ACAI BERRY
About the Acai berry
The Acai berry is the fruit of a palm tree that grows in the rainforests of the Amazon. Brazilians call the palm ‘The Tree of Life’ and the fruit has been a staple there for centuries. This little violet berry is a very nutritious and high-energy food source and it is the reddish skin of the Acai berry that contains the plant pigment anthocyanin and other antioxidants. It is the high antioxidant properties of the Acai berry that make this fruit so special.
Understanding anthocyanins and other antioxidants
Research has shown that plant pigments like anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants. Anthocyanins are plant chemicals that neutralize ‘free radicals’ that damage our cells and create numerous health problems and are associated with disease and aging. The Acai berry has twice as many antioxidants as cancer-fighting blueberries and 60 percent more antioxidants than the acclaimed pomegranate.
Antioxidants help remove toxins and poisons from our bodies that accumulate over the years in our daily lives due to pollution, smoking, alcohol, processed foods, and many other sources. These toxins in your body can accelerate the onset of aging and other negative effects include slowing down your metabolism. Therefore, we constantly need to replenish our supply of antioxidants and the Acai berry has been shown to have the highest level of antioxidants of any practical food.
Anthocyanins have been shown to help prevent blood clots, improve blood circulation, relax blood vessels, and prevent arthrosclerosis. Other powerful effects of anthocyanins include antiviral and antiallergic properties.
Essential fatty acids
The acai berry is a good source of essential fatty acids that have been shown to be equally powerful. Oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 acid, and linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 acid, help lower LDL and maintain healthy HDL levels. They also increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, E, D, and K, which are essential for good health.
Acai provides it all plus other healthy nutrients like fiber, phytosterols, and vitamins C and E. These phytochemicals have been shown to lower cholesterol, protect the immune system, and relieve an enlarged prostate. The properties of anthocyanins combined with essential fatty acids are powerful nutritional tools in the pursuit of good health and with Acai you get the healing power of many phytonutrients in one delicious package.
How to take Acai Berry
Since the Acai berry is grown in Brazil, the fragile fresh fruit will not withstand shipping over long distances. However, its significant nutritional benefits can be harnessed by a freeze-drying method that is the format used for most supplements on the market today. It is also available in liquids prepared from the pulp and juice. With a very low natural sugar content, it is a good option for diabetics who need to watch their juice consumption. If you want a juice, select pure juice, not one that contains additives and sweeteners, as this will counteract the beneficial nutrients.
In summary
The benefits of the Acai berry are invaluable and provide great hope for healing and disease prevention.
* improved energy due to increased metabolism
* easier weight control
* improved circulation
* healthier skin and digestion
* stronger heart
* reduced cholesterol
* antioxidant detox
* stronger immune system
* greater mental clarity and better concentration
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