These days, the blueberry seems to hold the world championship in the super-fruit category, those fruits that have high nutritional value, superior antioxidant characteristics, and demonstrated health benefits. Pomegranate appears to be a close second, even if the research behind it is still in need of more work to overcome doubts about its health-value, at least as currently produced and marketed. So, if a general consumer strategy for healthy juices currently can be arrived at by drinking blueberry and pomegranate (all other factors, like blends, fruit origins, and packaging held equal), can these choices be improved by also adding some of the other leading contenders we’re hearing about these days, specifically acai berries, wolfberries, and noni.

Unfortunately, a direct comparison of these three berries is difficult, since a comparison of values can only be done between studies. For instance, one study, which considered a much wider range of tests for anti-oxidant properties than usual (i.e., potency, low-density lipoprotein inhibition, and total polyphenol content) concluded that pomegranate juice, red wine, Concord grape, blueberry, and black cherry juice all finished ahead of acai juice, with pomegranate being in general vastly superior to all juices tested. (Acai at least finished ahead of cranberry and orange juice.) At more than $35 per bottle for acai juice, however, this amounts to $180 per month for a single person, which might be good for business, but is obviously excessive compared to the much more affordable pomegranate.

Two prime areas of investigation for acai and noni both involve their specific effect on cancer. A study in Florida found that acai triggered cellular self-destruct in 86% of leukemia cells; what might be lost in the fine print is that acai berry pulp, not just fruit juice, was used. Meanwhile, a clinical trial for cancer-fighting qualities of noni found improved quality of life, but no tumor regression. Since a recommended dosage of noni can be as little as an ounce per day, it’s far more affordable than acai, even if it is almost nutritionally negligible at such levels. However, according to one comparison, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of at least one brand of 100% noni juice was only one third of a 14% blend of acai juice. (Bear in mind, like most mangosteen juices, the anti-oxidant properties of this acai blend may come more from what it’s blended with than the acai juice itself.)

Last, the Chinese wolfberry, or goji, also tends to be an expensive juice with largely untested claims. At least one commercially available 100% goji juice product has a TAC higher than acai (a score of 2025 per 25 ml, compared to 1800 per 30 ml), at a comparably expensive price. Wolfberry juice is distinguished from other anti-oxidative fruits by unique polysaccharides currently used to market some brands of the fruit; to date, medical claims regarding these compounds have not been substantiated by scientific research and should not be taken seriously. Another claim, of wolfberry’s considerable vitamin C content, is similarly exaggerated; it does appear to have exceptionally high numbers for calcium, magnesium, and selenium (if that’s what you’re looking for). According to one study (and only one, unfortunately), by one measure of anti-oxidant characteristics, dried wolfberries test six times higher than blueberries. This result wants further validation, as well as a comparison for juice. In the meantime, then, it seems that goji may be only a sheep in wolf’s clothing. (Wolfberry also has a documented, potential health risk for an interaction with an anticoagulant medication.)

What emerges from the above comparison, which is hardly scientific or a thorough literature review, is an overwhelming impression that there’s a great deal of marketing going on that is aimed at people (in the US) who are very concerned, and with good cause, about their health. If only anti-oxidant properties are considered, then it is clear that the more plentiful, and considerably cheaper options of blueberry, pomegranate, and even red wine, continue to be better options (even if goji’s anti-oxidant index is as high as the one study found). And since substantiated health benefits lag considerably behind the health claims for exotic berries like acai, goji, and noni, there are indubitably better ways to spend your money than on highly overpriced juice drinks or capsules, but if you can afford them, they probably won’t hurt.

Anyone know more?