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The Acai Berry and Its Nutrient Value Acai Fruit - Super Antioxidant The Acai Berry and Its Nutrient Valueby Josh EAcai, like other fruits and herbs found in the rainforests on this planet holds the key to many of the unknown health benefits. A reason for acai's slow adoption in other countries is that the fruits can be had only for a short period post-harvest, before it quickly deteriorates. Hey good things don't last do they ? so the fruit is only available in juice or fruit pulp outside the growing region. The juice and pulp of acai fruits are frequently used in various juice blends, smoothies, sodas, and other beverages, primarily in South America where such products are widely available. Acai fruit flavor and texture The fruit pulp is very deep purple and is reminiscent of a blueberry sorbet or ice cream with a hint of chocolate flavor. Akai berries are produced by a palm tree known scientifically as Euterpe oleracea, common in floodplain areas of the Amazon River. When ripe, the berries take on a dark purple color and about the size of a blueberry. They contain a thin layer of fruit pulp surrounding a large seed. The Nutrients in Acai Oleic acid The fiber content is approximately 44% of the total fruit mass, making it one of the most fiber rich fruits. The fruit pulp also has very good antibacterial properties, resulting in wide use as an astringent in South America. All of the above nutrients makes acai one of the most concentrated source of nutrients you can get in a fruit form. Due to the high antioxidant content, the acai berry is known as one of the most powerful of the anti-aging foods. A University of Florida study found that acai contains antioxidants that destroyed cultured human cancer cells. University of Florida was one of the first to investigate the fruit’s purported benefits. "This was only a cell-culture model and we don’t want to give anyone false hope. We are encouraged by the findings, however. Compounds that show good activity against cancer cells in a model system are most likely to have beneficial effects in our bodies" the study noted. In what form can you find Acai? Various products in fruit pulp, juice, blended juice products, capsule, chewable tablets. The fruit pulp is available in health food stores. Several juice vendors even have an "acai boost" that you can have with other juices. When a natural product such as Acai, becomes a health fad, several by-products advertised as supplements, health food etc, comes into the market in a massive scale to tap into a trend. While the benefits of Acai has been widely touted, it is not a panacea for all ills. The consumer needs to exercise caution in buying Acai related products and should watch carefully as to what they are really getting About the AuthorJosh E. Thomas is writer who regularly writes about Health and Nutrition. Visit http://nutrition.smatix.com He lives in California with his wife and daughter. This article can be freely re-published in any form, as long as the Author credit and links are included. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_E
Acai Fruit - Super Antioxidantby Tim Eutin Acai Berry – Super Antioxidant A small grape like fruit from the Amazon Rain Forest has been found to be one of the most potent natural antioxidants. The Acai berry, pronounced “a-sigh-ee”, has been shown to have 10 times the antioxidants of grapes and twice the antioxidants of blueberries. In addition to the antioxidant properties, Acai fruit is also rich in iron, fiber, protein, vitamin E, and contain a high level of essential fatty acids & omegas. Acai also contains a multitude of trace minerals. The Importance of Antioxidants According to the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov) there is considerable laboratory evidence that indicates that antioxidants may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer. Antioxidants are substances that are believed to help protect cells from damaged caused by unstable molecules called “free radicals”. Free radical damage may lead to cancer. Antioxidants, like those found in Acai fruit, help to stabilize free radicals and may help to prevent some of the damage that free radicals cause. Exposure to certain environmental factors such as tobacco smoke and radiation lead to free radical formation. Free radicals are also a natural by product of normal cell activities. Free radical damage to DNA overtime may lead to cancer. Acai a Leading Source of Anthocyanin The Acai berry is a leading source of the antioxidant anthocyanin. Anthocyanin is in a class of phytochemicals found in red wine that is believed to have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. This antioxidant has also been shown to help prevent blood clots, improve circulation, prevent artherosclerosis and to combat cancer. The central anthocyanin in Acai is cyaniding-3 glucoside, which is 3.5 times more potent than the prevailing anthocyanin found in red wine as indicated in an ORAC analysis ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity. It is a technique used to determine the level of antioxidant activity of a substance. The average person requires 1670 ORAC each day. The Acai fruit produces an ORAC level of 3871. Acai also contains oleic acid that promotes a healthy heart and helps to protect against the cancer causing action of oncogene, which has been found in a large percent of breast cancer patients. Acai is a relatively new product. The benefits of Acai have been causing a stir. In addition to the antioxidant properties of Acai, other benefits include: increased stamina, increased sex drive (Acai has been called the Viagra of the Amazon), improved digestion, improved mental focus, provides a boost to the immune system, and improves visual acuity. For more information on the benefits of Acai Fruit visit:http://www.acaifruit.blogspot.com Tim Eutin is the President of The Rock Marketing Group and has been interested in vitamin supplements for many years. His blog and personal testimony on the effects of sublingual vitamin B-12 can be found at http://www.sublingualvitaminb12.blogspot.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Eutin
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