Wednesday, February 18, 2009

What Makes Acai Berries Great?

Research shows that acai berries contain the following properties: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cardiovascular benefits. The antioxidant property of acai berry is 30 times greater than red grapes, and 10 to 20 times more anthocyanins than red wine. That makes acai berries more than 200% anti-oxidant than any other fruit and vegetable known; and the best known source of antioxidant so far. A university of Florida study in 2006 showed that the antioxidant property of acai berries destroyed cultured human cancer cells. Further studies revealed that it triggers a self-destruct response in up to 86% of tested leukemia cells.
Acai berries provide a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. It also contain good amount of fiber that help promotes healthy digestive system and reduce the risks of developing some types of cancer. In Brazil, acai berries are used to treat digestive disorder and some skin condition. Essential fatty acids; such as omega 3, 6 and 9; are also found which contribute to low incidence of cardiovascular disease for people who consume acai berries as part of their diet.
Acai berries are not recommended to be eaten directly. It should be processed first. The fruit consist of pulp and seed. Both parts contain mostly half of the full nutritional value of the entire fruit; however, it is only on the seed where the fatty acids and omega 3, 6, and 9 are found. Be sure to check that the acai berry product you are using contains both the pulp and the seed.
Acai berry seed is hard; it is mostly difficult to chop them down into smaller pieces to be incorporated in acai berry drinks. This is an aspect where different acai berry products differ in quality: the amount of seed part incorporated in their product. On the other hand, to maximize the full nutritional benefits of the other part of acai berry, which is the pulp; it should be freeze dried once it is picked. It loses its nutritional value every minute after picking the fruit. This is another quality aspect of different acai berry products, the method and means of freeze drying the pulp.

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