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04/13/2006: "Drink Your Antioxidants"

When I mention “free radicals”, I am sure my friend Ellen Elster has a thought or two that has nothing to do with cell metabolism. We have all heard them mentioned. A free radical is a molecule with an incomplete electron shell, which makes it more chemically reactive than those with complete electron shells. Regular cell processes as well as exposure to chemicals and toxins create these incomplete molecules. These free radicals then try to steal electrons from other molecules, which cause damage to the DNA among other things. So antioxidants neutralize free radicals so they cannot cause damage (or cancer if you will).

We see a lot of products that advertise themselves as antioxidants. These include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A, and other substances. Since my concentration on these things, I have found two elixirs that claim to be the best. The first drink, “Xango”, Mike DeSa, the superintendent of the Walnut Creek School District, told me about. Xango (www.xango.net) is a mix of juices. The main one being Mongosteen, which is a berry found in South East Asia. This berry is a high source xanthones proved to be powerful antioxidants. This juice is mixed with Apple, Pear, Grape, Blueberry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Cranberry and Cherry juices. Distribution is kind of a pyramid scheme. I got a case on eBay.

The other drink I indulge in is “Mon Vie.” This is a drink made from Acai (Ah-Sigh-Ee) that you are seeing more of. Jamba Juice now has a mixture and I saw a box of juice bags at whole foods. I found out about Mona Vie (http://www.monavie.com/1/) from an older gentleman on the slopes in Colorado. I was sitting at a lunch table at 10,000 feet elevation and he had been skiing like crazy. He claimed his vigor was due to this miracle drink. Acai is a fruit grown in the Amazon rain forest. It is apparently, the best antioxidant out there. Besides the Acai berry, Mona Vie includes pomegranate, grapes, pears, passion fruit, banana, apricot, prunes, kiwi, bilberry, camu camu, wolfberry and lychee.

Just wanted to share a couple of pretty good tasting elixirs. They are as expensive as a bottle of wine, but then I gave that up so I figure this is an even trade. Here is to your health!

Replies: 3 Comments

on Saturday, April 22nd, jill and jim said

Dear Doug, Jim and I will be thinking of you in Mexico. Millie told us your Dad is going with you. That's a good thing. You write so well. Hope to hear from you when you are south of the border. We love you

on Saturday, April 15th, Katherine Young said

Dear Doug,

Reading your writings while sitting here in my study in Taipei, I marvel at what we are able to do to span distance. You have set this up beautifully...to read what you are finding in your readings is fascinating. Organic is new to Taiwan and so my shopping can take me to two or even three grocery stores to find what I am looking for. Have heard of the Acai juice before, in fact Mary and I introduced it to our morning routine during a round of Florida shows when we found it at the local grocery store. Have you ever seen Healthy Healing, an alternative Healing reference? Linda G Rector-Page put it out. I have the 9th edition and I think now they are up to 12 or 13. All sorts of good info on juicing, detoxing and how to heal using food, body work, herbs, minerals, including their approaches to hundreds of ailments.
I will keep checking back. Thinking of you all. Love, Katherine

on Friday, April 14th, Launi said

Dear Doug,
Just wanted to say hi and that I think about you and your family often and pray for you every day! I miss seeing you when I am at the County building, but our entire staff is benefitting from the fruits of your labor with the web portal. Thank you for that! Thank you too for your thoughtful and insightful sharing of your struggle through this blog. It is a true testament to the person and soul that you are that you take time to share all that you are going through and what you have learned with us all. I hope you have a wonderful Easter with your family on Sunday and I hold good thoughts for the results of your latest tests. Love, Launi