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Hidden
Nutritional Secrets of the Acai
Acai berries are loaded
with Polyphenols,Phytochemicals, Anthocyanins, what are they and what
are the benefits of such compounds? Acai is one of the best sources for
anthocyanins there is! Phytochemicals characterize, or sum up the whole
picture of the beneficial compounds found in fruits such as Acai, vegetables,
and certain teas. They are the protective living matter in which plants
are able to thrive in some uncertain environments such as climate and
insect infestations. When consumed by humans, these compounds act as antioxidants
so vital to good health and longevity. Many studies suggest that the use
of antioxidants may help in the fight against anti-aging, cardiovascular
disease, cancer, and so many other age related degenerative diseases including
ophthalmology.
Anthocyanins are some of the
more potent forms of antioxidants. We have all heard of the
"French Paradox", how the people of France with their high fat
diets and not uncommon unhealthy lifestyles are still below the percentage
of related deaths from cardiovascular disease than many of the populations
which exist today. One reason may be that they consume large amounts of
red wine. Wine, made from grapes have very high levels of the antioxidant
anthocyanins. The polyphenols (anthocyanins) in red wine, are believed
to mitigate the effects of a fatty diet and smoking. Anthocyanin, a polyphenol
which is proven to reverse, halt, and improve the conditions of many age
related diseases inflicted on the general population. Anthocyanins (flavonoids)
found in various fruits have a unique chemical structure that makes them
6 to
8 times more potent than vitamin C. One particular fruit, known as Acai
(ah-Sa-E) contains the most highly concentrated forms of anthocyanins
known thus far through intense research. The anthocyanin content in the
Acai is proven to be 3.5 times the amount of that present in a glass of
red wine, volume to volume when tested in an ORAL analysis ( measure of
capacity).
Anthocyanins and
their protective properties:
Inflammation and Collagen:
Anthocyanins neutralize enzymes that destroy connective tissue. Their
antioxidant capacity prevents oxidants from damaging connective tissues
and repair damaged proteins in the blood-vessel walls.
The Nervous System: By preventing tyrosine nitration, the anthocyanin
properties in Acai may
help protect against neurological diseases. The primary anthocyanins in
Acai known as
Cyanidin-3-glucoside have been found to help in the reversal of age related
neurological deficits.
Large and Small Blood-Vessels:
Anthocyanins ability to counter oxidants make them a powerhouse in the
fight against arteriosclerosis. Even in trace amounts, anthocyanins effectively
protect against LDL oxidation. Anthocyanins protect the integrity of the
endothelial cells that line blood vessel walls and help to maintain micro
capillary integrity.
Diabetes: One of the
serious diabetic complications is retinopathy, which in most cases can
cause blindness. This condition occurs when the body attempts to repair
leaking, damaged capillaries, but does so by over producing abnormal proteins.
The protection of anthocyanins may help prevent these capillaries from
leaking and to help prevent abnormal protein proliferation.
Eyesight: Anthocyanins may also help improve eyesight by numerous mechanisms.
In the Second World War, British fighter pilots were found to have improved
night vision. These findings were thought to be contributed by the large
amounts of bilberry in the pilot’s diet. The effects of the improved
night vision were not long lasting after the initial consumption of bilberry
lasting just hours after initial consumption. With this new found advantage,
the pilots would consume the bilberry fruits just prior to the mission.
Sources: Pigmentated fruits are known to carry the highest amounts of
anthocyanins. Fruits that can be eaten with skin on, offer the highest
value of anthocyanins. These fruits would consist of Acai, cherries, grapes,
raspberries, blueberries, bilberry to name a few.
©2007 Acai
Berry Juice.org
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