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and liver function
· Elevates mood and alleviate stress
· Relieves menstrual discomfort
· Enhances immune function
· Build strong blood
· Promote youthfulness
· Provides antioxidant protection
· Naturally curbs the appetite due to its bio-available nutrients
· Contains polysaccharides

Goji Berries contain the following complex compounds:

Betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease.

Physalin, which is active against all major types of leukemia. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B. Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound.

Beta-Sitoserol, an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement. It also lowers cholesterol.

Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and blood pressure. It has also been used in the treatment of cervical cancer.

These compounds as found in the Goji Berry are used in the following manner:

Betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease.

Physalin, which is active against all major types of leukemia. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B.

Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound. Beta-Sitoserol, an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement. It also lowers cholesterol.

Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and blood pressure. It has also been used in the treatment of cervical cancer.




Continue here for more information.

ACAI BERRY: A Fruit of the Highest Caliber

Açaí has been touted as one of the most important superfoods available today. To give you an idea of the multi-faceted power of the Açaí berry, please review the following function claims associated with this particular fruit:

· Enhance energy and stamina
· Improve digestion
· Improve Mental Focus
· Promote better sleep
· Provide an amino acid complex and trace minerals which are vital for proper muscle contraction and regeneration
· Provide more proteins (in the same volume) then an average egg
· Provide a high amount of lipids
· Provides iron, potassium, phosphorus and calcium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin C, Vitamin E (tocopherol)
· Improve sexual function
· Have up to 33 times the antocyanine (a powerful Anti-Oxidant) than red wine grapes
· Provide a high level of fiber content
· Provide Omega 6 (Linoleic acid) and Omega 9 (Oleic acid
· Help with maintenance of the vascular cardiac system

Açaí Berry is known to harness the following properties: Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antimutagenic, Cardiovascular System. Acai berries contain very high amounts of essential fatty acids and omegas proven to lower LDL and maintain HDL cholesterol levels. They also contain a remarkable concentration of antioxidants to help combat premature aging.

Açaí Berry is a dense source of a particular class of flavonoids called anthocyanins. The ORAC value of Açaí Berry is higher than any other edible berry in the world. Açaí Berry is also an excellent source of dietary fiber. Açaí is extremely rich in organic vegetable protein which does not generate cholesterol during its digestion and is more easily processed and transported to your muscles than animal protein (such as what is found in milk or meat).

Besides its outstanding content of protein and unsaturated lipids, Açaí is also rich in carbohydrates, providing your body with the necessary energy while working or practicing any kind of sport.

There is also an amazingly high concentration of antioxidants useful in combating premature aging. The proanthocyanidine contents in Açaí Berries contain 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins (these are the purple colored antioxidants) of red wine per volume. Although the French consume a high fat diet, they have a low incidence of cardiovascular disease compared to the western countries. They contribute this factor to their consumption of red wine. Açaí Berries can help promote a healthier cardiovascular system and digestive tract, because of its synergy of monounsaturated fats (these are the healthy fats), dietary fiber, and phytosterols.

They provide the body with an excellent source of fiber. Fiber promotes a healthy digestive system. Research studies suggest soluble fibers may help lower blood cholesterol. The insoluble fiber may help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers. Essential amino acid complex along with trace minerals, which are vital for proper muscle contraction and regeneration.






Continue here for more information.

Powder vs. Juice: What is the truth about powdered formulas and how do they compare to other health beverages?

One of the questions I needed to address for my own personal satisfaction before joining as an AMiGO Health rep was the issue of powder vs. juice.

Is one better than the other and can I feel comfortable that I am representing a product with the purported high potency intact?

I wanted to be certain that the potency of the product would not be diminished by being a powder formulation. I learned from the formulator of AMiGO Juice Powder – an individual who has spent many years developing products that are sold to alternative physicians, naturopathic doctors, and other health professionals – the key element of the mangosteen is, in fact, the pericarp, which will not dissolve anyway. In other words, all the mangosteen products available in a juice formula are merely a suspension of powder. The mangosteen is very bitter and is ultimately balanced with the additional fruits (goji and Açaí) present. Setting aside the outstanding additional health benefits, the marriage of these three superfoods is also one of great taste!

It is worth noting that most manufacturers use the cheaper drum drying process which requires the addition of maltodextrin. Some products are 30 to 40% maltodextrin. AMiGO Juice is actually a better product BECAUSE it is freeze-dried.

There are three additional reasons why, I believe, the dried formula is an improvement upon the juice drinks. All fruit juices are required by law to be pasteurized. Such heat processing takes away from the nutritional value of the substance. AMiGO Juice emerges with all nutritional value still intact. The second reason is that it is very inexpensive to ship this product, in fact, about 75% cheaper than its competitors, making for a nice savings. Third, AMiGO Juice Powder travels well. It is difficult to bring along juice that needs to be refrigerated. When traveling at the time I was drinking XanGo, I had to cart around this big bottle of juice and try to squeeze it into hotel refrigerators. The container of powder fits anywhere well and mixes easily with water.

I feel very comfortable with the manufacturer’s response to questions relating to the quality of the powder formula. In fact, having drank the competition for several months and now being able to compare how I feel today on this new product, I truly believe the new formula could be described as follows:

Premium ingredients + manufacturing respectful of nature + VALUE – HYPE = 1,500 mg. of antioxidant power in every serving!

--------------------------------------------------

Paula Rothstein - http://www.medicinefreeliving.amigohealth.com

Just exactly how much mangosteen is in a bottle of XanGo?

One can infinitely ponder this question, search diligently for an answer all over the internet, however, the quantity is to remain a secret. I can certainly understand protecting a proprietary formula but there is no conceivable basis for not revealing quantity of the much sought after main ingredient, unless of course the quantity of main ingredient would appear insufficient to the amount spent by the consumer.

Since the company in its literature encourages a healthy individual to drink 3 oz. per day and someone with an illness to drink somewhere in the range of 3 oz., 3 times per day to as much as one bottle per day, I thought I would break down the cost needed to experience health benefits.

Let's assume you are healthy and let's assume you have paid the fee to purchase at wholesale cost ($30.00) and have committed to monthly autoship of this product. And since most people do not live alone and would like to benefit the health of their spouse and (let's say) two children, I will calculate a family's expense. (I am going to ignore the fact that their business building CD boasts that children love the taste so much you can't stop them from drinking the stuff and imagine the children are limited to drinking 1 oz. per day.) Now let's assume two healthy adults and two healthy children need to purchase a one month supply. Each bottle contains 25 servings.

According to company recommendations, they would need about 10 bottles per month. Cost after shipping and tax would be approximately $300.00.

It would be tolerable to imagine that after having spent $300.00 per month, you have no other additional nutritional needs. You do not need to concern yourself with a pure water supply, an excellent multi-vitamin, minerals, proteins and amino acids, quality food, monthly fee to belong to a gym, etc., to assist you in achieving optimal health. Antioxidants are very important, however, they are not the total picture.

At this point I would like to explain that I once was a XanGo distributor and I am quite familiar with everything the company literature and one's upline is encouraging distributors to do and say in order to sell this juice. The product is excellent when you consume enough of it. I liked it for the energy and sense of well-being. But you know, I receive the same benefits from AMiGo Juice Powder as received from XanGo and then some. Because not only do I receive 500 mg. of mangosteen (this is 10 to 20 times more than what is estimated to be in a serving of XanGo and if this esimate is wrong, I encourage a representative of XanGo to come forward and demonstrate otherwise!) but it also contains 500 mg. of goji and 500 mg. of Açaí, two other excellent superfoods with their own set of health benefits. The cost just happens to break down to about $30.00 per month for myself and about another $30.00 per month for both my husband and son (totaling $60.00). One container of AMiGO Juice Powder holds 90 servings and wholesale is $29.95 per container when purchased in a group of four or $49.95 when purchased as a single container. Shipping of four containers is a mere $6.00! Your commitment as a rep is only $10.00 to join and monthly autoship of one container priced at $49.95 and you are now eligible to receive full compensation through all levels of the pay plan. XanGo's requirement is two cases on autoship, totaling $240.00 per month (after shipping and tax)!

AMiGO Health's ability to produce a quality product in a powder form for substantially less (and they did this by cutting out the middleman) is an extraordinary achievement for the many people out there with health challenges who would like to address it by using a multi-functional health beverage rich in antioxidants. Hey, if you've got money to burn and just love the taste of the proprietary formula of XanGo, enjoy! I truly believe there is room for success for all and have no doubt many will continue to enjoy their drink of choice regardless of cost. But I am on a budget and nearly everyone I know is on a budget.

XanGo as a business was a dismal failure for me. After months of throwing money at marketing material, leads, long distance charges, and product, I was getting no where. A few distributors were placed in my downline but dropped off autoship within a few months.

My XanGo peers told me I just needed to buy more marketing material, talk to more people each day, produce better follow-up, get on more company conference calls, and purchase more leads. I am embarrassed to admit that I worked it for quite some time, spent a great deal of money on marketing materials and company specific leads and, eventually, I believed something else. At that point, I was not comfortable talking to a woman facing retirement and fixed income, looking to build an income stream and attempt to convince her to spend $240.00 per month for the "opportunity" to make money in the future because it was not happening for me and I knew how hard I was working at it!

You are taught that perseverance is the key to success, however, with AMiGO I have spent almost zero on marketing, purchased no leads, and quickly created a great team of individuals and I am not going broke stocking product!

Another matter which disturbed me was the number of XanGo bottles being sold on eBay at any given hour of the day. This would lead one to surmise that some distributors were getting rid of their surplus each month and instead looking to make money on their dowline. According to the company this is not allowed but it is not too difficult to sell your bottles off to a third party who sells on eBay and not get caught by the company. You can also buy product for below wholesale from numerous online stores. Most disturbing is the need to take a loss on the sale as the product is often priced at less than wholesale cost.

I recently came across an article posted on one of my favorite websites for health, NewsTarget.com about purchasing quality mangosteen. The article felt like an advertisement for XanGo but read like an urgent news article as Gordon Morton, co-founder and CMO of XanGo, told consumers to stick to whole fruit products. He states, "Unless companies can be consistently honest in labeling the use of whole fruits, the entire industry --including honest companies that use whole fruits have the right to indicate that aspect on their labels -- may suffer from a dishonest reputation." The article ends with a statement from health advocates "urging consumers to use only superfruit products that contain whole fruits, as the whole fruit is responsible for its health benefits -- not just its pulp. Many so called superfuit juice products are also made primarily with pear and apple juices, not the juices of the superfruit. Read the ingredients labels to get the facts."

How can they seriously tell us to read the ingredient labels to get the facts when quantity of the main ingredient is not revealed? In the interest of helping disclose what is in XanGo, their ingredient list is as follows: Reconstituted garcinia mangostana juice from whole fruit, apple juice concentrate, pear juice concentrate, grape juice concentrate, pear puree, blueberry juice concentrate, raspberry juice concentrate, strawberry juice concentrate, cranberry juice concentrate, cherry juice concentrate, citric acid, natural flavor, pectin, xanthan gum, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate.

Now that is a lot of different juices, 9 to be exact! I note pear and apple in there as well. XanGo is a very tasty juice, there is no doubt about it, and the mangosteen is an incredible fruit with high antioxidant value. However, I believe one should get a little bit more bang for their buck. I also take issue with the statement concerning its need to be consumed as nature intended it...after previously insisting on the juice being made from whole fruit! Also, it is worth noting that the xanthones are present in the pericarp and the whole fruit does not offer much additional value. What with all those different juices one wonders exactly how much mangosteen can fit into that 1 oz. serving!

Now let us consider the ingredients of AMiGO Juice Powder:

500 mg. of mangosteen pericarp
500 mg. of goji fruit
500 mg. of acai fruit
evaporated organic cane juice powder, fruit and vegetable juice powder (for color), citric acid, xanthum gum, natural flavors, soy lecithin, citrus pectin, stevia

Quantity is revealed, it is all natural, no chemicals used in the formula or during the processing, no need for pasteurization and no preservatives. The process by which the fruit is extracted is of the highest quality. (Read one of my previous posts if interested in learning more about cryogenic freeze drying.)

Sometimes it is as much about quantity as it is about quality. In fact, let's enjoy both, toss in great value, and enjoy one tasty drink in AMiGO Juice!

For more information continue here.

AMiGO Juice Product Quality

The following sets out information on ingredients and the manufacturing process involved in the formula of AMiGO Juice.

The questions I receive most frequently about AMiGO Juice relate to quality, specifically a desire to compare it to other products on the market also containing açaí, goji or mangosteen. I thought it would be helpful to set out concerns and address each one here.

Most other juice drinks are "proprietary blends." Another way of saying this is "secret formula" that can leave you guessing as to how much quantity you are getting in each serving. But, this is NOT the case with AMiGO Juice. The label lists exactly what you will receive each and every serving.

Currently there is one ingredient noted on the label as "artificial coloring". Here is what I have learned from the company. It is a grape skin extract – heat processed. It is not a synthetic ingredient. Actually, it does not have to be labeled artificial and the term artificial will be removed in the next production run.

AMiGO Capsules

As for the capsules, AMiGO Health ONLY uses vegetarian capsules. They do this because, Vegetarian Capsules are the superior choice for packaging high quality ingredients for supplements. Vegetarian capsules are composed of inert vegetable cellulose and do not interfere with the digestion and absorption of the ingredients contained within.

AMiGO Health uses 100% pure, preservative-free Vegetarian Capsules which dissolve rapidly. There's no degrading of the nutrients within the capsule; no rancid oil by-products or preservatives and it easily breaks down in the stomach. Vegetarian capsules are made of 92% methyl cellulose and 8% purified water. Methyl Cellulose is a "cotton-like" fiber derived from a soft wood pine tree that is cultivated in North America.

Most other companies use cheap gelatin capsules that are hard to digest, temperature sensitive, and contain toxic preservatives and/or solvent residues. Gelatin capsules are much harder and are made of 86% bovine and/or pig's skin and 14% purified water.

Cryogenic Freeze Dried Processing

Another concern is the extraction process for the dried formula. First, you should understand what is often implied by extraction. Extraction can sometimes be a process by which alcohol, water or toxic solvents are used to remove certain elements from a botanical. The process by which AMiGO powder is manufactured involves a process called "Cryogenic Freeze Dried". No heat or solvents are ever used in our processing!

Cryogenic Freeze Drying is one of the most advanced processing methods available today. It's an almost instantaneous way of freeze drying that keeps all the valuable nutrients intact and available for you. Açaí and Mangosteen retain their valuable nutrients and enzymes best when they are Cryogenic Freeze Dried. However, Goji is best preserved by a process that has been in use for centuries. The berries are shaken from the vine onto a sheet and air-dried in the shade.

This special cold-processing and air-drying method creates a final product that needs absolutely NO preservatives. Both Amigo Juice Powder and Amigo Capsules have NO preservatives added.

Harvesting Information

The following is a breakdown of the three fruits and specific information as to the harvesting:

Origin Amazon Rain Forest. The fruit is picked daily & freeze dried within 24 hours of harvest. The main Açaí trade in Brazil is done by individuals working as independent harvesters, contractors and also by coops (groups of people and/or families that work collectively together) and then sell as an independent contractor.

This fruit grows on extensive vines in the sheltered valleys of the Himalayas in Tibet. The round, red berries are very tender and must be shaken from the bine slowly, drying in the shade.

Origin Thailand, harvested when seasonally ripe for maximum efficacy. The xanthone rich pericarp is separated from the pulp and seed. The pericarp undergoes the cryogenic freeze dried process. Not all Asian "zones" are equal when it comes to quality mangosteen. Over the years the company has experienced some questionable quality of certain product samples, packaging, handling and exporting coming out of some countries, so Thailand is preferred for the raw material. AMiGO Health's pursuit of the best quality Mangosteen Pericarp, or hull ("pericarp" is the part of the Mangosteen fruit where the xanthones are the most potent) started months and months before you ever saw Mangosteen for sale on the internet. Other companies may use parts of the mangosteen fruit. While the fruit is good, and tastes great, it's the pericarp (hull or rind) that houses all potent antioxidant xanthones.

Each serving contains:

500mg Mangosteen (pericarp) per serving
500mg Goji Berries per serving
500mg Açaí Berries per serving

Each $49.95 container contains 90 servings (3 servings a day for 30 days). That is 4,500mg of Superfood Nutrition EVERY DAY! Only $10.00 and monthly autoship to join as a distributor.

Most products contain only 15-50mg of either mangosteen, goji or acai per serving. With AMiGO Juice product you'll get 500mg of each (Mangosteen, Goji and Açaí) per serving. That's 30 to 100 times the amount of SUPERFOOD per serving, when compared to other mainstream MLM products.

Rest assured, the quality cannot be surpassed. Try the product and feel the difference!

What exactly are antioxidants and why do we need them?

Today, antioxidants are the word on the street. They are used to boost energy, fight infection, and address a whole range of health issues.

Before XanGo, Tahitian Noni, Fruta Vida, (containing, respectively, mangosteen, goji, and acai) and now AMiGO Juice (a marriage of all three super foods in 20 times the quantity!), we had Vitamin C, E, and A. For many of us, it was all about drinking that cup of orange juice at breakfast or taking a vitamin supplement. But today, we are not talking about just a punch but a real blow to sickness and disease, taking the form of antioxidant rich health beverages that many consumers swear by in their quest for wellness.

Living in today's very toxic world, antioxidants deserve a special place in the area of nutritional supplements and are certainly worth examining closer to see what they are all about and learn how we can implement them into our daily routine.

Quite simply put, at the molecular and cellular levels, antioxidants serve to deactivate certain particles called free radicals. In humans, free radicals usually come in the form of O2, the oxygen molecule. The oxygen molecule desires to be oxidized, and this oxidation process can sometimes be carcinogenic. Free radicals are the natural by-products of many processes within and among cells. They are also created by exposure to various environmental factors, tobacco smoke and radiation. Of course, this certainly includes air quality and all the junk we put into our bodies that our immune system is forced to combat.

If allowed to run amok, these free radicals can cause damage to cell walls, cell structures, and genetic material within the cell. They are the bully on the playground and need to be dealt a firm hand for the resulting damage can eventually lead to disease and ultimately death.
Antioxidants play a key role in cleaning up the destruction caused by these free radicals. They clean house before free radicals get a chance to harm the body. Researchers have determined that antioxidants are useful in the prevention of carcinogenic effects of oxidation.

To that end, a variety of health companies, most notably in the form of multi-level marketing, have cropped up offering antioxidant rich health drinks, as captured in the "pericarp," "hull," "pulp," "rind," basically the whole fruit, the kitchen and its sink, ground and mixed and served up in tasty 1 oz. servings. Not to mention the mangosteen fruit has introduced an entirely new classification of antioxidants, called Xanthones with professed health benefits too numerous to list, many years of research, and centuries of positive use.

These antioxidant rich drinks created three distinct camps. One decided the mangosteen is their drink of choice, goji has its determined followers, and there is also acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee). It became difficult to navigate through hype and look for substance. According to numerous reports by customers, they all have their benefits.

However, in March of this year, one product was introduced, integrating all three important fruits into one single product in a dried formula, omitting any need for pasteurization, cutting back on the cost of shipping, and providing the most bang for the buck. Most importantly, each of the three super foods had very distinct benefits. Now we have a marriage of all three fruits in one drink, making AMiGO Juice, a drink with outstanding health benefits. For AMiGO Health has increased the typical 15 to 50 mg. (per serving) of mangosteen, goji, and açaí found in each of the three dominating super powers of fruit drinks, now increased to an astonishing 500 mg. of each fruit per serving. They also cut out the middleman which is usually a separate Internet marketing company, making the product much more cost efficient.

THE BIG THREE SUPER FOODS

The following is a look at the three fruits: acai, mangosteen, and goji.

Açaí:

The Açaí berry, or Açaí Fruit grows on majestic palm trees in the Amazon Rainforest and looks like a purple marble or grape. Açaí contains high levels of Antioxidants, Omega Fatty Acids (healthy fats), Iron, Amino Acids, Fiber, and many other vitamins and minerals. The people living in the Amazon region in Northern Brazil, have consumed Açaí for hundreds of years and its healing and sustaining powers are legendary.

Açaí Berry is known to harness the following properties: Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antimutagenic, Cardiovascular System. Acai berries contain very high amounts of essential fatty acids and omegas proven to lower LDL and maintain HDL cholesterol levels. They also contain a remarkable concentration of antioxidants to help combat premature aging.

Açaí Berry is a dense source of a particular class of flavonoids called anthocyanins. The ORAC value of Açaí Berry is higher than any other edible berry in the world. Açaí Berry is also an excellent source of dietary fiber. Açaí is extremely rich in organic vegetable protein which does not generate cholesterol during its digestion and is more easily processed and transported to your muscles than animal protein (such as what is found in milk or meat).

Besides its outstanding content of protein and unsaturated lipids, Açaí is also rich in carbohydrates, providing your body with the necessary energy while working or practicing any kind of sport.

There is also an amazingly high concentration of antioxidants useful in combating premature aging. The proanthocyanidine contents in Açaí Berries contain 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins (these are the purple colored antioxidants) of red wine per volume. Although the French consume a high fat diet, they have a low incidence of cardiovascular disease compared to the western countries. They contribute this factor to their consumption of red wine. Açaí Berries can help promote a healthier cardiovascular system and digestive tract, because of its synergy of monounsaturated fats (these are the healthy fats), dietary fiber, and phytosterols.

They provide the body with an excellent source of fiber. Fiber promotes a healthy digestive system. Research studies suggest soluble fibers may help lower blood cholesterol. The insoluble fiber may help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers. Essential amino acid complex along with trace minerals, which are vital for proper muscle contraction and regeneration.

MANGOSTEEN:

The mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical evergreen tree, believed to have originated in the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas. The tree grows from 7 to 25 meters tall. The edible fruit is deep reddish purple when ripe. In Asia, the mangosteen fruit is known as the "Queen of Fruits." The outer shell of the fruit (pericarp) is rather hard, typically 4-6 cm in diameter, resembling a spherical, black cartoon bomb.

Health benefits:

Mangosteen has compounds with antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-tumor activity. Laboratory testing thus far indicates that extracts of mangosteen have activity against several cancer cell lines including breast, liver, and leukemia. Mangosteen also appears to have anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Most notably, the mangosteen provides powerful anti-inflammatory benefits which play an important role in numerous health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease; allergic diseases; breast cancer; colon cancer; Crohn's disease; celiac disease; degenerative arthritis; heart disease; hypoglycemia; Parkinson's disease.

For hundreds of years, the people of Southeast Asia have used the mangosteen, especially the rind, to ward off and treat infections, reduce pain or control fever, and treat various other ailments.

Most of the studies with mangosteen have focused on the pericarp, or the dark, woody rind as opposed to the fruit inside the woody rind. The pericarp contains the active xanthone compounds. The fruit itself probably has some beneficial compounds but the compounds within the mangosteen fruit have not been studied as well as the mangosteen rind.

Several compounds in mangosteen appear to be active, particularly xanthones. Some of these xanthones include mangostin, mangostenol, mangostenone A, mangostenone B, trapezifolixanthone, tovophyllin B, alpha- and beta-mangostins, garcinone B, mangostinone, mangostanol, and the flavonoid epicatechin.

There are numerous studies available for review at www.pubmed.com. Just enter the word "mangosteen" to access a list.

GOJI

Goji berries have the highest concentration of beta-carotene among all foods on earth. Beta-carotene can be transformed into vitamin A under the influence of human liver enzymes. Therefore, vitamin A ultimately plays a major influence in Lycium's actions. Lycium's function on the eyes is related to this factor.

Lycium's vitamin B1 and B2 contents are significant and the vitamin C content of freeze-dried Lycium has been measured to be 73 mg/100 grams. The fruit also contains vitamin C, beta-sitosterol (an anti-inflammatory agent), linoleic acid (a fatty acid), sesquiterpenoids (cyperone, solavetivone), tetraterpenoids (zeaxanthin, physalin), and betaine (0.1%).

Lycium contains 18 kinds of amino acids, of which 8 are indispensable amino acids for the human body (such as isoleucine and tryptophan). 50% of Lycium's amino acids are free amino acid. Lycium contains numerous trace elements, of which the main ones are zinc, iron and copper. Mature fruits contain about 11 mg. of iron per 100 grams. Ning Xia Lycium contains 45% glucose, 7% fructose and 5.5% glucose.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

Goji Berries have been used in Tibet for at least 1,700 years. Tibetan medicine includes these berries in the treatment of kidney and liver problems. They are also used in Tibet to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and cleanse the blood. Goji Berries have a long history of use in the treatment of eye problems, skin rashes, psoriasis, allergies, insomnia, chronic liver disease, diabetes and tuberculosis. Goji Berries are used by the people of Tibet to increase longevity and as a general health strengthening tonic.

Science has shown that this bright red berry not only contains extremely high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, but also contains many unique phytochemicals, polysaccharides, and complex compounds that scientists are only beginning to understand.

Goji Berries contain the following complex compounds:

Betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease.

Physalin, which is active against all major types of leukemia. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B. Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound.

Beta-Sitoserol, an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement. It also lowers cholesterol.

Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and blood pressure. It has also been used in the treatment of cervical cancer.

These compounds as found in the Goji Berry are used in the following manner: Betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease. Physalin, which is active against all major types of leukemia. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B.

Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound. Beta-Sitoserol, an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement. It also lowers cholesterol. Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and blood pressure. It has also been used in the treatment of cervical cancer.

HOW DOES ONE CHOOSE THE RIGHT ANTIOXIDANT PRODUCT?

When navigating through the myriad of choices in determining which product to choose in today's antioxidant saturated market, it is important to consider the following criteria: quality of product quantity and source of ingredient reputation of manufacturing company and cost, cost, cost (worth mentioning more than once!).

Amigo Health holds impressive credentials, contains nearly 20 times the quantity of each of the main ingredients, mangosteen, acai, and goji, is all natural and cost accessible, making it a real stand out winner in the multi-functional health beverage market.

At one time, health products did a little bit of this and a little bit of that. As someone who used to pop about 30 different pills each day to get what I felt my body needed for good health, it is exciting to see a number of products offering profound results. These results are allowing individuals to drop their pharmaceutical drug habit, or at the very least drop the dose, giving the body what it craves most, all things natural. We can do much to combat the ill effects of toxins and poor diet by the choices we make with regards to nutritional supplementation.