The Benefits of Acai Berries
Antioxidants are extremely favorable to our health. Serious diseases such as heart disease and cancer and less serious but no less thought about things such as anti-aging can all benefit from the introduction of antioxidants into our diets. Fruits and vegetables are naturally loaded in antioxidants. Fruits that have very large concentrations of antioxidants include cranberries, grapes, blueberries and a little known fruit from Brazil called the acai berry.
The acai berry is harvested in the Brazilian rainforest from acai palms that can reach in excess of 60 feet. These are the same palms used to harvest the edible hearts of palm. The acai berry fruit itself is about the size of a large blueberry yet only the outside skin of the fruit and the pulp are edible. The acai berry also contains a large, inedible seed.
Claims about this remarkable berry in the recent past have included such claims as the acai berry is an excellent metabolism booster, an enhancer for athletes and an effective weight loss tool. Acai berry is also considered to be a promising way to prevent diseases caused by oxidative stress such as heart disease and cancer.
The acai berry has an entire complement of macronutrients, micronutrients and trace elements. The acai berry has also boasts a very high antioxidant activity. This tiny little acai berry contains healthy carbohydrates, low sugar content, a broad range of amino acids, many vitamins and minerals and even essential fatty acids.
Theoretically, high antioxidant activity may help prevent diseases that are caused by oxidative stress such as heart disease and cancer. The acai berry contains several substances with antioxidant properties called flavonoids and anthocyanins. The anthocyanins are the substance that is responsible for the deep red and blue colors of many of the healthiest fruits in the world, including blueberries, grapes and of course the acai berry. Flavonoids are substances known for their high antioxidant activities.
A variety of high antioxidant foods are recommended for a healthy diet. A combination of blueberries, blackberries and even dark chocolate and red wine are healthy additions to your diet. Acai berries and acai berry juices, smoothies and more can add to this healthy diet. Try to eat 5 high antioxidant foods daily.
Acai berries have only recently become well known past Brazil and around the world. The reason for this is that the acai berry itself is highly perishable and it has only been within the past five years or so that products have been made with processed acai berries. People in many parts of the world have only recently had the opportunity to use and consume acai berry products.
While many weight loss remedies have proven to be detrimental to your health the acai berry and acai berry juice are a healthy addition to any weight loss strategy or even any strategy meant to just maintain good health. Since acai berries have some of the highest antioxidant levels of any food consuming acai berries and acai berry juices, smoothies and other products can boost your healthy immune system.
Article Source: HealthSnare.com
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Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 Time: 5:45 PM
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