Why is Acai Berry Better than Blueberry?
The amazing acai berry has garnished quite a bit of attention. Acai supplements, extracts, mixes and juices are popping up all over the place. They might prevent cancer, heart disease and even slow aging and promote weight loss. It was not long ago that blueberries were the big superfood. Are acai berries really so much better?
Both acai berries and blueberries contain phytochemicals from the anthocyanin group. Phytochemicals are the components of plants meant to help the plant combat disease and cellular damage. They also help repair damage. In other words, they keep the plant healthy and when you consume these plants, that protective factor transfers to your body.
Phytochemicals also lend to the plants natural characteristics: texture, aroma and color. Though many plants contain a variety of phytochemicals, whichever one they contain the most of lends to the overall characteristics. In the case of purple plants, they contain high amounts of these anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins have several characteristics that make them extremely beneficial to the human body. First, they have high amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to fight free radicals and the damage incurred. We are exposed to free radicals on a daily basis: car exhaust, carcinogens, UV rays, pollution, industrial chemicals, household chemicals and even the foods we eat. Free radicals contribute to cancer, heart disease and aging among other health concerns.
These same foods, especially high-fat animal protein and refined carbohydrates, also contribute to systemic inflammation. Anti-inflammatory properties in anthocyanins combat this systemic inflammation. Systemic inflammation is at the root of many disease processes including obesity.
So, why are acai berries so much better than blueberries if they both contain anthocyanins? Are blueberries underrated?
The answer can be found with a score called "Oxygen Radical Absorption Capabilities" or ORAC. This is a measure of the acai berry's ability to prevent free radical damage. In other words, ORAC determines how beneficial the food is in regard to counteracting the ill effects of free radicals. Whereas blueberries have a 2400 score, acai berries have an astounding 5500.
The only bad news about acai berries is they are not found in the produce department. Blueberries are more available and can even be found for less in the frozen foods. If you want acai berries in your diet, you will have to fly to the Amazon or take a supplement. You probably want to steer clear of the juices due to high amounts of sugar or corn syrup. The small amounts of acai berry in these products do not counteract the ill effects of the sugar.
Your best bet is to enjoy the benefits of blueberries, acai supplements and a wide variety of plants in your diet. This way, you will benefit from all the phytochemicals, which tend to work together to improve health. - 17273
Both acai berries and blueberries contain phytochemicals from the anthocyanin group. Phytochemicals are the components of plants meant to help the plant combat disease and cellular damage. They also help repair damage. In other words, they keep the plant healthy and when you consume these plants, that protective factor transfers to your body.
Phytochemicals also lend to the plants natural characteristics: texture, aroma and color. Though many plants contain a variety of phytochemicals, whichever one they contain the most of lends to the overall characteristics. In the case of purple plants, they contain high amounts of these anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins have several characteristics that make them extremely beneficial to the human body. First, they have high amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to fight free radicals and the damage incurred. We are exposed to free radicals on a daily basis: car exhaust, carcinogens, UV rays, pollution, industrial chemicals, household chemicals and even the foods we eat. Free radicals contribute to cancer, heart disease and aging among other health concerns.
These same foods, especially high-fat animal protein and refined carbohydrates, also contribute to systemic inflammation. Anti-inflammatory properties in anthocyanins combat this systemic inflammation. Systemic inflammation is at the root of many disease processes including obesity.
So, why are acai berries so much better than blueberries if they both contain anthocyanins? Are blueberries underrated?
The answer can be found with a score called "Oxygen Radical Absorption Capabilities" or ORAC. This is a measure of the acai berry's ability to prevent free radical damage. In other words, ORAC determines how beneficial the food is in regard to counteracting the ill effects of free radicals. Whereas blueberries have a 2400 score, acai berries have an astounding 5500.
The only bad news about acai berries is they are not found in the produce department. Blueberries are more available and can even be found for less in the frozen foods. If you want acai berries in your diet, you will have to fly to the Amazon or take a supplement. You probably want to steer clear of the juices due to high amounts of sugar or corn syrup. The small amounts of acai berry in these products do not counteract the ill effects of the sugar.
Your best bet is to enjoy the benefits of blueberries, acai supplements and a wide variety of plants in your diet. This way, you will benefit from all the phytochemicals, which tend to work together to improve health. - 17273
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