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. |
