Star Builder

An entry about anything but football is called for, so I thought I'd write about my children's summer fete, a tradition that has spanned decades with the rose queen being carted through the village and dancing, which is country dancing but with a much more modern twist.

What prey tell can I share with you from this event, don't worry I'm not going to bore you with a long analogy about tradition, or about the kids practising to make perfect, rather my oldest son who insisted on entering a book tombola and having won chose a book called 101 foods that could save your life...

So my son proudly gives me this book, the real reason for giving to me was that he had already won the book of pirate jokes, and there was nothing else that caught his eye. I won it for mum he says, I guess sometimes the winning is all that we need, irrespective of the actual prize.

This book entitled 101 foods that could save your life by David Grotto gives a brief description of the food and some ways to consume it, in alphabetical order. So I thought I'd compare the list against the ingredients of MonaVie, and also put David Grotto's reasons alongside:

• Açai - Listed for it's high antioxidant power and cancer fighting abilities. Interestingly enough it says taking the berries outside of Brazil is pointless and that if you're consuming a juice insure it is flash pasteurised. Ticking the boxes here too.
• Apple - Rich in vitamin C and fibre, and has antioxidants too, also linked with cancer prevention.
• Grape - Contains vitamin C and potassium, and been show to lower bad cholesterol
• Pear - High in vitamin C and potassium, and a lot of fibre. Linked in studies with weight loss and helping the digestive system.
• Pineapple - Has vitamin B6, magnese and copper, as well as digestive enzymes with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cranberry - Rich in fibre, vitamin C and flavanoids, though a fraction of the açai berry. Linked with reducing cancer, heart disease and dental health.
• Passion fruit - Excellent source of vitamin A, potassium, calcium and iron. Linked with lowering blood pressure.
• Elderberry - High in carotenoids and flavonoids with antioxident properties - shown to be anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-cancer.
• Prune - Not listed.
• Kiwi - Contains high levels of Vitamin C as well as potassium and vitamin E. Also luetin, a phytochemical that may reduce cancer, heart disease and cataracts.
• Blueberry - Hi ORAC score and packed with phytochemicals and may inhibit tumour growth, help maintain a healthy heart and is antibacterial. Note dried forms lack this.
• Blackberry - Antioxidants and phytochemicals, and vitamin C - shown to reduce allergies, and liked with reducing colon, liver lung and oesophageal cancers.
• Wolfberry - Not listed.
• Cherry - Variety of phytochemicals, linked to lowering cholesterol, and other things that may reduce inflammation, prevent heart disease and reduce tumour growth.
• Pomegranate - Full of antioxidants, the polyphenol content is 3 times more than green tea or red wine. Linked with helping reduce life threatening bacteria, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension and bone loss.
• Lychee - Not listed
• Acerola - Another form of cherry.
• Banana - Vitamin C, B6 and may help reduce the risk of blood pressure and strokes. Also helps to reduce ulcers, and reduce kidney cancer risks.
• Bilberry - Not listed

So 14 of the 19 fruit in MonaVie are listed in David's top 101 life protecting foods according. You can now understand why MonaVie took the holistic approach of more is better than relying on the one. To find out more about the product click here.