The Acai Berry
ACAI BERRIES
Acai - pronounced ah-SIGH'-ee.
The Brazilian Acai berry is known to have the following properties: Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antimutagenic, Strengthen Cardiovascular System.
Major Antixoxidants: Per gram, the Acai berry fruit pulp has an antioxidant potency of 167, compared to 106 for Pomegranate and 32 for Blueberry. Antioxidants, among many other health benefits, can help combat premature aging.
The Acai berry has 10 times the antioxidants of grapes, and twice the antioxidants of blueberries. The Brazilian Acai berry is considered to have the best nutritional value of any fruit on earth!
Acai berries contain very high amounts of essential fatty acids and omegas, proven to lower LDL and maintain HDL cholesterol levels. They also contain a remarkable concentration of Acai Berry is a dense source of a particular class of flavonoids* called anthocyanins (red-blue phenols with powerful antioxidant properties).
Acai berries can help promote a healthier cardio vascular system and digestive tract, because of the synergy of monounsaturated fats (the healthy fats), dietary fiber, and phytosterols.
Acai berries are also an excellent source of dietary fiber! Fiber promotes a healthy digestive system. Research studies suggests soluble fibers may help lower blood cholesterol. The insoluble fiber may help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers.
Acai berries are extremely rich in organic vegetable protein which does not generate cholesterol during its digestion, and is more easily processed and transported to your muscles than animal protein (such as in milk or meat).
Acai berries contain an essential amino acid complex along with trace minerals, which are vital for proper muscle contraction and regeneration. Aside from the energy and fluid replacement, Acai berries provide a nutrition profile complete with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9). Omega fatty acids are essential for healthy nervous system development and regeneration. They help rapidly repair and rejuvenate muscles after intense exercise.
Acai berries contain plant sterols, including beta-sitosterol which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Acai berries contain natural vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant to protect against aging.
Theobromine acts as a bronchial dilator to help open air passages in the lungs. This increased air flow capacity helps increase oxygen intake, which increases endurance, strength, and athletic performance.
Phytosterols in Acai also help promote a healthy cardiovascular system and contribute to a healthy digestive tract. (Phyto means "plant".)
An equal volume of Acai fruit has 10 to 30 times more anthocyanins (purple colored antioxidants) than a glass of red wine.
Traditional Chinese medicine recommends consuming up to 50 grams of Goji berries per day.
Taken orally, Goji is used for hypertension (high blood pressure); fever; malaria; and cancer. It's also used for improving circulation; strenghtening muscles; erectile dysfunction; dizziness; and tinnitus.
For many years Goji berries have been used in China for the treatment of adult-onset diabetes. They are said to help balance blood sugar and insulin response.
Goji berries contain 500 times more Vitamin C per gram than oranges.
Fresh Goji fruit from Ning Xia province in China is the richest source of carotenoids, and has the highest content of beta-carotene among all foods on earth.
Beta-carotene can be transformed into vitamin A under the influence of human liver enzymes. Therefore, vitamin A ultimately plays a major influence in Goji's actions. The function of Goji on the eyes is related to this factor. The vitamin B1 and B2 content of Goji berries are significant.
Goji berries contain 18 kinds of amino acids, of which 8 are "essential" amino acids for the human body.
Goji berries contain numerous trace elements, of which the main ones are zinc, iron and copper. Mature Goji berries contain about 11 mg of iron per 100 grams.
In Asia, Goji berries are the premier "brain tonic". The fruit contains betaine which the body can convert into choline, a substance that is said to enhance memory. Also, for many years in Asia, Goji berries have been used in the natural treatment of insomnia.
See also: The Goji Berry
