Who would have thought that such a small, purple fruit like the acai berry contains a variety of vitamins that can give a person a much needed energy boost? This energy boosting factor can be attributed to the fact that acai berry contains vitamin B3, also known as niacin. Aside from that, there are a lot of other vitamins found in a single acai berry fruit. Here is a rundown of the different vitamins contained in acai berry, as well as their health benefits.
Vitamin A
Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind whenever vitamin A is mentioned is the fact that it is for the eyesight.Also known as retinol, vitamin A is important for the improvement and maintenance of one’s vision. Aside from that, vitamin A also functions as an immune system regulator, helping create white blood cells that fight against bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Vitamin A also has a role in bone growth and protection of respiratory, urinary, and intestinal linings.
Rich sources of vitamin A include liver, beef, carrot, chicken, spinach, and cantaloupe. While there are instances of vitamin A deficiency, it is also possible to suffer from having too much intake of vitamin A, so one has to regulate his or her intake of vitamin A. The recommended daily vitamin A intake is 2,310 IU for women and 3,000 IU for men.
Vitamin B1
Found in most foods included in an ordinary diet, vitamin B1 is an important vitamin for the cardiovascular and the nervous system. Moreover, it also helps keep the integrity of the mucous membranes. Other functions include electrolyte movement in the muscles, enzyme processeses, carbohydrate metabolism, and hydrochloric acid production. vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine.
As a water soluble vitamin, it is very rare for a person to develop an excess in vitamin B1. In addition, it can be found in most staple foods, such as pork, liver, cereals, rye, wheat, and beans, so vitamin B1 deficiency is also highly unlikely.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is another water soluble vitamin that is essential for the metabolic processes of the body, functioning of the cells, and production of energy to be used by the body’s cells. Just like vitamin B1, vitamin B2 is easily found in the diet. Examples of foods high in riboflavin content include dairy products, green vegetables, eggs, liver, and meats.
Vitamin B2 can also be used as treatment for a number of disorders, such as migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, cataract, eczema, acne, and dermatitis. Vitamin B2 also enhances the immune system, so that the body can better fight diseases.
Vitamin B3
Of all the vitamins found in the acai berry fruit, vitamin B3 or niacin is the one mainly responsible for the fruits energy boosting effect. It assists the body in transferring electrons during oxidation, thus helping in producing cellular energy. As the result, the person feels more energetic and less tired.
Also, because of the increased energy levels, metabolism also speeds up, thus contributing to weight loss. This is especially helpful for people who want to lose weight and tone their body.
Niacin is also responsible for ensuring the health of mucous membranes, the functioning of the nervous system, and the manufacture of hormones. Moreover, vitamin B3 can actually reduce cholesterol and improve blood circulation.
Sources of niacin include vegetables, meat, liver, fish, and yeast.
Vitamin C
Better known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a famous antioxidant that serves different vital functions in the body, such as repair of damaged tissues, formation of cells, maintenance of healthy gums, and functioning of the adrenal gland. Moreover, it helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body.
Vitamin C also has a function in the body’s skeletal system, since it helps synthesize collagen for connective tissues for bones. Without vitamin C, calcium and phosphate will not be deposited in the bones, making the bones brittle and prone to a number of diseases. Other functions of vitamin C include blood clotting, wound healing, red blood cells maturation, production of hormones, strengthening immunity, lowering blood pressure, and prevention of diseases like atherosclerosis and cancer.
Fresh citrus fruits are the best sources of vitamin C. Because vitamin C is not manufactured in the body, it is important for people to include vitamin C sources in their diets so that they do not suffer from vitamin C deficiency.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body against free radicals. These free radicals can potentially damage body cells, tissues, and organs. Moreover, they are associated with aging, which is why vitamin E is said to be an anti-aging vitamin.
Vitamin E also plays a role in the formation of red blood cells, as well as the utilization of vitamin K. There are also studies being done regarding vitamin E’s ability to protect the heart.
Sources of this vitamin include wheat, nuts, corn, green leafy vegetables, and vegetable oils. Products manufactured from these foods are also rich sources of vitamin E.
Acai Berry Benefits
With all these vitamins found in an acai berry fruit, it is no wonder how beneficial this fruit is to the body. Acai berry can assist in weight loss, because of the antioxidants (vitamins C and E), amino acids, and essential fatty acids that it contains. Moreover, acai berry has a stamina boosting property that serves as the body’s fuel during metabolism. This will also motivate a person to engage in a workout, resulting in toned muscles and a fit body.
Unfortunately, not all people can take acai berry in its raw form. This fruit is native in Brazil, and shipping this item to other parts of the world may require the fruit to be radiated. Nobody wants to eat fruit that is exposed to radiation, right? Therefore, it might be advisable for people to take in natural acai berry supplements, especially those in powder form. The powder form is more concentrated, thereby providing more nutrients. It also does not contain preservatives that are usually found in juice forms of acai berry supplements. In powder form, one can get to enjoy all the benefits of acai berry without worrying about additives.
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