Stress Management Techniques and Self Improvement

The Acai Berry - Nature's own Energy Fruit

The Acai Berry - Nature's own Energy Fruit
By David Tomaselli

In his book, The Perricone Promise, Nicholas Perrricone highly reccommends ten superfoods that should be included in one's diet. He claims that these foods prevent inflammation and improve your immune system, allowing you to enjoy good health and well being. One such food is a previously little-known fruit harvested from the Brazilian rainforest known as the Acai Berry. This berry is now gaining recognition world wide for its high levels of the cholesterol-fighting fatty acids, Omega 6 and Omega 9, and its strong concentration -- up to 33 times that found in red wine grapes -- of anthocyanin, a powerful anti-oxidant.

The acai berry is especially noteworthy for the antioxidant properties afforded by its concentration of anthocyanin -- which is also present in red wine -- that prevents oxidants from harming connective tissue while repairing damaged proteins in blood vessel walls. This helps explain the “French Paradox.” The French, who are noted wine drinkers, have one of the lowest incidences of heart disease of any westernized society despite a diet high in cholesterol and saturated fat. 

Acai Berry's ORAC value(a measure of its antioxidant properties), is higher than any other edible berry on the planet. The remarkable concentration of antioxidants also helps combat premature aging and the Acai Berry is also an excellent source of dietary fiber!

A brief look at the science behind free radicals and antioxidants illustrates this message of balance, variety, and moderation. There are 6 classes of free radicals, which research shows may be largely responsible for chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. These are referred to as reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity) test measures the “seek and destroy” capacity of antioxidants against free radicals. Once the ORAC test was perfected, many formulators and companies contrived ways to exploit this value in an attempt to make their product appear better. A higher ORAC value does not necessarily equate to better or more effective.

The Acai berry may be the most potent of all “forgotten fruits"-- those raw, whole fruits that are little known or consumed. The scientific facts about the Acai berry are impressive by any standards:

• A protein profile similar to an egg.
• A fatty acid profile similar to olive oil.
• Contains the leading source of anthocyanins--often reported as 30 times that of the protective potential of red wine. One of the many attributes of anthocyanins is its anti-inflammatory qualities.
• High in fiber.
• Low glycemic index.
• More than 16 phytonutrients and anti-oxidants.
• Copious amount of trace minerals (Co, Cr, Cu, Mo...) and macrominerals (Ca, Fe)
• Generous amount of vitamins including vitamin E.
• Excellent source of plant sterols, particularly Beta-Sitosterol which is associated with cholesterol lowering capabilities.

According to Nicholas Perricone, the Acai Berry offers a number of benefits including:

• Prevents or reduces inflammation.
• Helps regulate metabolism and burn body fat.
• Lowers total cholesterol.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Helps protect against heart disease.
• Helps protect against cancer.
• Helps protect organs from toxins.
• Promotes digestive health.

For further information on the Acai Berry go to MonaVie.

David Tomaselli
The Wholistic Development Exchange

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