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The Health Enhancing Advantages Of The Acai Berry

July 2, 2009 by Ruth K Martinez  
Filed under Weight Loss

The acai berry can only be grown on a palm tree that is found in the rainforests of Brazil. It has only been in the past five years or so that complex processing methods have enabled the acai berry to be accessible for universal consumption.

The acai berry is full of a variety of healthful nutrients. It is believed that this berry can be advantageous for a multitude of ailments including obesity, heart disease and the prevention of cancer. Few scientific studies have verified the worth of the concrete berry but many studies have established the efficacy of the nutrients contained within the berry.

The acai berry is plentiful in the deep purple color that gives colors to foods such as blueberries, red wine and purple cabbage. This color is in fact a influential antioxidant called anthocyanins. Purified anthocyanins were confirmed to be positive in reducing the body fat of laboratory mice in a restricted study. This vital antioxidant is also believed to be positive to heart health and the health of the whole cardiovascular system. Red wine is also high in anthocyanins but the acai berry actually contains 10 to 30 times more of this fundamental antioxidant than red wine.

Anthocyanins are particularly positive for our cardiovascular health. Studies show that these strong antioxidants can inhibit blood clots, improve blood circulation, relax blood vessels and avert atherosclerosis. But further scientific studies are showing that anthocyanins have even more potent effects such as antiviral and antiallergenic properties and even the possibility of cancer prevention by blocking carcinogens on a molecular level and enabling tumor cell death.

These berries also include healthful fat in a form that is very comparable to olive oil. They contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 acid, and linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 acid. All of which help to lower LDL cholesterol, or the “lousy” kind and uphold healthy HDL cholesterol levels, or the “healthy” kind. Healthy fats also add to the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K, which are important to good health.

The fatty acids from the acai berry are able to penetrate the cell membranes, which in turn makes them more supple. This seriously reduces inflammation by allowing hormones, neurotransmitters and insulin receptors to operate more efficiently. Reducing inflammation is critical to prevent the problems of aging, because it is a leading cause of the problems of aging, including dry skin and wrinkles, gray hair and particularly dementia.

The anti-aging facility of the acai berry is possibly the most crucial benefit of this astounding fruit. The combination of imperative nutrients such as antioxidants, essential fatty acids and amino acids are all helpful in slowing the aging process.

All in all the acai berry is really an miraculous dietary find. It boasts the maximum ORAC or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity of any concrete food, the healthy fat content is terrific and the protein and fiber make it even more helpful. It is genuinely a remarkable and beneficial food.

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