The Acai berry is one of the most alkaline fruits that you can enjoy on
this earth. Adding acai berries to your
diet is a wise thing to do if you want to maintain alkaline body tissues or
just simply start your day out by eating a fruit that is incredibly nutritious
and a counterbalance to all of the acidic foods most of us eat every day.
What is Acai berry exactly?
The Acai berry is the fruit of the Acai Palm that is a species of palm
trees native to Central and South America.
The tree grows over 13 feet in height and bears big dark purple berries.
The fruit produces twice yearly and just one tree usually produces thousands of
the berries.
Brazilians have been using it to treat ailments and support recovery
from illness for thousands of years. The Acai berry is so nutritious that it
has sustained many populations who survive in the vast Amazonian rain forest in
times of famine.
It is a small, perfectly round dark purple fruit that tastes like a
slightly fermented blackberry or blueberry. It has a back taste that lingers
that is reminiscent of bitter unsweetened chocolate.
The Acai berry has received rave reviews from some of the world’s
biggest self-help experts. Dr. Nicholas Perricone
called it “one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world and
natures’ perfect energy fruit.”
What is the nutritional
profile of Acai?
The healing constituents of Acai
are its antioxidants (double that of blueberries), protein, vitamins A and C,
iron, omega fatty acids, protein, and fibre. Every 100 grams of Acai contains
1000 IU of Vitamin A as well as the minerals calcium, magnesium, copper and
zincThis
anti-oxidant is very prevalent in purple and black but Acai boasts more than
any other food on earth.
Acai also contains more protein than an egg as well as Omega 3, 6 and 9
fatty acids. A total
of 19 different amino acids have been identified as part of the nutritional
profile of this exotic fruit.
Acai also
supplies the body with three plant sterols. B -sitosterol, campesterol and
sigmasterol that affect the whole body on a systemic level to maintain a
healthy heart and digestion.
What are the health
benefits of Acai?
Acai berries also have a very high rating on the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) score. The ORAC scale is a measure of antioxidant power. Before acai came along, prunes topped the superfruit list with an ORAC score of 5,770 units per 100g. The Acai has 18,500 units per 100g and up to 50,000 units when freeze-dried. Scientists recommend we consume between 3,500 and 6,000 ORAC units daily to neutralize aging free radicals.This means that consuming even just a handful of Acai berries daily may have a powerful effect when it comes to preventing aging and helping us look young. The berries are also powerful anti-inflammatories and act as a mild anti-depressant.
The Acai berry also contains both omega 6 and omega 3 essential fatty acids and an astounding five hundred times more vitamin C than oranges, making it a valuable anti-aging food.
The Mayo Clinic in the U.S. also supports claims that the consumption of
Acai berry can help lower cholesterol, correct erectile dysfunction and
detoxify the body.
Acai fruit is one of the few fruits that contain protein and because
that protein is also synergized with fatty acids the fruit is very good for
your hair, skin and nails. Many people who eat Acai berries also experience a
boost of energy thanks to the high level of B12 in this super fruit.
Where to find Acai
berries …
You can find Acai juice quite easily in most grocery stores but be sure
to check labels to make sure it is not “cut” too heavily with other juices such
as grape or apple or loaded with sugar.
The most widely available Acai product available is the frozen pulp but
once again be sure to read labels to make sure that there is no sugar
added. Acai should be the first
ingredient on the label and not sugar or some other kind of fruit or additive.
Acai is a fruit that would be a welcome addition to a healthy and active lifestyle.
For more information about the Healthy & Active Program please
visit our website at www.healthy-active.com. You may also call
us in Toronto at (41) 440-2217 and ask for Adrienne Wright Bulow or Dr. Micheal
Rahman or email us at adrienne@healthy-active.com.
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