What is the BIG DEAL about “free radicals?”
Free radicals are highly reactive compounds that are created in the body during normal metabolic functions or are introduced in the environment. Free radicals are inherently unstable, since they contain “extra” energy. To reduce their energy load, free radicals react with certain chemicals in the body, and in the process, interfere with the cells’ ability to function normally. Antioxidants work in several ways: they may reduce the energy of the free radical, stop the free radical from forming in the first place, or interrupt an oxidizing chain reaction to minimize the damage caused by free radicals.
- The Natural Pharmacy, Healthnotes, 2006
The book goes on to explain that free radicals are believed to play a role in causing more than 60 different health conditions including the aging process, cancer and atherosclerosis and that increasing intake of antioxidant nutrients has the potential to reduce the risk of free radical-related health problems.
Is the Saskatoon Berry Canada’s answer to Acai?
Mike believes Saskatoon Berries are at the point scientifically and commercially that Cranberries were 100 years ago in the early 1900’s. If so, a company that is on the ball in this area would be tying up all production of this crop for the next 10 years in order to control the market from barriers to entry to product and pricing. Ocean Spray built a multibillion dollar business out of Cranberry Juice and the potential with Saskatoon Berries lies somewhere between the Acai and Cranberries. Obviously, if Saskatoons take off, more crop space will be needed to keep up with demand. Currently there is limited Saskatoon Berry crop which is good at start-up point with Abattis tying up the entire crop thus creating barriers to entry in this specific industry. |
