The Acai Berry
ACAI berry is a relatively newcomer as a supplement, but Acai Juice has been used in beverages in Brazil for years.
The acai berry grows on palm like trees in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest growing mostly in floodplains and swamps. The dark purple berry looks similar to a purple grapes and provides many nutrients for the natives in northern Brazil who have been been consuming the acai berry for hundreds of years for its food value and a general cure all used for healing ailments. The berries properties are amazing as it has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any know fruit.
Acai berry juice has been endorsed by health specialists across the globe and was even featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Acai juice is quickly catching on in the U.S., finding its way into a number of juices, smoothies, and nutrition bars The real question is, Is acai worth all the hype? According to old Amazonian tribes, the acai berry cures a number of ailments, provides energy, and increases the libido.
The acai berry grows on palm like trees in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest growing mostly in floodplains and swamps. The dark purple berry looks similar to a purple grapes and provides many nutrients for the natives in northern Brazil who have been been consuming the acai berry for hundreds of years for its food value and a general cure all used for healing ailments. The berries properties are amazing as it has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any know fruit.
Acai berry juice has been endorsed by health specialists across the globe and was even featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Acai juice is quickly catching on in the U.S., finding its way into a number of juices, smoothies, and nutrition bars The real question is, Is acai worth all the hype? According to old Amazonian tribes, the acai berry cures a number of ailments, provides energy, and increases the libido.
Acai Berry nutritional Info
The acai berry is one of the most nutritional foods in the world as shown by recent scientific studies. Grown in the Amazon, the acai berry starts as the fruit of palm trees in Brazilian rainforests The berry is filled with antioxidants, amino acid and fatty acids, and natural energy, and has a subtle chocolate taste. This combination creates a "superfood" that helps prevent high cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer, researchers say. Recent studies show that the açaí juice can help destroy some cancer cells in the body, making it a leading ingredient in many alternative medicine diets Because the acai fruit spoils too quickly to be distributed widely in its natural form, it's mostly found as a main ingredient in other food products, like protein bars and juices.Acai berries have a very high antioxidant count and are used to help counteract free radicals. This makes it one of the best antioxidant berry drinks with the highest orac values. Acai fruit is high in essential fatty acids and omegas and contains 10 to 30 times more antioxidants than grapes, blueberries or pomegranates.
The acai berry is a source high in protein, dietary fiber, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Acai is particularly high in several polyphenols.
Recently, the acai berry has shown up in some health food stores in an unsweetened pulp form, which provides a higher concentration of the antioxidants normally found in acai juice products To a society focusing more on sustainable development, the acai fruit is even more of a draw. Thousands of harvesters can harvest the acai fruit without destroying the Amazon rainforests. New concerns arise, however, as the popularity of acai juice products increases, requiring more of the acai fruit to be harvested Nevertheless, the acai phenomenon will only grow in the U.S., with acai and products being widely distributed in a number of food chains, like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's Research already provides evidence that the acai fruit is worth the hype; now it's time for Americans to fully embrace it.
To determine antioxidant levels acai has been given a ORAC value. Acai's ORAC value is consistently higher than any other berry including blueberries and pomegranates. It has an ORAC value even higher than mangostene! Antioxidants are considered by some to be beneficial to help combat premature aging and prevent other ailments.
Acai berries are also loaded with fiber which is great for helping waste move through the digestive system. The minerals in acai are potassium, magnesium and copper. Also contains lots of amino acids which is vital for energy.
Acai berries can not be imported whole so they are often freeze dried and reconstituted at the time of making a juice the other option is bottling at the source and most often this is not the case. Freeze drying is the best method available for preserving organic acai fruit and its nutrients.
Acai Juice or pulp is the best way to enjoy the acai berry. The acai berry benefit is in its qualities. A quality acai juice will look like cloudy purple grape juice and possibly have an oily sheen on top due to the beneficial fatty acids which includes omega 3, 6 and 9 and in many ways comparable to olive oil and is also high in mono saturated oleic acid which helps keep cell membranes elastic and supple.
The benefits of acai berry juice is that it is probably one the highest fatty acid berries with the highest antioxidants available. It is often used as an energy drink due to the amount of carbohydrates. Acai Berry research is so promising that a recent University of Florida study indicated that acai berry may destroy cancer cells in the lab.
Recommeded Daily dosage
It is a good idea to drink acai juice daily, there are many benefits that can be derived from acai juice. If you are concerned about your health, have high cholesteral or other issues, acai juice can help you overcome this but it dependson the ingredients, the quality, and how potent the acai juice is you are using.
Acai juice is not your normal juice, it has more antioxidants than any other fruit and it is one of the only berries that has naturally occuring Omega fatty acids in high doses. Acai direct from the Amazon has numerous health benefits, especially when it is included in your normal routine.
There are so many berry drinks on the market today that claim to be good for your health, but you have to look at how the company manufactures and maintains the quality control of the acai juice. How often should acai juice be taken? I take two times per day, once when I wake up and once before I go to sleep. Around 2 ounces per day.
While acai is available in so many formats, puree, raw, pulp, frozen, powder, capsules, pills, etc, the best way to take it is through a quality juice product that has high quality control standards.
Acai juice is not your normal juice, it has more antioxidants than any other fruit and it is one of the only berries that has naturally occuring Omega fatty acids in high doses. Acai direct from the Amazon has numerous health benefits, especially when it is included in your normal routine.
There are so many berry drinks on the market today that claim to be good for your health, but you have to look at how the company manufactures and maintains the quality control of the acai juice. How often should acai juice be taken? I take two times per day, once when I wake up and once before I go to sleep. Around 2 ounces per day.
While acai is available in so many formats, puree, raw, pulp, frozen, powder, capsules, pills, etc, the best way to take it is through a quality juice product that has high quality control standards.
Acai Berry Benefits
Note: US FDA Disclaimer
Recent media coverage by the Oprah Winfrey Show, Rachael Ray, ABC, NBC and CBS shows have touted the many benefits of acai. And doctors and celebrities have heralded acai as the number 1 Superfood. The extremely high concentration of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, amino acids, fiber and other nutrients are the reason this superfood has so many benefits. In summary, here are just some of the many benefits that acai berry can help with:
Promote Weight Loss
Acai has an extremely high concentration of fiber and omega fatty acids. It also contains a healthy dose of amino acids, carbohydrates and vitamins. These nutrients have been shown to:
Approximately 40% of the acai fruit is fiber. There are many benefits from fiber. Since fiber tends to make a meal feel larger and linger longer, it acts as a natural appetite suppressant. And since it helps stabilize blood sugar, it helps keep energy levels stable and higher by preventing sugar crashes. This also helps reduce accumulation of body fat by preventing insulin spikes which can turn excess blood sugar into fat tissue.
The omega fatty acids, fiber, amino acids and vitamins in acai can also help to boost metabolism. And a boost in metabolism can help burn more calories -- even at rest.
Combined with a proper diet and exercise, the various nutrients in acai can be a great aid to weight loss and better overall health.
Increase Energy and Stamina
Acai has become legendary among Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters, top surfers and other athletes for it's ability to boost energy and increase stamina. Legendary Jiu-Jitsu fighters Carlos and Royce Gracie have used acai to propel them to multiple UFC and other championships. And 6 time world champion surfer Kelly Slater made acai an important part of his diet. If world class athletes can use acai to boost energy and stamina in competition, it can certainly help you with your training or exercise regimen. And the more energy you have, the more calories you can burn in your workout.
The right combination of nutrients eaten at regular intervals will help keep energy levels high. And the high concentration of carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats in acai help to fuel activity while the high concentration of fiber helps to regulate blood sugar levels and keep energy levels higher for longer.
Fight heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other diseases
Perhaps one of the main reasons that acai is considered the number one Superfood is because of the nutrients that help prevent diseases and help promote general health. Acai contains one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, other good fats and fiber of any food. And these nutrients can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other diseases. For example, the high concentration of antioxidants are thought to help prevent Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, neurodegenerative diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases. The high concentration of fiber and beta-sitosterol can lower blood cholesterol. Fiber also helps to lower glucose levels which can help prevent diabetes. And oleic acid, an omega 9 fatty acid which is the chief component of olive oil, can reduce blood pressure. A recent University of Florida study has even linked consumption of acai to prevention of leukemia! With high concentrations of nutrients which help combat many diseases, it's easy to see why acai is considered by many to be the number one superfood.
Boost the immune system
The immune system protects against diseases and pathogens like viruses, bacteria and parasites through the use of mechanisms like enzymes, good bacteria, proteins, cells, organs, tissues, etc. The high concentration of antioxidants and other nutrients in the acai berry can help bolster the immune system by contributing to the healthy function of those mechanisms which protect against pathogens.
Improve the digestive system
The high fiber content, enzymes and other nutrients in acai may not only help to reduce heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol and stabilizing blood sugar, but they also aid in the proper functioning of the digestive system. The enzymes can aid in the digestion of food. And the fiber can help prevent hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and prevent or relieve constipation. The high fiber content in acai can help ensure that you get your recommended daily allowance of fiber and help maintain a healthy digestive system.
Reduce the effects of aging
In addition to helping prevent diseases, the high concentration of antioxidants in acai may help reduce the effects of aging. By minimizing damage to cells from free radicals, antioxidants may prevent the effects of aging caused by oxidative stress due to normal bodily function (e.g. exercise) or external causes like sun damage, pesticides, pollutants, cigarette smoke, etc. For example, vitamin E and other antioxidants are thought to help prevent skin damage due to sun exposure and other causes.
Improve vision
Anthocyanins and other antioxidants such as Vitamin A are thought to improve vision through various mechanisms. In fact, in World War II, British fighter pilots were thought to gain increased night vision through an intake of large amounts of bilberry. A later nutritional analysis attributed the vision improvement to anthocyanins and other antioxidants. And the old adage that carrots (high in Vitamin A and other antioxidants) may improve vision may have something to it as well.
Increase sex drive
Due to the increased energy and stamina, acai is considered by many to increase libido. Acai can also help reduce weight, improve heart health -- all of which can help libido as well. And the abundance of "good" fats helps metabolize cholesterol and produce testosterone and estrogen. In fact, on a recent trip by NBC's Matt Lauer to the Amazon, he was amused to find that acai berry was commonly referred to by natives as "Amazon Rainforest Viagra".
US FDA Disclaimer
The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the Bayside Laboratories or the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.
You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.
You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
Recent media coverage by the Oprah Winfrey Show, Rachael Ray, ABC, NBC and CBS shows have touted the many benefits of acai. And doctors and celebrities have heralded acai as the number 1 Superfood. The extremely high concentration of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, amino acids, fiber and other nutrients are the reason this superfood has so many benefits. In summary, here are just some of the many benefits that acai berry can help with:
- Promote weight loss
- Increase energy and stamina
- Fight heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other diseases
- Boost the immune system
- Improve the digestive system
- Reduce the effects of aging
- Improve vision
- Increase sex drive
Promote Weight Loss
Acai has an extremely high concentration of fiber and omega fatty acids. It also contains a healthy dose of amino acids, carbohydrates and vitamins. These nutrients have been shown to:
- suppress appetite
- reduce accumulation of body fat
- boost metabolism
- increase energy and stamina
Approximately 40% of the acai fruit is fiber. There are many benefits from fiber. Since fiber tends to make a meal feel larger and linger longer, it acts as a natural appetite suppressant. And since it helps stabilize blood sugar, it helps keep energy levels stable and higher by preventing sugar crashes. This also helps reduce accumulation of body fat by preventing insulin spikes which can turn excess blood sugar into fat tissue.
The omega fatty acids, fiber, amino acids and vitamins in acai can also help to boost metabolism. And a boost in metabolism can help burn more calories -- even at rest.
Combined with a proper diet and exercise, the various nutrients in acai can be a great aid to weight loss and better overall health.
Increase Energy and Stamina
Acai has become legendary among Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters, top surfers and other athletes for it's ability to boost energy and increase stamina. Legendary Jiu-Jitsu fighters Carlos and Royce Gracie have used acai to propel them to multiple UFC and other championships. And 6 time world champion surfer Kelly Slater made acai an important part of his diet. If world class athletes can use acai to boost energy and stamina in competition, it can certainly help you with your training or exercise regimen. And the more energy you have, the more calories you can burn in your workout.
The right combination of nutrients eaten at regular intervals will help keep energy levels high. And the high concentration of carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats in acai help to fuel activity while the high concentration of fiber helps to regulate blood sugar levels and keep energy levels higher for longer.
Fight heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other diseases
Perhaps one of the main reasons that acai is considered the number one Superfood is because of the nutrients that help prevent diseases and help promote general health. Acai contains one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, other good fats and fiber of any food. And these nutrients can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other diseases. For example, the high concentration of antioxidants are thought to help prevent Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, neurodegenerative diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases. The high concentration of fiber and beta-sitosterol can lower blood cholesterol. Fiber also helps to lower glucose levels which can help prevent diabetes. And oleic acid, an omega 9 fatty acid which is the chief component of olive oil, can reduce blood pressure. A recent University of Florida study has even linked consumption of acai to prevention of leukemia! With high concentrations of nutrients which help combat many diseases, it's easy to see why acai is considered by many to be the number one superfood.
Boost the immune system
The immune system protects against diseases and pathogens like viruses, bacteria and parasites through the use of mechanisms like enzymes, good bacteria, proteins, cells, organs, tissues, etc. The high concentration of antioxidants and other nutrients in the acai berry can help bolster the immune system by contributing to the healthy function of those mechanisms which protect against pathogens.
Improve the digestive system
The high fiber content, enzymes and other nutrients in acai may not only help to reduce heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol and stabilizing blood sugar, but they also aid in the proper functioning of the digestive system. The enzymes can aid in the digestion of food. And the fiber can help prevent hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and prevent or relieve constipation. The high fiber content in acai can help ensure that you get your recommended daily allowance of fiber and help maintain a healthy digestive system.
Reduce the effects of aging
In addition to helping prevent diseases, the high concentration of antioxidants in acai may help reduce the effects of aging. By minimizing damage to cells from free radicals, antioxidants may prevent the effects of aging caused by oxidative stress due to normal bodily function (e.g. exercise) or external causes like sun damage, pesticides, pollutants, cigarette smoke, etc. For example, vitamin E and other antioxidants are thought to help prevent skin damage due to sun exposure and other causes.
Improve vision
Anthocyanins and other antioxidants such as Vitamin A are thought to improve vision through various mechanisms. In fact, in World War II, British fighter pilots were thought to gain increased night vision through an intake of large amounts of bilberry. A later nutritional analysis attributed the vision improvement to anthocyanins and other antioxidants. And the old adage that carrots (high in Vitamin A and other antioxidants) may improve vision may have something to it as well.
Increase sex drive
Due to the increased energy and stamina, acai is considered by many to increase libido. Acai can also help reduce weight, improve heart health -- all of which can help libido as well. And the abundance of "good" fats helps metabolize cholesterol and produce testosterone and estrogen. In fact, on a recent trip by NBC's Matt Lauer to the Amazon, he was amused to find that acai berry was commonly referred to by natives as "Amazon Rainforest Viagra".
US FDA Disclaimer
The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the Bayside Laboratories or the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.
You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.
You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
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