Acai Berry - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acai?
This a dark red berry from the Amazon rainforest. It has been considered the healthiest berry in the world due to the great concentration of antioxidants, healthy omega fats and fibers. The fruit is small, round and blackish purple. It looks like a grape, but smaller and darker. It has a big seed and very little pulp. Acai is widely used in energy drinks, ice cream, energy bars with granola, and mainly in Brazil the pulp is taken straight or used in juices.
What is the origin of the berry?
Acai is original from Amazon, Brazil.
Why is it so good for us?
The berry, specifically the skin, is loaded with antioxidants; about 30 times more than red wine. Antioxidants are molecules that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause. Acai also carries lots of fibers, healthy monounsaturated fats, iron and amino acids.
What benefits can I expect from consuming this berry?
The following are just some of the reported benefits of taking Acai, results vary from person to person but benefits can be felt in 1-2 weeks of usage:
Greater energy/stamina
Improved digestion
Improved Mental Focus
Better sleep
All nutrients come from one berry
Has more proteins then an average egg
Has a high amount of lipids that gives you energy.
Has essential minerals such as iron, potassium, phosphorus and calcium.
Has all natural Vitamin B1 (Thiamin), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin C, Vitamin E (tocopherol).
Improves sexual function and/or disfunction.
The berry has been shown to have up to 33 times the Antocyanine (a powerful Anti-Oxidant) then red wine grapes.
Contains a high level of fibers that is good for elderly and for people who have problems with digestive organs.
Has two essential fatty acids known as Omega 6 (Linoleic acid) and Omega 9 (Oleic acid). Research has shown that these fatty acids and antioxidants help in maintaining normal cholesterol levels.
The berry's antioxidant factors play a large role in the maintenance of the cardiovascular system, which is important for better blood circulation.
It is considered one of the richest nutritive fruits in the world.
The berry contains an almost perfect essential amino acid complex in conjunction with valuable trace minerals; vital to proper muscle contractions and regeneration.
Has a very low Sugar content for a fruit.
Assists in cleansing and detoxing your body, as well as boosting your immune system.
Why can't I buy these berries at the grocery store?
The acai berry is about 97-98% seed, and only 2-3% "meat" (as the Brazilian locals call it). 24 hours after harvested, the Acai berry already lost most of its nutritional value.
Why is it called a "Super Food"?
The complete berry is loaded with antioxidants; about 30 times more than red wine, which helps fight aging and a provides nutritional support to many other parts of our body. Acai also carries lots of fibers, healthy monounsaturated fats, iron and amino acids.
What is the relation to red wine and antioxidants?
The berry is very rich in anthoyanins, an antioxidant substance that helps fight the cholesterol and free radicals in our bodies. Ever heard that a glass of red wine a day is good for the heart? This is because of the anthocyanins in the grape. It is not by accident that the color of the Acai is similar to the color of red wine; although it has almost 30 times more anthocyanins than the grapes used to create the wine.
Other Facts about Acai:
It is a dense source of particular class of flavonoids called anthocyanins (red-blue phenols with potent antioxidant properties)
Anthocyanins are a group of phytochemicals in red wine thought to contribute to the "French paradox". IE. France has one of the lowest incidences of heart disease of any westernized society despite a prevalence of smoking and a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol (4).
The primary anthocyanin in the berry is Cyanidin-3-Glucoside (1), Cyanidin-3-Glucoside has been found to be more than three times stronger than Trolox (vitamin E analogue) and the predominate anthocyanin found in red wine (Nalvadin-3-Glucoside) in an ORAC analysis (measure of antioxidant capacity) (3).
What is an ORAC rating?
Anthocyanins have been found to "exhibit numerous potential therapeutic effects including treatment of diabetic retinopathy and fibrocystic disease of the breast in human" (3). "Other potential physiological effects of anthocyanins include radiation protective, chemopratective, vasoprotective and anti-inflammatory agents" (3)
The fatty acid ratio of the berry resembles that of olive oil, which is thought to be a contributing factor to the low incidence of heart disease in Mediterranean populations (4)
60% Oleic (Omega 9) a monounsaturated, essential fatty acid, helps lower LDL (harmful cholesterol) while maintaining HDL, (beneficial cholesterol) levels (4). 12% Linoleic (Omega 6) a polyunsaturated, essential fatty acid, has been found to lower both LDL and HL levels (4).
Fatty acids aid in the transport and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins ice. Vitamins A, E, D, and K(2).
Acai contains valuable phytosterols. Sterols are components of plant cell membranes providing numerous benefits to the human body, namely the reduction of blood plasma cholesterol (4)
Sterols are currently being used to treat symptoms associated with BP.
References
1) National Contor for Health Statictice. Annual summary of births, marriages, divorces, and deaths United States, 1993, Monthly vital statistics report-, vol 42 no 13. Hyattsville, MD: Public Health Service, 1594.
2) American Heart Association. Heart and stroke facts 1995 statistical supplement. Dallas, TX: American Heart Association, 1994,
3) "Biochemical and Technical Studies on Acai" by Dr. Herve Rogez 2, Sofia Pascal 2, Jesus N.S. de Souza, Arlete R. Aquino & Raphaele Buxant Dept.. de Engenharia Quimica - Centro Tecnologico, Diaouiweir ria I niinnin, Beligica)
4) National Cholesterol Education Program. Second report of the Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol In Adults Adult Treatment Panel II). BeM6sda National Heart, Lung.
The History Of The Acai Berry...
Where Can I Go To Get This Acai Berry?
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