The acai berry is an amazing nutritional discovery. Found only in the rainforests of Brazil it has only in recent times been available throughout the world due to advances in processing methods. This astonishing little berry has up to 10 times the antioxidant level of red grapes and twice the antioxidant levels of blueberries. The acai berry also dwarfs the antioxidant levels of red wine bringing in 10 to 30 times as much antioxidant activity. The acai berry is comprised of some of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit found on Earth.
The acai berry is exceptionally high in 2 strong antioxidants called anthocyanins and flavonoids. Anthocyanin is the substance responsible for the deep red to deep purple colors of many healthy foods including blueberries, red grapes, purple cabbage and of course the acai berry. Foods that are loaded with anthocyanins are exceptionally nutritious and full of antioxidants.
Antioxidants for instance anthocyanins and flavonoids protect the body from stress and free radicals. Free radicals are described as a molecule or an atom that contains a single unpaired electron. Because of this unpaired electron the molecule is especially unstable and disruptive to our bodies. An antioxidant will pair up the random electron and stabilize the molecule. Both anthocyanins and flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that protect the body from stress and free radicals.
Antioxidant activity from foods is assessed by what is referred to as an ORAC score. The ORAC score measures the ability of a substance to neutralize free radicals within the controlled environment of a test tube. The higher the number of the ORAC score the stronger the antioxidant qualities of the food are. The acai berry has been found to have an extremely high ORAC score.
Processing methods can make a difference in the nutritional content of the product. The highest quality products are the ones that employ freeze-drying rather than heat and chemicals. Heat and chemicals can quickly deplete the precious nutrients that are naturally in the berry. Before you buy an acai berry product find out how that specific product was processed.
As you look at the product you are going to purchase, check out the nutritional label to see how much actual acai berry extract is in the product. Nutritional labels show ingredients by the amount contained in the product. Thus, if the first ingredient listed is acai berry or a variation thereof then it is the main ingredient. If some other ingredient is listed then that would be the main ingredient. This may not be an issue but be sure that the main ingredient is a healthy one.
There are a variety of wonderful products made from the acai berry. You can find delicious juices, many different types of supplements or even powdered forms of products made from this amazing berry. The acai berry has been touted as an answer to many health issues ranging from being overweight to even the prevention of serious diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Research will continue to be conducted on the acai berry but the findings so far have been pretty astounding. The acai berry can aid in weight loss and the prevention of diseases. The acai berry offers tremendous nutritional advantages that are beneficial to human wellbeing.
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