Maqui powder: uses and nutritional benefits

• Antioxidant (vitamin C, polyphenol): Maqui powder stands out for its powerful antioxidant effect. It contains a lot of vitamin C and polyphenols. Among the polyphenols, we find anthocyanins and more particularly delphinidins. Delphinidins are said to have the most powerful antioxidant activity among anthocyanins.

• Anti-inflammatory (anthocyanin): thanks to the anthocyanins it contains, Maqui powder inhibits the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (components which are involved in the inflammatory reaction). This property is encouraged by various scientific studies.

• Cardiovascular protector (anthocyanin): Maqui powder is a vector of anthocyanin. The cardio-protective effect of anthocyanins has been proven. Also note that Maqui powder is low in sodium. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, preventing heart complications.

• Blood sugar regulator : a scientific study carried out on 31 prediabetic subjects, over three months, demonstrates that Maqui powder improves the glycemic profile of the participants. Supplementing with Maqui extract improved their glucose tolerances and reduced levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C, a reflection of average blood sugar).

• Hypocholesterolemic : Maqui powder would improve the lipid profile. A 3-month scientific study on 31 participants supplemented with Maqui extract certifies a significant reduction in LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol, with an increase in HDL-cholesterol. This same study indicates that no impact is observed on the concentration of total cholesterol and triglycerides.

• Pain killer : it seems that Maqui powder has an antinociceptive effect. A scientific study on animals shows that Maqui powder would be a promising supplement in pain management. On the other hand, other scientific studies are necessary to truly confirm this property in humans.

• Contributes to energy metabolism (carbohydrate, vitamin C): Maqui powder is energetic. This energy is mainly provided by carbohydrates, the fuel of cells. In addition, the vitamin C contained in Maqui powder also contributes to the proper functioning of energy metabolism.

• Laxative (fiber): rich in fiber, Maqui powder will contribute to intestinal comfort. The fibers have the particularity of swelling in the presence of water. Within the intestinal lumen, they will increase the volume of stools which stimulates intestinal transit.

• Immunomodulating (vitamin C): Maqui powder supports the immune response by contributing to vitamin C intake. The role of vitamin C in the immune system is still poorly defined; it seems that it is involved in the mobility of immune cells.

• Nervous rebalancing (vitamin C): due to its richness in vitamin C, Maqui powder participates in the biosynthesis of catecholamines. Catecholamines are hormones or neurotransmitters, such as adrenaline, dopamine or norepinephrine.

• Vasculoprotective (vitamin C): Maqui powder contributes to maintaining the integrity and normal functioning of blood vessels. Indeed, the vitamin C richly concentrated in Maqui will participate in the formation of collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes up the middle layer (media) of blood vessels.

• Protector of the osteoarticular system (vitamin C): Maqui powder is a good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to the formation of collagen. Collagen is the most represented protein in the body, particularly in bones, tendons, cartilages and ligaments.

• Dental protector (vitamin C): vitamin C gives Maqui powder benefits for oral health. Indeed, vitamin C is involved in the biosynthesis of collagen. Collagen is an important component of gum tissue and dental tissues (except tooth enamel).

• Anti-fatigue (vitamin C): Maqui powder is extremely rich in vitamin C: 2 tablespoons of Maqui powder are enough to fully meet our daily vitamin C needs. Vitamin C is known to reduce fatigue. It also fights against iron deficiency, by increasing its absorption. An iron deficiency increases the feeling of fatigue.

• Firming (vitamin C): Maqui powder is full of vitamin C. It thus supports the formation of collagen. This protein gives the skin its resistance and firmness.

Maqui belongs to the Elaocarpaceae family. It is an evergreen tree 4 to 6 m high. It is found in southern Chile and Argentina. This small bushy tree is characterized by its lanceolate leaves. The inflorescences are made up of whitish to pale yellow, hermaphrodite flowers. After fertilization, they transform into a small blue-black berry, also called Maqui (or Macqui). The fruits are harvested from December to February. The Maqui (tree) tolerates temperate regions well and does not seem to matter to its exposure.

The Maqui (tree) has the Latin name: Aristotelia chilensis. Its genus "Aristotelia" refers to the Greek philosopher Aristotle. Its name "Chilensis" is dedicated to its Chilean origin.