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Diet & Nutrition > The Foods We Eat > Acai Berry
If you are looking for ways to improve your health, good quality nutritional foods should be first priority. One traditional super food that people are now becoming aware of is acai berry which is now commercially available. You will find that there are many benefits with acai berry and that consuming either the fresh berries, concentrate, supplements or Juice can improve your life.
Acai Berry is a rainforest berry that grows on Euterpe oleracea palm trees in the Amazon basin. This dark purple berry has a fruity taste with a hint of chocolate. For centuries the local inhabitants have used the acai berry as a staple part of their diet to boost energy levels, strengthen their immune system and treat ailments including infections and diarrhea. Over the last decade the berry has become popular in the coastal cities of Brazil and acai smoothies are now central to Brazilian beach culture. In particular, the berry is eaten by fitness enthusiasts and athletes for its energizing and detoxifying properties. With high levels of antioxidants and cholesterol fighting fatty acids, the Amazonian acai berry has been hailed as the new superfood. Manufacturers are adding acai to food and drinks as part of a growing trend towards healthier eating.
Acai is a rich source of a class of polyphenolic flavonoids called anthocyanins, which are the same antioxidants that give wine its health benefits. Antioxidants are needed by the body to quench free radicals, whose oxidative damage contributes to aging and degenerative diseases. They body's free radical defense system comprises several endogenous antioxidant enzymes as well as exogenous antioxidant nutrients obtained through diet. The phyto-chemical and nutrient compositions of a standardized freeze-dried acai powder were examined in a study of Natural and Medicinal Products Research in Washington. Among many findings, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and other flavonoids were found to be the major phyto-chemicals. Five anthocyanins were identified as predominant and minor anthocyanins. The total content of measured as 3.1919mg/g dry weight. Polymers were found to be the major proanthocyanidins. The concentration of total proanthocyanidins was calculated as 12.89mg/g dry weight. Acai contains one of the highest contents known for oleic acid in the pulp of a fruit.
The acai berries themselves can be eaten in their natural state, but there are others ways that individuals can consume the powerful fruit. These berries are processed to create a acai berry extract that is used to flavor drinks and food. The berries can also be crushed to create acai berry juice, which is then mixed with water and other ingredients to create a refreshing drink. In addition to the juice and extract, the berries can be processed into powders that are used to create supplements and other capsule-like items.
The acai berry is extremely healthy as a result of the benefits to the human body. Many people refer to it as a super-fruit. It improves their lives by helping to promote weight loss. Acai berry aids in increasing metabolism rates so that excess fat cells that are stored on the body are burnt off. The increased metabolism also provides the body with more energy, which also promotes weight loss. Acai berries also help to maintain and even reduce cholesterol. The berries are rich in positive fatty acids, such as Omega 6 and 9. These acids help to control both the good and the bad cholesterol that is currently plaguing many individuals today.
The berries are packed with antioxidants that repair cells in the body which have been damaged by the oxidation process. Some individuals believe that if these cells remain damaged, it could open the body up to diseases and other health problems, which include heart disease and diabetes. These same antioxidants provide the body with the ability to fight the process of aging. The berry's oils enrich your skin so that it can remain hydrated and looking youthful.
There are many benefits to being healthy. By including acai berries into your diet and having the right amount of exercise, you too will be able to improve your life for the better. Learn more.
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