Australian-Bush-Plum

Leading the fight against free radicals & aging

The Australian-bush-plum, Terminalia ferdinandiana, is a small deciduous tree found in northwestern Australia. During the wet season extending from January through March, the plant produces small plum-like fruits that look and taste like gooseberries.

These tart, green, heart-shaped fruit that grow from Katherine to the Kimberleys have for many years been a seasonal staple of the local Aboriginal diet. The Australian-bush-plum, also known as the Kakadu or billy goat plum, has been used to treat skin diseases, arthritis, colds and flu. Since scientists discovered the Australian bush plum is in fact a powerhouse of Vitamin C and a great source of antioxidants, the communities of the Kimberley, that grow the Australian-bush-plum are experiencing the 21st Century equivalent of a gold rush. The Gudumul community has been supplying large quantities of these Australian-bush-plums for the manufacture of a range of dietary supplements.

What is it?

A common example of oxidative stress is rust. Rust is free radical oxidative stress on metal. The process is similar on human cells.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are a normal by-product of energy production and the body is designed to cope with this. However, our bodies were designed to live on a pristine planet free of pollution and synthetic chemicals and to eat food that is highly nutritious, fresh and raw, not processed or synthesized.

More than 75,000 synthetic chemicals have been added to the Earth’s environment since 1930, and when we add those with other environmental toxins that cause free radical activity to the equation, the level of free radical attack is high enough to cause damage and disease.

Free radicals, unchecked, are the principal cause of degenerative diseases as well as premature aging.

How do we protect against oxidative stress?

The key to combating free radical oxidative stress is antioxidants. Antioxidants may also be helpful with other inflammatory issues, fatigue, mental acuity and important protection for your skin against damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Without question, antioxidants are the single most important defence for your body in the 21st century.

Why is healthy food not enough?

Doctors and dietitians have been taught that a healthy diet will provide all you need for all aspects of your health. This was true throughout most of history, but our planet has changed and in the 21st century the healthiest diet although desirable is simply no longer enough. Soil mineral conditions, the growing season, time of harvest, and the use of herbicides or plant regulators affect the nutrient of many fresh foods.

Aren’t all antioxidants the same?

Supplements are the answer but there is much controversy over effectiveness of supplements, forms, sources, combination and ratios of nutrients. One scientific research and development company studied this question for nearly four years and discovered, that some proven individual antioxidants, given in high doses, cause a neutralising or even pro-oxidative (harmful) effect.

They also found that some antioxidants, when given separately from their synergistic co-factors, could have the same result. These studies indicated that synergy is the key to antioxidant effectiveness – not isolation or mega-dosing.

The latest research shows that the primary factors for an effective antioxidant are the precise ratios, synergistic ingredients and complete natural complexes with co-factors as they appear in nature.

There isn’t space to explain the facts that confirm natural C and E are superior to synthetics, but the science is clear.

One of Australia’s hidden treasures is also one of the most valuable re-discoveries of the 21st century. In Australia since the dawn of time and one of the most important resources of the Aborigines – the Australian-bush-plum is known scientifically as Terminalia ferdinandiana. In 1987 it was discovered by science and it was noted that it had more than 50 times more ascorbic acid than citrus fruit. Testing has confirmed it does have the highest naturally occurring vitamin C of any known food and that when added to certain other antioxidants and co-factors it makes the best known antioxidant thus far tested in the world.

The US Department of Agriculture conducted a study and found that people who consumed up to 10 servings daily of fresh raw fruits and vegetables did increase antioxidant protection up to 13 per cent after only two weeks, as measured by a blood test called serum ORACb-PE.

By comparison, studies demonstrate that by using the recommended dosage of the special synergistic antioxidant blend containing the australian-bush-plum, the serum ORACb-PE protection was raised to 37.4%.

Clicking on the link will give you more information about this great antioxidant product. (You will need to leave your details and opt-in as a wellness friend to receive the password to access this page.)

It seems to me - the choice is obvious. In to-day’s world, dietary supplements are no longer a luxury and if you wish to achieve and maintain true wellness you need to be taking quality supplements every day.

Partly Extracted from an Article written by Dr Steve Nugent NMD, PhD for Health & Living 11/04