How do maqui berries compare to other antioxidant-rich foods for skin health?
Maqui berries stand out as an exceptional source of antioxidants for skin health compared to other antioxidant-rich foods:
- Higher antioxidant content: Maqui berries contain up to 12 times the antioxidant content of regular berries. They are particularly rich in anthocyanins, with up to 1387 mg per 100 grams, compared to 300-700 mg in bilberries.
- Unique compounds: Maqui berries contain delphinidin, a specific anthocyanin that may improve blood vessel function in the eyes and reduce inflammation.
- Powerful free radical scavenging: Studies have shown that maqui berries score higher for total radical-trapping potential and total antioxidant reactivity than other berries.
- Skin benefits: The high antioxidant content in maqui berries helps counteract aging symptoms such as wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration. They also contain phytosterols that act as natural sunscreens, protecting the skin from UV radiation.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Maqui berries demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory effects, which can benefit skin health by reducing redness and irritation.
- Collagen support: A clinical study showed that daily intake of Delphinol (a standardized maqui berry extract) for 8 weeks slightly increased collagen scores, which typically decrease with age.
While other antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, acai, and goji berries are beneficial for skin health, maqui berries appear to offer a higher concentration of skin-supporting compounds, particularly anthocyanins and delphinidin. This makes them a potentially more potent option for promoting skin health and combating signs of aging through dietary intake or topical application.
