Saturday, April 11, 2009

The Acai Berry: A Health and Vitality Gold Mine

By Marcus C. Evans

The fruit that has been taking the world by storm is the Acai berry which is really pronounced like (ah-sigh-ee). You can find it in the South American Amazon rainforest where it sits high on top of palm trees. The Acai is a small round berry that is blackish-purple in colour. This delicious Brazilian berry tastes like a special blend of berries and chocolate.

The Amazon tribe's people have had the pleasure of enjoying the Acai berry for many thousands of years. It was used not only for medicinal purposes but it also had energy giving qualities as well.

These berries were handpicked by the Amazon tribe's men. They would simply climb up the palm trees and harvest the Acai berries from the tree's top branches. Now the world over, even as far away as Australia, are extolling the many health benefits of the Acai berries. Many athletes and other high performing people use the Acai as their 'secret weapon' as they excel in their chosen activities.

The Acai berry is full of amino acids, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. These are all of vital importance in maintaining a healthy diet. Here is some very good nutritional information that will tell you why the Acai berry is so good for us to eat:

As mentioned above, the Acai berry is full of amino acids and fatty acids. These acids are similar to that which one finds in olive oil. Antioxidants are found in blueberries and grapes but the Acai berries actually contain double the amount of antioxidants than either blueberries or grapes. And as for protein - one berry contains more protein than one egg!

When it comes to anthocyanins found in red wine, the Acai berries contain an incredible thirty times as much! They contain more than sixteen phytonutrients and antioxidants. We all require fiber for a healthy digestive system and the Acai berries contain 40 grams of fiber for every 100 grams of berries! As for macro and trace minerals and vitamins, the Acai berry is packed with them, however glycaemic levels are low in these berries which is of course, good news too.

The Acai berries are so full of health benefits because of their nutritional makeup. As already stated they contain antioxidants, but these berries are also antibacterial and are antimutagenic. They are excellent for our cardiovascular system and contain anti-inflammatory properties as well. As far as bad cholesterol that may be in our blood is concerned, the Acai berries actually work at lowering those levels while at the same time maintaining our levels of good cholesterol. The Acai berry is known to lower the harmful levels of cholesterol found in blood plasma.

The Acai berry is a rich source for anthocyanins which are very good for the blood vessels, eyes, nervous system and connective tissue. The flavanoids in the Acai berry help protect your body against disease. The berry seems to strengthen visual acuity in the eyes and helps prevent macular degeneration and glaucoma.

These berries have been used for centuries to also cleanse and to rid the body of harmful toxins as well. But now it would seem that even people who require a good sleep can benefit, because the Acai berries even help to provide a more natural sleep for the body.

Wow! This little berry is a nutrient goldmine. You can either take the Acai berry in the form of capsules or you may drink the pureed pulp. Either way, you are sure to feel the many benefits of this amazing berry as it works its wonders on you! Give it a go and see for yourself.

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