The Health Benefits of Acai

Since the 1950's, when a Brazilian doctor first noted Acai had specific health benefits, research on the Acai berry has come a long way.

What we know is quite substantive. Acai is an abundant source of antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamins, fibre, protein, omega-3 & 6 fatty acids, amino acids, minerals ... and more.

So why exactly are antioxidants, anthocyanins, fatty acids, amino acids etc so important, and why is Acai seen as a good choice to obtain them …

What are Antioxidants ...

To understand why antioxidants are important, we need to understand a bit about "free radicals".

The free radical theory suggests that all living things get older because of the build up of free radical damage within their cells. Once created, these highly reactive “free radical” cells can initiate a chain reaction among otherwise healthy cells. These targeted cells may then start to work poorly or even die, which can have serious consequences when they attack cell membranes or DNA.

Antioxidants are important as they act as a defence mechanism against these free radicals. Although the body has several mechanisms to produce it’s own antioxidants, it is unable to make the main vitamin antioxidant that helps to kill off these free radicals.

These antioxidants work by intercepting the free radicals, protecting the healthy cells before they are attacted.  Specifically they help to relieve blood vessel membrane damage, keeping a strong blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain. This also helps in lowering the risks of cardiovascular disease, and DNA damage.

Acai is particularly rich in antioxidant activity, helping fight disease and the early signs of aging.

Measuring Antioxidant activity …

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) had Tufts University develop a test to measure antioxidant activity. The results of the test are measured against what is called the ORAC Scale (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity). The higher the ORAC score, the higher the antioxidant power and speed of activity of what is being measured.

Researchers from Tufts University have also established that a daily dose of 5000 ORAC units helps to prevent certain age related diseases. Following the results of the research, the USDA have recommended a daily intake of 3000-5000 ORAC score.

Freeze-dried Acai has been given the highest ORAC score of any berry, with a score of 50,000 per 100 grams.

What are Anthocyanins …

Anthocyanins are a powerful type of Phytonutrient and antioxidant, seen as having many of the strongest medicinal properties of any plant compound. As well as being recognised as useful in helping support eye and heart functions, Anthocyanins also have anti-inflammatory properties and proven useful in the fight against high blood sugar.

One particular research study has shown that anthocyanins have the strongest antioxidant power in the polyphenol family. They support healthy brain function, the peripheral nervous system, the skin and collagen.

The Acai berry contains the most highly concentrated forms of anthocyanins known so far: up to 30 times the anthocyanin level found in red wine grapes.

The “French Paradox” …

There is a famous research project that wanted to discover why the French had a low rate of heart disease compared to the United Kingdom or Denmark. The French love their cheese (over 700 different ones), coffee, saturated fats, and their nicotine. Yet, suffer from a very low rate of heart disease.

What the researchers discovered was that it was the French people’s love of wine that was protecting them - and specifically red wine. The red wine grape, full of anthocyanins is believed to be the answer, with a bottle of “red” being present at most meal times in France.

Acai has 30 times more anthocyanins than a glass of red wine.

The Omegas - 3, 6, 9  …

Several clinical studies have found a multitude of benefits from omega fatty acids as part of a healthy diet. These benefits include the lowering of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and the increasing of HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Omega fatty acids help to control heart disease by increasing healthy cell development.

Omega fatty acids are essential for healthy nervous system development and regeneration. They also play an important part in repairing and rejuvenating muscles after intense exercise.

Acai is rich in Omega fats, with nearly 37% of the Acai berry as fat coming from healthy unsaturated fats such as Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9.

Vitamins ….

• Vitamin A … Vitamin A is required for healthy growth, development, immunity, healthy vision, hair, skin, nails, bones and teeth.
  
  Acai has over 1000 IU of Vitamin A for every 100 grams of Acai.

• Vitamin B …The Vitamin B group of vitamins is responsible for giving energy to the body by aiding the conversion of glucose from carbohydrates. They are also needed to help the metabolism of both fats and proteins.
  
  Vitamin B is also plays an important role with the health and maintenance of the body's nervous system. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) processes amino acids and fats, it also activates Vitamin B6 and folic acid, helping to convert carbohydrates into fuel the body runs on.
  
  Acai is a rich source of Riboflavin. (B2)

• Vitamin C … Acai is rich in Vitamin C helping boost the body’s production of collagen necessary for healthy cartilage formation.
  
  Acai has as much vitamin C as the “market leader”, the blueberry.

• Vitamin E itself is a powerful antioxidant, neutralising free radicals. Vitamin E also contributes to a healthy circulatory system and aids in proper blood clotting and improves wound healing.
  
  Acai has over 45 mg of lipid-soluble antioxidant Vitamin E per 100 g

Amino Acids

Amino Acids are the body’s “building blocks" making up the proteins which make up the muscles, tendons, organs, glands, nails, and hair. For the body to regenerate, amino acids are essential. Growth, repair and maintenance of all cells are dependent upon them.

The body naturally produces 10 (non-essential amino acids) of the 20 amino acids. The other 10 (essential amino acids) can only be obtained from our diet. Failure to obtain enough of even 1 of these 10 essential amino acids, results in the body not being able to “rebuild” itself. Plus, as the human body does not store excess amino acids for later use, these essential amino acids must be taken in our diet every day.

Acai is a rich source of amino acids.

Minerals in a healthy diet …

The most abundant mineral in Acai is potassium. As well as potassium, Acai has a healthy share of copper and manganese.

• Potassium is required for steady healthy growth, building muscles, transmitting nerve impulses, and maintaining healthy heart activity. The action of potassium helps maintain mental clarity, helps to lower blood pressure, as well as reducing muscle pain.

• Copper helps in the formation of red blood cells, keeping the blood vessels, nerves, immune system, and bones healthy. Lack of copper may lead to anemia and osteoporosis.

• Manganese is essential for the smooth functioning of the brain and essential in the production of certain enzymes. Manganese deficiency symptoms include joint pain, high blood sugar, bone problems and poor memory.

• Calcium … is the second-most abundant mineral in the Acai berry, and is the most abundant mineral in the body. Adequate calcium levels are required daily to maintain bone mineral density. Acai berries are rich in vitamin D content which can contribute to mineral metabolism and bone growth.

 

Acai Health Benefits Summary …

The ideal situation would be to have very fresh Acai berries every day. As that is not possible unless you live in Brazil, taking the best freeze-dried Acai has the potential to support:

• The Heart
  Containing large amount of essential Omega fatty acids and anthocyanins, Acai helps maintain a healthy heart. Research has shown the natural ingredients of Acai may have a positive effect on your heart.

• The Cardiovascular system
  The phytosterols in Acai help to maintain the health of your cardiovascular system.

• The Digestive System
  Acai is fibre rich helping your digestive tract process food more efficiently preventing a build up of toxicity within your colon.

• A Healthy Sleep
  Acai’s healthy blend of nutrients and specifically vitamin B help to regulate hormones and chemicals in your brain while relaxing and regenerating your muscles. A relaxed brain and more relaxed muscle system aids restful sleep.

• More Energy
  The Amazonian tribes people knew that eating Acai berries boosted their energy levels. Today, people enjoying Acai regularly as a part of their healthy diet also report feeling an energy boost. That is why so many sportspeople regularly take Acai.

• The Immune system
  Acai’s natural source of antioxidants help in defending the body against germs and disease.

• Alertness
  The minerals and vitamins in Acai work together to keep you relaxed and alert.

• The Muscles
  The amino acids and mineral compounds in Acai support the muscles helping to regulate their contraction and regeneration.

• Health and Anti-Ageing
  Acai’s combination of nutrients, amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and other properties help to make it one of the World’s superfoods (as recognised by many top nutritinists).

 

Discover why we only recommend this acai berry powder here