Douglas Labs FruiTEA-Max 60 Caps
DESCRIPTION FruitTEA-Max™, supplied by Douglas Laboratories®, is a proprietary combination of OxyPhyte® White Tea Extract (standardized to a minimum of 90% polyphenols and 70% catechins), OxyPhyte® apple and pomegranate extracts, and VitaBlue™ wild blueberry extract supplied in vegetarian capsules. Each serving provides the ORAC equivalent of approximately 8-11 servings of fruits and vegetables.
FUNCTIONS As science continues to uncover connections between the diseases of aging and free radical damage, antioxidants remain a vital safeguard in helping to protect against the damage caused by free radicals. Diets high in antioxidants, as well as supplementation with antioxidants have been shown to have a protective effect in reducing cellular damage caused by free radicals. Specifically, tea has been used for hundreds of years by many cultures throughout the world for its health promoting properties and has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant. While many people are familiar with green and black tea, white tea is less well known. Although white tea is derived from the same plant from which green and black tea are made (Camellia sinensis), white tea is considered to be a more rare and unique product. The term “white” is derived from the high proportion of silvery buds on the plant at the time of harvesting, which tend to impart a white tint to the tea. Green tea is often promoted for the fact that is it minimally processed; however, white tea is the least processed of all the teas, and is rapidly steamed and dried after picking. This lack of processing results in a higher concentration of polyphenols, and consequently, greater antioxidant activity. The apple, pomegranate and blueberry extracts present in FruiTEA-Max™ also contribute significant antioxidant activity to this formulation. In fact, pomegranate juice has been shown to contain almost three times the total antioxidant ability compared with similar amounts of green tea or red wine.
Measuring Antioxidant Activity – The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay is a method for quantifying the antioxidant strength of substance (i.e. its ability to fight free radicals). The method was developed in part at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. The measurement involves combining the sample to be tested (the antioxidant) with a fluorescent compound as well as a compound that generates free radicals at a known rate. As free radicals are generated, the fluorescent compound is damaged and subsequently loses its fluorescence. When the antioxidant is present, it absorbs the free radicals being produced and therefore inhibits the loss of fluorescence by the fluorescent compound. The stronger the antioxidant is, the more the loss of fluorescence will be inhibited. The measurement is standardized against a water-soluble vitamin E derivative (called Trolox) which has a known ORAC value, and is reported in terms of Trolox equivalents (µmole TE). This method serves as an excellent way to quantify the ability of various compounds to quench free radicals. ORAC values have been measured for many fruits and vegetables as well as numerous plant extracts. For example, a single serving (1/2 cup) of fruits and vegetables yields an ORAC value between 600 – 800 µmoleTE. Based on the recommendation that we should be consuming five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day, one can tell that the ORAC value of a healthful diet would be quite high. ORAC value is measured on every lot of FruiTEA-Max, and is typically around 7,000 µmoleTE per serving which is the ORAC equivalent of 8 – 11 servings of fruits and vegetables. While dietary supplements do not take the place of a healthy, well- balanced diet, FruiTEA-Max™ can serve as an excellent way for easily increasing antioxidant intake.
INDICATIONS FruiTEA-Max™ may be a useful dietary adjunct for individuals wishing to supplement their diets with a unique blend of antioxidants.
SUGGESTED USE Adults take 2 capsules daily with meals or as directed by physician.