Berries and chocolate. Generally a great combination, right? What if there was a berry that had a cocoa flavor in it? Well as nature would have it, there is. This extraordinarily nutritious berry is called the acai berry (pronounced a-sigh-ee). While it doesn’t exactly taste like pure chocolate, the bitterness of cacao is incorporated into acai’s intense flavor. The flavor is actually hard to pinpoint as some of its juices have been compared to bitter raspberries while others claim acai produces a salty aftertaste (like say, olives.) Ok, I'm the one that said that. But the flavor is not the only thing that makes acai so unique.
From the rainforests of the Amazons, acai berries have been consumed by Brazilians for centuries. But recently, more and more of these grape-sized berries are falling from the South American palm trees into juice bottles around the world.
Labeled the antioxidant superfood, it’s known for its substantially large amounts of antioxidants and nutritional value. Acai has double the cancer-fighting power of blueberries, the formerly known antioxidant contest frontrunner. Consumption of the berry not only helps prevent and attack cancerous cells, but it is said to boost energy and overall immunity as well. Actually, the list of supposed and even validated benefits is virtually endless from improved digestion to better circulation, and even better sleep. It is based on these extraordinary characteristics that acai has been referred to as the most healthful fruit in the world.
But, if you’re a juice producer looking for a new venture, many juice and smoothie producers have already jumped the gun on capitalizing on the healthful fruit. While the trend is still fairly recent, grocery store shelves are already well stocked with the likes of organic acai juices, yogurt drinks, smoothies, and even teas.
And the bottles of these products make many a pretty promise. I’m actually drinking an “Organic Acai Antioxidant Superfood Smoothie” right now that claims it’s sufficient for a meal replacement. Is that true? Well, it sure seems to satisfy my nutritional needs as the Nutrition Facts label shows sufficient amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fat, potassium and even omega-3 fatty acids! And…actually it’s the only thing I’ve eaten today so far and I don’t think I’m hungry! Maybe this stuff really does work (Don’t try this at home though folks, acai shouldn’t be the only thing you eat all day.)
Acai has also shown promises of preventing heart disease, as it has 10-30 times the amount of cardiovascular-fighting phytochemical called anthocyanin found in red wine. You may have heard of these phytochemicals from the French Paradox that enumerates the oddity of heart disease’s rare occurrence in France despite their high fat intake. The concept bears the phytochemicals in the red wine responsible for their continued health.
With all these benefits filling the air, the fruit sounds perfect right? Well I'm not here to tell you that it isn't, but I am here to tell you to be cautious about how much acai you consume. There is such a thing as an antioxidant overdose that has adverse effects such as weakness, fever and toxicity. So, with a fruit so jam-packed with antioxidants, one must be careful. Experts suggest discussing with your doctor what your optimal dosage of antioxidants is.
Sources:
Acai Berry Fruit Guide
Sambazon SuperGreens Revolution
Mona Vie Acai Drink
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Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Free Radicals: Destructive Scavengers and the Vital Role Antioxidants Play
Several years ago, it was all over the news. Free radicals were damaging - we all had them, and antioxidants were the solution. But what role really do free radicals play in damaging the body, and how are we supposed to best get rid of them? How do antioxidants work and what is the best way of adding them to our diet?
24 hours a day, while the body is constantly working, cells are metabolizing and creating energy as they carry out their tasks. This natural process results in free radicals, the same way driving to work in your car creates exhaust fumes. Some free radicals are natural byproducts of the ongoing workings of the body. Some are from environmental factors, such as pollution, radiation, and cigarette smoke.
A free radical is simply a molecule that is missing an electron. As soon as a molecule loses one of its attached electrons, it becomes unstable and seeks to re-stabilize itself by stealing an electron from the nearest molecule. This causes the attacked molecule to then become a free radical, and starts a chain reaction. Ultimately as the process continues this can lead to cell damage.
Free radicals become extremely damaging to the body as they steal electrons from your cells. They begin to spread like a wildfire through the years if your body does not have enough antioxidants to keep them in check. They can attack cell walls, get inside the cell, and cause damage to the DNA. This leads to cancer. Cancer is defined as a degenerative stress condition, and we can understand this better when we understand the role free radicals play.
The brain is the most active part of the body. It uses the most energy, and therefore is subject to bombardment with the most free radicals. The significance of this is not only that we feel negative effects in our mind - such as feeling tired and muddled - but also because brain is very important in its control of so many of the vital workings of our bodies.
When a free radical attacks, it can get into the cell and cause the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, to die or cease to function fully. This can disrupt one of a multitude of processes. A dead or poorly functioning mitochondria in a cell can disrupt or slow down neuronal firing. Mental illness is largely due to imbalances in the neuronal processes of our natural brain chemistry. A poorly working or dead mitochondria can prevent certain natural functions from working, causing symptoms like hormonal imbalance.
Untreated, the damage from free radicals accumulates with age. They are the cause of many degenerative diseases, and are associated with many of the signs of the aging process.
Antioxidants are molecules loaded with extra free electrons. When we have enough antioxidants the free radicals get their electrons from the antioxidants in our body, rather than stealing them from our cells.
The body is naturally built to handle free radicals. Antioxidants are found in the vitamins A, C and E in the fruits and vegetables we eat. However even eating the 5-8 recommended servings a day, or using supplements still often does not do enough to combat the massive free radical damage.
Antioxidants from Vitamins E, C, and A actually pale in comparison to the phytonutrient antioxidants such as those found in red wine and blueberries. This is the reason for the French paradox, why it is being recommended to drink wine, eat chocolate, and drink green tea. They provide better sources of antioxidants.
There is an even better source: the newly discovered acai berry, of the Brazilian rainforest. It provides antioxidants in strengths 33 times more powerful than red wine. It floods the body with massive amounts of antioxidants and other essential nutrients. The acai berry is the number one ingredient for anti-aging recommended by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, in his book the Perricone Promise.
The acai berry can be best added to the diet in liquid form. A small dose of several ounces daily will flood the body with the vital antioxidants it needs. The acai berry is the best way to add to your diet the most powerful antioxidants combating free radical damage.
acai complete 6 | acai complete 6 free trial
24 hours a day, while the body is constantly working, cells are metabolizing and creating energy as they carry out their tasks. This natural process results in free radicals, the same way driving to work in your car creates exhaust fumes. Some free radicals are natural byproducts of the ongoing workings of the body. Some are from environmental factors, such as pollution, radiation, and cigarette smoke.
A free radical is simply a molecule that is missing an electron. As soon as a molecule loses one of its attached electrons, it becomes unstable and seeks to re-stabilize itself by stealing an electron from the nearest molecule. This causes the attacked molecule to then become a free radical, and starts a chain reaction. Ultimately as the process continues this can lead to cell damage.
Free radicals become extremely damaging to the body as they steal electrons from your cells. They begin to spread like a wildfire through the years if your body does not have enough antioxidants to keep them in check. They can attack cell walls, get inside the cell, and cause damage to the DNA. This leads to cancer. Cancer is defined as a degenerative stress condition, and we can understand this better when we understand the role free radicals play.
The brain is the most active part of the body. It uses the most energy, and therefore is subject to bombardment with the most free radicals. The significance of this is not only that we feel negative effects in our mind - such as feeling tired and muddled - but also because brain is very important in its control of so many of the vital workings of our bodies.
When a free radical attacks, it can get into the cell and cause the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, to die or cease to function fully. This can disrupt one of a multitude of processes. A dead or poorly functioning mitochondria in a cell can disrupt or slow down neuronal firing. Mental illness is largely due to imbalances in the neuronal processes of our natural brain chemistry. A poorly working or dead mitochondria can prevent certain natural functions from working, causing symptoms like hormonal imbalance.
Untreated, the damage from free radicals accumulates with age. They are the cause of many degenerative diseases, and are associated with many of the signs of the aging process.
Antioxidants are molecules loaded with extra free electrons. When we have enough antioxidants the free radicals get their electrons from the antioxidants in our body, rather than stealing them from our cells.
The body is naturally built to handle free radicals. Antioxidants are found in the vitamins A, C and E in the fruits and vegetables we eat. However even eating the 5-8 recommended servings a day, or using supplements still often does not do enough to combat the massive free radical damage.
Antioxidants from Vitamins E, C, and A actually pale in comparison to the phytonutrient antioxidants such as those found in red wine and blueberries. This is the reason for the French paradox, why it is being recommended to drink wine, eat chocolate, and drink green tea. They provide better sources of antioxidants.
There is an even better source: the newly discovered acai berry, of the Brazilian rainforest. It provides antioxidants in strengths 33 times more powerful than red wine. It floods the body with massive amounts of antioxidants and other essential nutrients. The acai berry is the number one ingredient for anti-aging recommended by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, in his book the Perricone Promise.
The acai berry can be best added to the diet in liquid form. A small dose of several ounces daily will flood the body with the vital antioxidants it needs. The acai berry is the best way to add to your diet the most powerful antioxidants combating free radical damage.
acai complete 6 | acai complete 6 free trial
Marvellous Minerals
A mineral is a kind of micronutrient that is essential for good health. All minerals are inorganic substances absorbed from the earth by plants and cannot be produced by plants or animals.
The body utilizes over eighty of these chemicals. They are vital for the growth and production of bones, nails, hair, teeth, nerves, blood, vitamins, hormones and enzymes. In addition, they contribute to the healthy functioning of blood circulation, fluid regulation, nerve transmission, cellular integrity, muscle contraction and energy production.
Because the earth’s soil is now so nutrient depleted, even people who eat the healthiest foods often do not consume the required levels of minerals. This results in many kinds of illnesses, including energy loss, premature aging and degenerative diseases such as heart problems, bone disease and cancer.
Consequently, many people choose to take a supplement, which can provide some of the missing minerals. The risk of mineral deficiency can also be minimized through the consumption of a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Good sources of minerals other than fruits and vegetables include meats, nuts, beans and dairy products.
The following can serve as a rough guide for ensuring the adequate consumption of some of the most important minerals:
Calcium (Ca): This mineral is mainly found in dairy products, cereals, fruits and vegetables. Tinned fish such as sardines are excellent sources of Ca but are not eaten enough by most people. A sufficient intake of calcium may help to prevent osteoporosis.
Chromium (Cr): The richest dietary sources of Cr are spices such as black pepper and brewer’s yeast, raisins, mushrooms, prunes, nuts, beer, red wine and asparagus.
Copper (Cu): Foods high in Cu include kidney, liver, kidney, shellfish, nuts and wholegrain cereals.
Iodine: The condition of the soil contributes greatly to the concentration of iodine found in plants and animals across various regions of the world.
Iron: Meat provides one of the richest sources of iron. Vegetables and cereals also provide iron, but in low concentrations. A good iron intake is particularly important for menstruating women.
Magnesium (Mg): Mg is widely distributed in plant and animal foods, especially legumes, nuts, green vegetables, chocolate and cereals.
Manganese (Mn): Relatively high concentrations of Mn have been found in tea, brown bread, nuts, ginger and cereals. The concentration of Mn in crops depends largely on soil quality.
Selenium (Se): Cereals, seafood and meat products are the best sources of Se and are the main contributors to the daily Se intake. Most vegetables and fruits are relatively low in this mineral.
Zinc (Zn): The Zn content of foods varies from exceptionally high levels in oysters, to negligible in refined foods or those with a high fat content. The best animal source of Zn is found in lean red meat, which has at least twice that of chicken. Cereals and wholegrain foods also provide some zinc.
Without an adequate intake of minerals, the body ceases to function. Give your body the best possible chance to operate at an optimal level of health by making sure you consume plenty. Thankfully, the rainforest comes up trumps again. It seems that some rainforest fruits, like the acai berry, are packed full of minerals and are probably some of the best natural ways for people to boost their mineral intake. No wonder rainforest fruits like the acai are hailed as “super foods”!
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The body utilizes over eighty of these chemicals. They are vital for the growth and production of bones, nails, hair, teeth, nerves, blood, vitamins, hormones and enzymes. In addition, they contribute to the healthy functioning of blood circulation, fluid regulation, nerve transmission, cellular integrity, muscle contraction and energy production.
Because the earth’s soil is now so nutrient depleted, even people who eat the healthiest foods often do not consume the required levels of minerals. This results in many kinds of illnesses, including energy loss, premature aging and degenerative diseases such as heart problems, bone disease and cancer.
Consequently, many people choose to take a supplement, which can provide some of the missing minerals. The risk of mineral deficiency can also be minimized through the consumption of a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Good sources of minerals other than fruits and vegetables include meats, nuts, beans and dairy products.
The following can serve as a rough guide for ensuring the adequate consumption of some of the most important minerals:
Calcium (Ca): This mineral is mainly found in dairy products, cereals, fruits and vegetables. Tinned fish such as sardines are excellent sources of Ca but are not eaten enough by most people. A sufficient intake of calcium may help to prevent osteoporosis.
Chromium (Cr): The richest dietary sources of Cr are spices such as black pepper and brewer’s yeast, raisins, mushrooms, prunes, nuts, beer, red wine and asparagus.
Copper (Cu): Foods high in Cu include kidney, liver, kidney, shellfish, nuts and wholegrain cereals.
Iodine: The condition of the soil contributes greatly to the concentration of iodine found in plants and animals across various regions of the world.
Iron: Meat provides one of the richest sources of iron. Vegetables and cereals also provide iron, but in low concentrations. A good iron intake is particularly important for menstruating women.
Magnesium (Mg): Mg is widely distributed in plant and animal foods, especially legumes, nuts, green vegetables, chocolate and cereals.
Manganese (Mn): Relatively high concentrations of Mn have been found in tea, brown bread, nuts, ginger and cereals. The concentration of Mn in crops depends largely on soil quality.
Selenium (Se): Cereals, seafood and meat products are the best sources of Se and are the main contributors to the daily Se intake. Most vegetables and fruits are relatively low in this mineral.
Zinc (Zn): The Zn content of foods varies from exceptionally high levels in oysters, to negligible in refined foods or those with a high fat content. The best animal source of Zn is found in lean red meat, which has at least twice that of chicken. Cereals and wholegrain foods also provide some zinc.
Without an adequate intake of minerals, the body ceases to function. Give your body the best possible chance to operate at an optimal level of health by making sure you consume plenty. Thankfully, the rainforest comes up trumps again. It seems that some rainforest fruits, like the acai berry, are packed full of minerals and are probably some of the best natural ways for people to boost their mineral intake. No wonder rainforest fruits like the acai are hailed as “super foods”!
acai complete 6 | acai complete 6 free trial
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