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What is Açaí?
Açaí is the much-heralded exotic palm fruit from the Amazon rain forest.
With a high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value. Açaí could be
considered the berry of choice for good health. The story of Açaí dates back
hundreds of years to its use by the indigenous people of the Orinoco basin
area of Brazil. Originally, treasured as a source of sustenance, scientific
research has confirmed the high nutritional value of Açaí fruit and
uncovered its potent antioxidant benefits. Açaí - A
nutritional powerhouse from Brazil.
How does Açaí work?
Açaí is called a super food for many reasons and mostly because its unique
combination of important compounds. The berry naturally contains huge
amounts of antioxidants, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, Vitamin E, Vitamin C,
Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, Fiber, Proteins, as well as good fatty
acids.
The dark purplish color of the berry is due to the polyphenolic compounds
present in the berry. One of the main compounds being researched is called
Anthocyanin. Analyses have shown that Açaí is one of the richest sources of
Anthocyanins in the world, substances known to be powerful free radical
scavengers. It is known for being a super antioxidant, but also something
that can be used to assist in weight loss. The more research that is done on anthocyanins, the more benefits are found.
Why take Açaí?
The incredible levels of antioxidants in Açaí helps you to feel younger, and
may increase your immunity levels. Açaí' s high levels of antioxidants also
play a factor in maintenance of vascular cardiac system, which is very
important for better blood circulation. Research has also shown that
antioxidants can help regulate cholesterol levels in your body. Açaí has two
essential fatty acids known as Omega 6 (Linoleic acid) and Omega 9 (Oleic
acid). Omega 6 helps lower LDL, which is the cholesterol that harms your
body, while Omega 9 fatty acids lower LDL and maintain HDL (good
cholesterol) levels.
- Inflammation: Anthocyanins help neutralize enzymes that destroy connective
tissue. Their antioxidant capacity prevents free radicals from damaging
connective tissues and may help repair damaged proteins in the blood-vessel
walls.
- Nervous System: By preventing tyrosine nitration, the Anthocyanin
properties in Açaí have been found to contribute to the reversal of age
related neurological deficits and help to protect against neurological
diseases.
- Arteriosclerosis: Anthocyanins ability to counter oxidants make them a
powerhouse in the fight against arteriosclerosis. Even in small amounts,
Anthocyanins effectively guard against LDL oxidation. Anthocyanins protect
the integrity of the endothelial cells that line blood vessel walls and help
to maintain micro capillary integrity.
- Diabetes: One of the serious diabetic complications is retinopathy, which
in most cases can cause blindness. This condition occurs when the body
attempts to repair leaking, damaged capillaries, but does so by producing
too many abnormal proteins. The protection of Anthocyanins may help prevent
these capillaries from leaking and assist in the prevention of abnormal
protein proliferation.
- Eye Health: The Açaí berry's anthocyanins may also help improve eyesight
by numerous mechanisms.
A recent Japanese study found that people taking 50mg of Anthocyanins
adapted better to the dark and had less eye fatigue.
- Supports cardio-vascular health.
- Improves blood circulation.
- Supports weight loss.
- Improves digestion and digestive organ function.
- Helps to regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Improves your stamina and endurance.
- One of the most nutritious foods in the world
- A powerful source of antioxidants to combat premature ageing
Properties/Actions Documented by Research: Anthocyanins:
Studies show that Açaí has 10x more antioxidants than red grapes.
Antioxidants decrease cell destruction, which in turn combats the
aging process and helps keep the body free from disease. Essential
fatty acids: Açaí is proving to be an excellent source of essential
fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, omega-6 and omega-9.
Phytosterols: are components of plant cell membranes providing
numerous benefits to the human body.The phytosterols are used in the
treatment for stimulating the regeneration process. The phytosterols
founded in Açaí are: sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol.
Important: The Açaí (ah-sigh-ee) fruit really is a wonderful
and powerful fruit, but NEVER was used in Brazil as a weight loss
fruit or for miraculous "cleansing". It is largely used in Brazil as
a complement to a healthy diet and to naturally nourish the body.
The Açaí itself has no cleasing or weight loss properties, unless is
combined or blended with another ingredient or plant that has such
properties. Lately, hundreds of companies have been advertising
false attributes for this wonderful and natural fruit. Be careful
with Açaí berry scam and ""free trials"", that will promise
everything just get your credit card number! Until this very moment,
Açaí is only found and wild harvested in the Brazilian Amazon
Rainforest where the soil and conditions are unique in the world.
A History of the Açaí Berry
Of course you know that the Acai palm tree (açaí) is a
6-24 meter tall, fruiting palm that grows in Amazonia, mostly in the
wetlands of Brazil. It was named by the native people there as
“içá-çai”, which roughly translated is: “the fruit that cries”. It’s
an unusual name, but it has a story...
...Many moons ago there was an Amazon Indian girl named “Iaça,” whose father
was the tribe’s chief. His tribe had outgrown the local food supply and
there was no longer enough food for everyone.
The chief decreed that all newborn babies must be killed until food supplies
are sustainable again.
When Iaça, his own daughter had a child herself, the chief had his one
grandbaby killed in order to not appear two-faced.
Iaça naturally wasn’t too happy, mourning her baby’s death alone in her hut
(oca) for days.
Then she heard a baby crying outdoors, and followed the sound into the
Jungle. After a little while she came across a very tall palm tree, covered
in purple fruit. Seeing all the food that could have saved her
daughter was too much for Iaça, so some say she died right there against the
trunk of the tree.
The next morning the other tribesmen found the new tree and Iaça’s body. The
tree’s fruit satisfied their hunger and renewed their energy, making them
stronger than ever before. The chief lifted his harsh ruling and declared
that the fruit would be named for his daughter, and named it Açai, because
Açai is “Iaça” spelled backwards.
So with plenty of food for all, the tribe grew and is still there eating
Açai berries three meals a day to this day.
One very interesting thing to note about that story is that very few of the
native indian tribes from before Columbus had survived in South America…
Most were wiped out, not by conquistadors, but by European germs. But
not those who lived on the Acai berry. Their numbers never dwindled and this
is a fact!
In modern times, Açaí has been eaten daily for decades by people
across Brazil. A cold bowl of Açaí is usually eaten in the morning
for breakfast. In the 1950’s, local doctors began to notice the
health benefits of Açaí. In the 1980’s, refrigerated trucks were
able to get the first frozen berries from the rainforest to Rio,
where it has flourished as a very popular smoothie, ice-cream, and
even cocktail ingredient ever since. They eat it many times a day
down there and almost always eat it with dinner when they stay out
late to party all night. Since it started showing up in supermarkets
across the country, new medical studies have popped up and
researchers are founding out about all of the exciting health
benefits of Açaí on a daily basis.
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How to
use/ Preparation:
In concentrated powder form, Açai has
the potential to enhance the nutritional value of just about any
food. As an additive to beverages and smoothies Açai packs a healthy
punch and helps people get through the day with an added burst of
energy and well-being. Açai powder can flavor and improve the
nutritional value of any hot or cold drink but should not be limited
to drinks, as there are limitless ways to enjoy the amazing benefits
of Açai, here are a few suggestions: With Oatmeal, Pancakes, Steamed
Milk with Honey, Soup, Bread or on top of your cereal, ice-cream or
frozen yogurt. |
