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Thursday, September 10, 2009

Hidden Nutritional Secrets of the Acai

By Max Benifitz

Acai berries have an abundance of Polyphenols,Phytochemicals, Anthocyanins, but what are these and what advantages do these substances have? Acai is one of the best sources for anthocyanins there is! Phytochemicals are the beneficial compounds found in fruits such as Acai, vegetables and tea. They are the protective living matter in which plants are able to thrive in some uncertain environments such as climate and insect infestations. For humans, these compounds act as antioxidants which are very important for a good health and longevity. Many studies indicate that the use of antioxidants may assist in the prevention and treatment of anti-aging, heart disease, cancer, and other age-related degenerative ailments.

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. Anthocyanins is an antioxidant found in wine, which is derived from grapes. The polyphenols (anthocyanins) in red wine, are believed to mitigate the effects of a fatty diet and smoking. There are evidences that anthocyanin, a polyphenol reverses, halts, and improve those afflicted with age related diseases. Anthocyanins (flavonoids) found in several fruits, a unique chemical structure present in it, makes them more potent by 6 to 8 times when compared to vitamin C One such fruit is called Acai (pronounced ah-Sa-E) contains the most highly concentrated forms of anthocyanins known thus far through intense research. Acai berries have anthocyanin, which is proven to be 3 to5 times the amount of that present in a glass of red wine, volume to volume when tested in an ORAL analysis (capacity measure).

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 impeding tyrosine nitration, anthocyanin characteristics in Acai berry might assist in staving off nerve-related illnesses. Acai contains primary anthocyanins, Cyanidin-3-glucoside which helps in reversing age related neurological deficits.

Large and Small Blood-Vessels: Anthocyanins ability to counter oxidants make them a powerhouse in the fight against arteriosclerosis. Even when present in small amounts anthocyanins effectively guards against LDL oxidation. Anthocyanins protect the integrity of the endothelial cells that line blood vessel walls and help to maintain micro capillary integrity.

Diabetes: A serious complication is diabetic retinopathy, in most cases, can lead to blindness. This happens when your body tries to fix damaged and leaking capillaries and accidentally creates too many 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 pilots diet. The effect of improved night vision is not long lasting but it is temporary after the consumption of the biliberry. With this new beneficial discovery, the pilots would eat bilberry fruit just before the mission.

Sources: Pigmentated fruits are known to carry the highest amounts of anthocyanins. Fruits that offer the highest value of anthocyanins are those that can be eaten with their skin on. Acai, cherries, grapes, respberries, blueberries and bilberry are the name of few of these fruits. - 17273

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