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So
Berry Good
For centuries, acai (ah-sigh-ee) berries have been consumed by Brazilian tribes
because of their and great flavor. Acai berries look like dark purple grapes, only
slightly smaller, but they cannot be eaten like grapes. Ninety percent of the
acai berry is its pit; during processing, the seed and pulp are separated. Acai
puree is used in juice, yogurts and desserts; however, it can also be eaten
alone and tastes like a chocolate berry.
More recently, everyone has been jumping on the
acai berry bandwagon in the hopes of improving their overall health. So, how
healthy are acai berries? Here's a breakdown of
the all-important compounds these tiny super-berries contain.
Antioxidants
Red and purple fruits and veggies are known to be high in
anthocyanins
.
The same holds true for acai berries, which are high in anthocyanins, an
antioxidant that gives them their deep purple color. Anthocyanins help combat
premature aging and also have
benefits. They help prevent blood clots and improve circulation. What’s also
great about the acai berry is the amount of antioxidants it possesses. Acai
berries contain 10 times the antioxidants of grapes and twice the amount found
in blueberries. Red wine is still great to sip with your lean cut of red meat,
but acai berries have 10-30 times more anthocyanins than a glass of red wine. Phytosterols
Phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, are similar in
structure and function to cholesterol in the body. They lower cholesterol
absorption and, as a result, may help lower total levels in the body.
Some clinical trials have also shown that phytosterols can improve symptoms of
an enlarged prostate and urinary tract health.
Fatty Acids
Healthy fats omega-6 (linoleic acid) and omega-9 (oleic
acid) are found in acai berries in ratios similar to those found in olive oil.
You wouldn’t want to guzzle olive oil, but acai berries taste great. Fatty acids
are good for a healthy nervous system. They are also utilized in repairing
muscles after intense exercise. The fatty acids keep you in good health so you
can continue to work out. Omega-6 and omega-9 lower LDL (bad cholesterol)
and maintain HDL (good cholesterol), and improve the absorption of fat-soluble
vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Fiber
Fiber, which is found in the skin of many fruits, aids in
digestion. It collects all the gunk in the intestinal tract and makes it easier
to pass. That’s also believed to be the reason fiber can help lower cholesterol
and lowers the risk of heart
disease. Fiber also helps prevent those spikes in blood sugar and the
afternoon slump. Fiber slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates,
therefore controlling blood-sugar levels.
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