A Closer and Deeper Look At Super Fruit Acai Berry
Posted: Saturday, November 20, 2010
by Peter Lockett
Premier Nutrition
The acai berry fruit ( pronounced as (ah-SAH'-ee) has become known as one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world. It comes from a palm plant that is widely distributed in northern South America with its greatest presence and economic importance in Brazil. The acai palm is described by some as being very ornamental, it has multiple branches reaching up to 80 feet in height. It produces small deep purple, almost black, acai fruit berries that grow in groups of 3 to 8 per bunch.
Acai Berry is considered a superfruit because of the numerous health benefits that it provides.The fruit provides powerful antioxidants,amino acids and essential fatty acids that play a vital role in keeping our bodies healthy. One of the biggest benefits of Acai to your health is that it provides you with the antioxidants that are needed to support a healthy heart.
The aai fruit might look like a grape, but it has smaller pulp and only a single large seed, and in South America is often eaten raw or used as a condiment. Because the fresh fruit deteriorates rapidly after harvest, it is generally only available as juice or frozen fruit pulp outside its growing region. Aai are among the most nutritious foods of the Amazon, rich in B vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains oleic acid (omega-9), a beneficial fatty acid often mistakenly referred to as essential. Potassium is the mineral most abundant in the aai, but it is also rich in copper, and unusually high in manganese. Only a small portion supplies far more than the body needs of this ultra-trace mineral.
The fatty acid content in aa resembles that of olive oil, and is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid is important for a number of reasons. It helps omega-3 fish oils penetrate the cell membrane; together they help make cell membranes more supple. By keeping the cell membrane supple, all hormones, neurotransmitter and insulin receptors function more efficiently. This is particularly important because high insulin levels create an inflammatory state, and we know inflammation causes aging.
Acai berries have steadily been gaining a reputation due to it's high level of antioxidants. Through the consumption of antioxidant rich foods, you may combat fatigue, illness, and disease, including heart ailments, cancer, and other degenerative health issues. The Acai berry is also known to benefit an individual's desire in becoming healthier, stronger, and motivated during physical activity. While having high levels of antioxidants, one of the lesser known benefits associated with the Acai berry are called anthocyanins responsible for the vibrant colors of fruits and flowers.
Anthocyanins boost our bodies' support mechanisms helping reduce inflammation, pulling toxins out of the system, and fighting free radicals before they have a chance to wreak havoc and damage our cells. Anthocyanins are some of the most potent forms of phytonutrients, these plant pigments are primarily found in many berries, grapes, and to some degree in other fruits and vegetables. Anthocyanins possess an ability to work deeply in the human body. These essential phytonutrient pigments provide powerful protection and have diverse physiological and pharmacological effects. They do this through their powerful antioxidant abilities.
Studies show that anthocyanins can help prevent blood clots, improve blood circulation, relax blood vessels, and prevent artherosclerosis. But scientists have also uncovered a whole host of other powerful effects from anthocyanins, including antiviral and antiallergenic properties. Some research even suggests that anthocyanins can prevent cancer, by blocking carcinogenesis on a molecular level and encouraging tumor cell death.
An example of how antioxidants work, oxidation for example damage our bodies' cells and may contribute to the aging process. Oxidation happens as the result of invading, damaging molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that get into the body as a result of over-exercise, stress, being exposed to dirty air and other environmental pollutants. Antioxidants are integral in supporting the body's natural defense system, anthocyanins together with the other beneficial vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables, protect against oxidative stress and associated pathologiessuch as cancers, heart disease and inflammation.
The aa berry contains 33 times more anthocyanins than grapes, making it a great way to help combat premature aging. A powerful antioxidant and a rich source of essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, plant sterols, valuable trace minerals, iron and fiber, the aa berry provide many remarkable nutritional benefits. Another example of acai berrys nutritional and health benefits are a 100-gram serving of aa contains only 90 calories, just two grams of fat and no cholesterol. Plus, it delivers 3.5 grams of dietary fiber. Subsequent research has shown that in addition to the anthocyanins and essential fatty acids, aa also contains a healthy dose of plant sterols, another class of phytochemicals that have been shown to reduce cholesterol, protect the immune system, and relieve prostate enlargement. In fact, it turns out aa is in the same family as saw palmetto, a common herbal treatment for prostate enlargement.
Today, more than ever, people are taking the advice of doctors and seeking out the health benefits associated with what is known as a superfood. With the high level of antioxidants and other beneficial components, products such as supplements containing Acai are more and more popular, due to their many desirable health benefits, including boosting heart health and maintaining important organs, muscles, and tissues.
Peter Lockett is the owner and manager of Premier Health and Wellness which provides nutrition supplements, health and wellness products, diet systems.
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