There are many foods and nutrients that span the bridge between the cosmeceutical and nutricosmetic sectors. They can act as an ingredient that can be added to skin creams, shampoos and other personal care items, and can also be used as a supplement that can be taken internally along with other health-enhancing nutrients that support skin and hair.
One example of this kind of ingredient is a super fruit combination, which includes goji, acai, noni, pomegranate, green tea, mangosteen and green coffee bean. These super fruits have a long history of use by traditional people in the areas where they are found, as well as scientific data substantiating their high level of healthy antioxidants.
Goji (wolfberry) has been treasured for centuries by the Himalayan people, the berries of the goji plant (Lycium barbarum) have been consumed daily by many of the world’s longest living people.
Acai is a berry harvested from the Brazilian rain forest, where natives believe the acai berry to have amazing healing and nutritional properties. Studies show acai has up to 33 times the antioxidant content as red wine grapes.
Noni grows in the Caribbean, Tahiti and Hawaii, producing a strange white, soft fruit. It is harvested when it is ripe, and pulverized, then strained it to make a healthful drink, high in enzymes and other factors that support healthy skin and hair.
Mangosteen is called “queen of the fruit” due to its delicious flavor and traditional medicinal use. It contains a wide range of antioxidants such as a polyhydroxy-xanthone derivative called mangostin.
Green coffee bean is the fresh, unroasted seed harvested from coffee plants. Its high in beneficial antioxidants, which gives it one of the highest ORAC values found in nature. Green coffee beans are high in chlorogenic acid, which may be linked to its energizing and fat burning capacity touted by Dr. Oz, and promoted by Starbucks as part of its “Refresher” line.
Pomegranate literally means “apple with many seeds.” This ancient fruit has been linked to fertility and beauty. Modern science confirms its use in topical applications due to suppression of lipid oxidation from its high ellagic acid levels (Plast Reconstr Surg. 1994 Dec; 94(7):1027-37) and enhanced effects for sunscreens (Cosmet Dermatol .2001;14(10):43–5). All of these superfruits make beautiful label content, and can support skin health when used for beauty from within as well as topically.
