The Brazilian berry from the rain forests
Acai berry, the new natural super-food to recently hit the headlines, is being hailed as a “jack of all trades” wonder food. It is hardly surprising when you go through the list of ingredients that are naturally present in this little dark purple berry found only in the rain forests of Brazil.
A berry full of wonder
At the risk of boring you, let’s run through what this giant of a super-food actually contains behind that dark purple skin.
The main talking point about Acai is just how amazingly rich it is in antioxidants. Before Acai came along, the common Blueberry was hailed as the super-food with highest levels of antioxidants; but no more. Acai now wins hands down. But Acai has another little secret ingredient too which is anthocyanins. It is this that ascribes to the dark purple pigmentation, somewhat similar to a dark red grape. Red wine, now recommended by health gurus, in appropriate quantities of course, contains good levels of anthocyanins, but Acai has since been found to contain as much as 30% to 40% more. Anthocyanins are themselves potent antioxidants.c
But it doesn’t stop there. Acai also contains Omega oils (Omega 3, 6, and 9). It is also fiber rich, with an amazing 45 grams per 100 grams of berry. The list goes on with 19 different amino acids and proteins understood to help promote the growth and health of body tissues. It addition Acai has three plant sterols amongst its constituents which are known to promote heart health, and aid digestion. Also present in its make-up are the vitamins B1, B2, B3, C and E. And to round all that off it also has the essential minerals; potassium, calcium, copper, magnesium and zinc.
Acai can promote heart health
Acai promotes a healthy heart in three different ways; with antioxidants, with sterols, and with fiber.
Antioxidants are known and generally accepted as contributing to the prevention of certain chronic diseases including; heart disease, strokes, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s. As our bodies consume oxygen, we produce something called free radicals. They are also created by some environmental factors including; pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides. The body’s immune system can sometimes manufacture free radicals too, to deal with certain infections. The problem with free radicals is that they attack normal healthy cells. These cells themselves then become free radicals and so forth creating a chain reaction. In this chain reaction, organs and tissues become damaged and this accumulates as we age. Antioxidants actually neutralize and destroy these free radicals, and so you can understand their importance and their benefit. The fact that Acai is so rich in antioxidant content is very significant, and is why Acai is so highly sought after.
Sterols or Physterols are natural chemicals that are found in certain plants. They are well known for their beneficial effects to cardiac health. It is proven that people who eat diets that contain the fruits and vegetables that are rich in sterols enjoy prolonged heart longevity. Sterols are recognized as helping to protect against cardiovascular diseases including; atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart disease, and the danger of seizures. Acai is high in sterols.
Finally fiber is not only good for your gut, and for dietary consumption by diabetics, but it is also recognized as being an important contributor towards a good healthy heart. Acai is high in fiber too.
Acai and other Cholesterol medications
Acai is in itself an effective treatment against high cholesterol levels. There has been some speculation that the taking Acai could possibly interfere with any cholesterol medications based on bile acid sequestrants like; cholestyramine, colestipol, and colesevelam. However it is only speculation and tests have proved inconclusive.
Forms of Acai
Acai capsules are known to be the best and safest form of Acai product on the market today. They are 100% natural and organic. They do not contain any additives, preservatives or preservatives.
Acai juice does not contain the same high Acai content and has certain additives and preservative preventing it being labeled “organic”. Also, as with any type of fruit coming over the boarder it must be irradiated. This is a process required by US FDA in order to kill any existing micro-organisms, a process that raises much concerns about the possible changes and mutations it can cause the fruit to under go.
Also, if you are like many other consumers who take the Acai for its health benefits you may not want to be obligated into signing up for the business opportunity that most Acai juice products on the market require. Unlike MLM companies promoting the Acai juice you don’t have to join or invest in any MLM or scheme when purchasing the solid acai berry products.
In terms of convenience, Acai tablet or capsules are far easier to carry around and are simpler to ingest. You can now see beyond reasonable doubt the importance of acai berry and what it has to offer when combined with cholesterol medications.
0 comments:
Post a Comment