Acai Berries – the Antioxidant Food
While many people are singing the praises of Acai berries, many
are puzzled as to what exactly makes this fruit such an important
part in the diets of inhabitants throughout the Amazon region.
With an assortment of healthy properties, the berries of the Acai
possess a great deal of antioxidants – molecules that slow
down or prevent the process of oxidation of other molecules.
What Are Antioxidants?
Oxidation is the chemical reaction associated with the transfer
of electrons from one substance to an oxidizing agent. Through
the process, substances called free radicals develop, which are
responsible for the chain reactions that cause cell damage. While
normal amounts of free radicals help break down toxins and combat
disease, an overabundance leads to an imbalance in the body that
causes stress. It is the duty of antioxidants to eliminate the
harmful chain reactions within the body caused by too many free
radicals.
To better understand oxidation, you may consider some of the common
occurrences that involve this process. Oxidation takes place when
leaving cut apples on a plate only to find they have turned brown
after a couple of hours. Oxidation occurs when a metal object left
outside is exposed to rain and becomes rusty. These examples illustrate
what happens when this particular chemical reaction takes place,
which also occurs within the body when substances break down.
The Benefits of Antioxidants
A diet that contains foods high in antioxidants helps balance
out the body and fights the damage that causes medical problems,
such as diabetes, cancer, and atherosclerosis. It has been proven
that people who consume a decent amount of antioxidants face a
lower risk of heart disease and some diseases of the neurological
system. Some studies have shown promise in preventing macular degeneration
(thinning of the eye) and aiding a weakened immune system.
Antioxidants are also seen as a way to regenerate the body after
a session of heavy physical activity, such as exercising. The increase
in oxygen consumption is known to heighten the production of oxidants,
which leads to damaged cells. This often translates into muscular
fatigue that occurs during and after physical activity. Consuming
high levels of antioxidants helps the body repair and recuperate
at a faster rate, promoting enriched responses of the body, muscles,
and tissues in regards to future exercise. Additionally, a lower
incidence of disease and injury often takes place.
Antioxidant-rich foods usually contain vitamins, such as E, C,
and carotene. Minerals, such as copper, zinc, selenium, and manganese
are also included. The level of antioxidants in foods tends to
register higher in items with bright colors, such as orange, red,
blue, and purple. This is why Acai berries are considered quite
influential when it comes to delivering a healthy boost.
Acai Berries – Antioxidant Rich
To measure the level of antioxidants contained in Acai berries,
one must take a look at the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity)
number of the fruit. This assessment measures the capacity of a
substance to suppress oxygen free radicals within a test tube analysis.
With a USDA recommendation of 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units per day,
the "5-a-day" fruits and vegetables suggestion usually
totals an ORAC score of 1,750. The commonly eaten apple and banana
respectively score 218 and 221.One of the healthiest berries in
the world – blueberries – carries an ORAC score of
2,400. Fresh Acai possesses an astonishing ORAC score of 5,500
with freeze-dried Acai reaching unimaginable levels per
100 grams.
More Acai Health News Acai Articles
What is Acai?
The Acai Palm that thrives in the swamps and floodplains of Central
and South America produces berries that create a refreshing beverage
with numerous healthy qualities. With an interesting history, Acai
berries have been boosting the health and sustaining inhabitants
of the Amazon region for many centuries.
read more
... What is Acai?
Acai Berries and ORAC
Over the years, Acai berries have been gaining quite a reputation
due to the many benefits associated with a high level of antioxidants.
Through the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods, one may combat
fatigue, illness, and disease, including heart ailments, cancer,
and other degenerative concerns. To better understand the health
benefits associated with Acai berries, it is important to become
familiar with ORAC values.
read
more ... Acai Berries and ORAC
Acai Berries and Anthocyanins
Acai berries are known to possess a wealth of desirable components
that aids an individual's quest in becoming healthier, stronger,
and motivated during activity. While the high levels of antioxidants
found in the fruit are one of the most talked-about characteristics,
there are many other components that create beneficial results
in the body. One of the lesser-known advantages associated with
Acai berries are called anthocyanins – the flavonoid pigments
responsible for the vibrant colors of fruits and flowers.
read
more ... Acai Berries and Anthocyanins
The Acai Superfood
Health professionals, doctors, and nutritionists often make suggestions
on what their patients should do to boost their level of health
and quality of life. A variety of dietary recommendations are made
and patients later decide whether or not they will abide by the
advice. Today, an increasing amount of individuals are taking the
opinion of their doctors and now seek out the health benefits associated
with what is known as a "superfood."
read more
... The Acai Superfood
Acai Health Benefits
With a high level of antioxidants and other beneficial components,
consuming Acai is good for your health. Today, the market offers
a range of Acai products with varying levels of potency and effects.
With a high amount of "good" fats, fiber, amino acids,
protein, vitamins, minerals, and plant sterols – products
containing Acai are connected with many desirable health benefits,
including boosting heart health and maintaining important organs,
muscles, and tissues.
read
more ... Acai Health Benefits
Where Can I Buy Acai?
In order to enjoy the health advantages of fresh Acai, you'd have
to live in the rainforests of the Amazon, where the trees are plentiful
with fresh Acai berries. Since only select populations are privileged
to everyday access to the fruit, others must buy Acai products
from companies who offer frozen Acai pulp and freeze-dried options.
read
more ... Where Can I Buy Acai?
What to Look For in an Acai Supplement
While enjoying fresh Acai berries outside of the Amazon is impossible
and frozen Acai presents portable limitations, manufacturers use
other ways to supplement Acai to the rest of the world. In addition
to the commonly produced Acai berry powder supplement, other methods
of production (spray-dried and extracts) are also available for
purchase yet tend to carry less-than-desirable results.
read
more ... Choosing an Acai Supplement
Why You Should Consider Only Buying Freeze-Dried Organic Acai
When it comes to receiving the nutritional benefits associated
with the Acai, an assortment of supplements and frozen products
are available. As you examine the varying Acai selections, you
will come across spray-dried items and extracts that promise the
world. In order to take advantage of the whole Acai berry, company
choice makes a great deal of difference. When choosing supplements
and products that enhance your overall health, it is important
to select reputable options.
read more
... Why You Should Consider Only Buying freeze-dried Acai
Beat Swine Flu By Improving Your Immune System With Acai Berries
Swine flu has hit pandemic levels. That have been outbreaks of it occurring around the globe, with a rising death toll. The World Health Organization has rated it one of the most serious outbreaks of contagious illness in the last few decades, and considers it a major threat. But it is not just the initial outbreak that needs to be worried about. The swine flu virus has the capability of combining genetic material with other flu viruses to create whole new outbreaks. Experts consider a 2nd 'wave' of illnesses likely, whilst any vaccines are still awhile away and will need to be tailored to any additional outbreaks.
read more ... Beat Swine Flu By Improving Your Immune System With Acai Berries
|
