Research from Riga Stradins University Reveals the Secret of Nordic Berries
It's no surprise that Nordic wild berries have been celebrated for their incredible health benefits, but only a few of us genuinely understand the vitamins, minerals, and power of antioxidants these berries contain.
That's why for us–MUSS–it was essential to ensure that these wild berries keep their highest nutritional value after being processed, so the research was done.
Scientific Research Main Objectives
1. Understand the levels of antioxidants in Nordic wild blueberries in different conditions.
We collaborated with the Scientific Laboratory of Biotechnology at Riga Stradins University to research the levels of antioxidants found in Nordic wild blueberries in Latvian forests.
This included comparing antioxidant levels in the fresh, dried, and lyophilized (freeze-dried) blueberries.
2. Measure the biggest antioxidant activity (AO) in MUSS food supplements 3a, 3d, and 3u.
The research has also been conducted to provide information about the antioxidant activity (AO) found in MUSS food supplements 3a (anti-aging formula), 3d (for skin, hair and nails), and 3u (for immunity). The AO is responsible for antiradical activity against free radicals.
But before we jump into research findings, it's important to understand the meaning behind antioxidants and free radicals and how they impact our health.
Antioxidant Power within Nordic Wild Berries–A Game-Changer for Your Well-Being
Many epidemiological studies have described the beneficial effects of plant-based foods on the human body. For example, a recent study has proven that foods and fruits containing vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, phenolic acids, polyphenols (antioxidants) play vital roles against oxidative stress, body inflammation, and improved skin health.
Epidemiological and clinical studies have proved that biologically active substances, like antioxidants found in berries, fruits, vegetables, microalgae, etc., reduce the risk of chronic and degenerative diseases.
Nordic wild berries are a fantastic source of natural antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals and protect our cells from damage.
What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are substances that help to protect our bodies from damage caused by oxidation. Oxidation is a process that occurs naturally in our bodies but can also be triggered by several external factors:
✹ Pollution
✹ Radiation
✹ Smoking
✹ Toxins
✹ Stress
✹ Low and poor-quality food
During oxidation, highly reactive compounds called free radicals are formed. These free radicals can cause harm in reaction with important molecules in our body, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. When these molecules become oxidized, they can no longer function properly, leading to cell and tissue damage.
This damage can contribute to the development of various health issues, like:
✹ Cardiovascular diseases
✹ Infectious diseases
✹ Complications of diabetes
✹ Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's
✹ Premature aging
Including antioxidant-rich foods like berries within your daily diet can help maintain the normal functioning of your cells and tissues, promoting overall health and well-being.
How do Antioxidants Neutralize Free Radicals?
Firstly, free radicals are a natural part of our body's metabolic process. However, if produced in excess, they can disrupt the balance between free radicals and antioxidants, damaging the body's biological system and cells.
Antioxidants have the power to neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, which reduces their ability to cause damage. They act as a protective shield, protecting our cells from harm and improving our overall well-being.
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"Many people consume antioxidants in the form of food supplements, sometimes synthetically produced, but such molecules substances are harmful to the human body. That's why it's important to check the ingredients your food supplements contain." Our researcher from the Scientific Laboratory of Biotechnology states |
That's why for us, it was important that develop food supplements that contain only 100% natural ingredients, and we chose the most powerful nature source available–berries.
Here you can check any food supplement ingredient list.
Natural antioxidants and How to get them?
To effectively maintain your intake of antioxidants, it's recommended to consume foods that are in season.
However, if you want to ensure you get enough antioxidants throughout the year, you can consider using natural food supplements, such as MUSS.
Anthocyanins–Nature's Health Boosters
High antioxidant activity is shown by polyphenols–a wide group of substances that includes bioflavonoids and anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins are responsible for the plant color pigments red, purple, and blue in berries, fruits and vegetables.
Several studies show that a diet rich in polyphenols like anthocyanins provides a range of health benefits:
- Normalized blood sugar levels
- Reduced inflammation
- Reduced the risk of developing heart disease by normalizing pressure and reducing "bad" cholesterol
- Can inhibit the growth and development of various cancer cells by preventing genetic material damage (trusted source)
- Promote healthy digestion
- Improve brain functions–attention and memory (trusted source)
It's been researched that anthocyanins or anthocyanin-rich foods intake are associated with the above benefits and risk of type 2 diabetes reduction.
Research Findings about Anthocyanins and Antioxidant Activity within MUSS Food Supplements
Freeze-dried, aka lyophilised wild Nordic wild blueberries contain the most anthocyanins
Freeze-dried blueberries (2.1 - 2.4 g per 100 g of dry mass) and the prepared extract (2.3-2.4%) contain the most anthocyanins. 13 different types of anthocyanins have been discovered. The content of anthocyanins depends on the temperature–exceeding -45 °C during the production process is not desirable.
Research has shown that the anthocyanin levels in blueberries found in Latvian forests are similar to other Nordic countries such as Sweden and Finland. The levels are slightly higher compared to berries picked in Lithuania.
There was no significant difference in the anthocyanin content of berries between 2021 and 2022. So, any product that contains blueberries (or blueberry extract) contains anthocyanins.
MUSS Natural Anti-Aging Vitamins–3a ANTIOXIDANT and vitamins for Hair, Skin & Nails–3d contains blueberry extract.
The Most Powerful MUSS Food Supplement in Terms of Anthocyanins
The scientists compared antioxidant activity (AO) within MUSS 3a, 3d, and 3u food supplements. The MUSS 3d vitamin complex showed the highest AO activity for skin, hair and nails. These food supplements also contained the highest amount of anthocyanins.
Due to the fact that antioxidant properties in fruits are closely related to a group of compounds called polyphenols, scientists also determined the total polyphenol content in MUSS products–3a and 3d since both of those products contain blueberry extract.
The total polyphenol content was relatively high: approximately 1 g (MUSS 3a vitamin complex) to 1.7 g (MUSS 3d vitamin complex) per 100 g.
Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle with MUSS Vitamins
All MUSS products contain 100% natural ingredients–Nordic wild berries that provide a powerful source of antioxidants to enhance your overall health and well-being.
We aim to show you the power of nature and its effect on your health. Embrace a new daily habit with MUSS!