Published April 2, 2008 in the North Island Weekender 

Many folks come into the office for a visit to check up on some of the latest research that I have found. Joan, age 56, was one such person. She was relatively healthy but had a dear friend of hers just pass away from breast cancer. Knowing that cancer rates seem to be rising she wanted to know more ways in which she could try and prevent this from happening to her. Most don’t realize that cancer cells are continuously being formed in the body and only a healthy surveillance system provided by the immune system keeps these cells in check.

The buzz word “anti-oxidants” is well known to equate to anti-aging because they quench free radicals. Long term free radical damage is now recognized as the greatest contributor to age-related degenerative diseases and some cancers are now considered to be chronic degenerative diseases. Common anti-oxidants include vitamin and minerals such as vitamin E, C, selenium and zinc.

Flavinoids found in fruits and vegetables are even more powerful anti-oxidants than these vitamins and minerals and are effective in decreasing cancer, and lowering LDL oxidation in coronary artery disease. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) tested the ability of many foods and other compounds to subdue oxygen free radicals. At the very top of the list for effectiveness, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries and raspberries were shown to have the most potent anti-oxidant capacity for berries. Other research data demonstrates that a combination of anti-oxidants provide greater protection than any single nutritional anti-oxidant.

Joan asked me if the pomegranate juice and other popular juices on the market would give the same protection as these berries? I encourage everyone to consume foods that are high in anti-oxidants but also caution that when any food is concentrated into a juice that impurities can also be concentrated so make sure these juices are organic and free of pesticides and other impurities.

VerryBerry is a Mixed Berry Antioxidant Supplement developed from a testing program at Bastyr University that analyzed over 100 plants and berries for anti-oxidant status. VerryBerry contains the top 4 berries (blueberry, blackberry, cranberry and raspberry) and the well researched, high anti-oxidant pomegranate juice. Recently VerryBerry has been changed due to the world wide shortage of organic blueberries. It seems everyone is getting on the blueberry band wagon and realizing that they slow the aging process, help with balance and coordination and the anthocyanins in blueberries provide deep anti-oxidant protection of the brain and the eye.

Macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of vision loss due to aging and it is well documented that anthocyanins will improve micro-circulation to the retina. Flavonoids improve the integrity of the blood vessels, decreasing the leakiness and breakage of capillaries and improving circulation to the retina of diabetics.

It is well known that cancer incidence is reduced by consuming fruits and vegetables. Ellagic acid, a known anti-carcinogen, is found in blackberries and other berries found in VerryBerry. Flavonoids strengthen the basement membrane surrounding capillaries and protect against tumor growth and metastatic invasion.

The newest VerryBerry has more blackberries and concord grapes to double the anti-oxidant concentration and provides 3/4 of a liter of berries per half teaspoon! It is packaged in a new container that improves its shelf life and soon the plastic bottle will be replaced with a biodegradable corn based bottle.

These health benefits were exactly what Joan was looking for. She was excited to start the VerryBerry and to encourage her grandchildren to take it with their cod liver oil.