Acai Guide

The acai berry is an amazing nutritional discovery. Found only in the rainforests of Brazil it has only recently been available throughout the world due to advances in processing techniques. This astonishing little berry has up to ten times the antioxidant level of red grapes and twice the antioxidant levels of blueberries. The acai berry also diminishes the antioxidant levels of red wine bringing in ten to thirty times as much antioxidant activity. The acai berry contains a few of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit available anywhere.

The acai berry offers exceptional nutrition partly because it is extremely high in 2 particular substances with high antioxidant properties called flavonoids and anthocyanins. Anthocyanins is the substance that is responsible for the deep colors associated with many healthy foods that range from deep red, to deep purple to dark blue and almost black. This would include such foods as the acai fruit along with other healthful fruits such as red grapes, plums and blueberries.

Anthocyanins and flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that defend our bodies from stress. Various kinds of stressors create free radicals within the body. A free radical is essentially an atom or molecule that is highly unstable due to a individual unpaired electron. An antioxidant will pair up the random electron thereby stabilizing the molecule.

Food with high antioxidants are characterized by what is known as an ORAC score. An ORAC score measures the ability of a substance to subdue oxygen free radicals in a test tube. The ORAC score is designated as a number and the higher the ORAC number the stronger the antioxidant properties of the substance. The acai fruit and many products made with the acai fruit boast very high ORAC scores. The antioxidants of the acai berry are completely off the charts.

The acai berry is also substantially high in healthy fats and amino acids. Nearly half of the edible part of the acai fruit is comprised of fat and 74% of that fat is from the exceptionally healthy unsaturated fats that are essential to our health, Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. The acai berry also has 19 different amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.

Vitamins and plant sterols are also abundant in the acai berry. Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E are all present within this tiny little powerhouse. The acai berry also contains potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper and zinc. Three plant sterols have also been found in the acai berry and these substances have been shown to provide many health advantages.

Even with many of these astounding health advantages among the nicest things about the acai fruit is that it tastes delicious and it provides a healthy dose of fiber. Acai berry products range from dried berries to a delectable juice and even a variety of products made from the extract. Acai berries can be used in desserts, smoothies and more.

You can find continuing research in to the health advantages of the acai fruit but so far the findings have been that this tiny little berry from the rainforests of Brazil offers a huge nutritional advantage to anybody who partakes.

Health and weight loss by the acai berry diet. For more information on wellness articles visit us at our blog!

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