Acai, a source of health and energy, has been known for centuries by Amazonian peoples, which won the World due to its amazing nutritional qualities. The success of acai as a source of health and energy, gets on the mats for Jiu-Jitsu in Rio de Janeiro, providing strength and willingness for fighting and winning the deserved status as an effective dietary supplement, since acai becomes known to the general public, making success in all athletic circles. This was not just hype, because science has proven its effectiveness, which we provide below:

Anthocyanins

Scientific interest in compounds derived from plants has increased since epidemiological studies suggest that diets with high intake of fruits and vegetables may reduce the incidence of some degenerative diseases.

Some fruits are rich in anthocyanin pigments, a group belonging to the flavonoid class of phenolic compounds widely distributed. They are particularly abundant in berries and red fruit and purple, and reds, so they have an important role in human and animal nutrition.

Like other flavonoids, the significance of anthocyanins has been discussed in relation to a wide variety of physiological functions such as vision improvement, anti-cancer activity and also the implications for neuronal dysfunction and cognitive decline in intelligence. Moreover, it was discovered that the fruit extracts containing anthocyanins were effective in reversing age-related deficits in many neural and behavioral parameters, ambulation in motor behavior and job performance.

There are a lot of research suggesting that one of the most important factors mediating the deleterious effects of aging on behavior and neuronal functions is a balance of stress/ anti-oxidantion /oxidation /inflammation.

The research at the University of Barcelona (Spain) used fruits and vegetables identified as being highly rich in antioxidants via ORAC — Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity, and showed that supplementation (for 8 weeks) with extracts of spinach, strawberry blueberry and blackberry was effective in reversing age-related deficits in neuronal function and behavior in aged rats (19 months). However, only the groups supplemented with blueberries exhibited improved performance on tests of motor function.

The extract of dried cranberries shown to improve memory and anxiolytic effects and increased locomotion in mice, as well as protective effects against DNA damage produced by free radicals in the brain. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that flavonoids (including anthocyanins) and other polyphenols may have effects on cell signaling and decreased oxidative damage and also suggest that they may act directly on cognition. These effects may contribute to the prevention of pathological and degenerative processes related to aging of the brain. The effects of these compounds in these pathological conditions remain to be tested.

According to researchers of Vanderbuilt University (Department of Medicine – USA), bronchial asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways. Oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma, for example, increasing AHR, mucus secretion and bronchoconstriction. In a population-based study conducted by researchers from King’s College (London), a high intake of selenium and apples may protect against asthma and a higher consumption of red wine may reduce the severity of asthma in some individuals.

The cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), a large part of the fractions of anthocyanin, has protective effects as a saprophyte of active oxygen species.
With regard to aging processes, fruits and vegetables appear to be associated with decreased risk of many types of chronic diseases related to aging, including heart disease and cancer. Motor skills and cognition decline during normal aging, and these declines are exaggerated in neurodegenerative disease, which can emerge via different mechanisms.

Epidemiological evidence indicates that antioxidant supplementation may provide neuro-protection against neurodegenerative disorders related to aging, including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
A study of the blueberry diet supplement in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease demonstrated an increased performance when compared to mice on a diet of control in an experiment in memory consolidation (Center for Human Nutrition Research on Aging Tufts University – USA).

In short, there is emerging evidence that dietary interventions may provide an effective strategy for preventing or treating Alzheimer’s, and possibly other neurodegenerative disorders.

Euterpe oleracea (açaí) is a large palm tree indigenous to South America , which grows abundantly in the Amazon estuary and drenched plains, wetlands and upland. Also known as palm cabbage, Euterpe oleracea bears a fruit like a blackberry, dark purple, hanging in clusters, which serve as a major food source for native inhabitants and population of the lower classes of Brazil, Colombia and Suriname. A juice derived from fruit, popularly called “acai” in Brazil is consumed in a variety of drinks and food preparations.

Recently, much attention has been paid to the antioxidant capacity of the fruit (also called Acai) and its possible role as a “functional food”.
Some anthocyanins and several other flavonoids have been reported in acai. Recognized as predominant phytochemicals in acai, the ACNS were considered as the main compounds that contributed to the total antioxidant capacity.

Surveys by the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Florida characterized the main polyphenols and anthocyanins present in açai pulp and determined their contributions to total antioxidant capacity of palm fruit. The stability of the pigment and color against hydrogen peroxide, ascorbic acid and the presence / absence of naturally occurring co-factors were also determined and compared to other commercially available anthocyanin sources. The stability of anthocyanins in acai as a new source of anthocyanin pigments was also established, and can be used to determine the application and the functional properties of açai in a variety of foods and nutraceuticals.

Chemical studies have shown that acai is rich in anthocyanin compounds (cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside) and other polyphenols. Considerable evidence suggests that diets rich in polyphenols may be involved in protecting against cardiovascular risk. This beneficial effect of polyphenols may be due to many actions as anti-oxidant that increases the bioavailability of nitric oxide, acting as a vasodilator and antihypertensive.

Finally, it appears that acai extract can act in the field of oncology. Chemo-preventive effects has not only been linked to their anti-oxidants, but also its ability to mediate other physiological functions related to the suppression of cancer, such activities as anti-proliferative and anti-mutagenic.

Stephen Talcott and his colleagues at the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Florida showed that acai is a rich source of bioactive polyphenols activities containing anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic cells against malignant leukemia. They also confirmed the importance of full investigation of power systems to evaluate the potential health benefits of these compounds because of their response is not additive in cell culture models.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

60% of Omega 9, monounsaturated essential fatty acid that helps in reducing levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) while maintaining HDL (good cholesterol).
12% Omega 6, essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are proven to reduce LDL levels. Fatty acids aid in the transport and absorption of fat soluble vitamins: Vitamins A, E, D, and K.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS TO KEEP BALANCE

Vitamins promote physical well-being and mental health and must be taken every day as they are not produced by the body. Minerals are necessary to balance the body’s health. Acai is rich in iron needed to combat anemia.

FIBER SYSTEM HELPS INTESTINAL

A synergy of monounsaturated (healthy), dietary fiber and phytosterols, which contribute to the cardiovascular system and digestive system and even prevent diseases.

PHYTONUTRIENTS Improve immunity

Name given to nutrients found in vegetables, phytonutrients of the acai are the flavonoids, which are also beneficial antioxidants to combat aging and preventing cancer and heart disease.

AMINO increase the disposal

Acai has an almost perfect complex of essential amino acids responsible for its flavor and promote, together with valuable minerals, proper muscle contraction and regeneration, to maintain optimal physical conditioning.

CARBOHYDRATE. BODY FUEL

Acai has the function of storing energy that will fuel the body to perform any physical exercise.

With the acai, anyone an prevent and even combat cardiovascular diseases, including high levels of bad cholesterol in the blood.

The amount of fiber and high content of beneficial fatty acids, the acai has, prevent fats from oxidizing and not being absorbed, reducing harmful cholesterol.

Many mothers can not breastfeed, using acai as a replacement for maternal milk. Due to its high calcium content, acai works as a substitute for milk. It is ideal for people with lactose resistance.

It has been shown that compared with cow’s milk, acai provides 4 times more energy, 3 times more lipids, 7 times more carbohydrates, 100% more iron, 9 times more vitamin B1, 8 times more vitamin C, same amount of protein and calcium, half amount of phosphorus. And it is fruit in origin.

Some of the nutrients that acai has, like carbohydrates, vitamins, fatty acids, fiber, omega and amino acids make this fruit suppress appetite, reduce body fat, increase energy and endurance and boost daily metabolism.

Essential Amino Acids regenerate muscles, give strength and endurance.

Minerals perform metabolic functions, and strengthen muscles and bones.

Anthocyanins (antioxidants) combat premature aging degenerative diseases. Antioxidants serve to get rid of free radicals, that are polluting our bodies, and help the growth of cells.

Sterols (beta-sitosterols) help to control cholesterol and prostate problems.

Essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6 and 9): These fats are “friends” of the human body and are very important to our health. These essential fatty acids play an important role in maintaining low levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, heart rate stabilization in maintaining clean arteries and blood pressure level.

Vitamins A and C vitamins are antioxidants in nature. They strengthen the immune system, skin, eyes and red blood cell formation. The absence of vitamin A leads to blurry vision, poor night vision, skin and nail dryness, hair loss.

The absence of vitamin C leads to cutting down our defenses and appearing of premature wrinkles, slowing of wound heal, swollen and bleeding gums, or a general decay.

Vitamin B complex (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12): The B vitamins are present in the metabolic processes of living cells. They usually work together, powering each other. If there is a deficiency of one of them, the other will not work.

These vitamins are water soluble and your body does not store them, so they must be taken every day. The excess is evacuated with the urine. The basic functions of B Vitamins complex is converting of food into glucose (the fuel of our body) raising energy levels, both for the body to the brain and nerve tissues, regulating the central nervous system. They are essential for the functioning of all cells and red blood cell formation.

Acai berry also contains protein, fiber and minerals such as phosphorus, iron, calcium and potassium. The 16 amino acids the açaí fruit contains, make it suitable for vegetarians and high-performance athletes.

Acai is a fruit with a high energy level providing vitality and strength for an active everyday life.

The açaí consists into 40% of fiber, and the fiber reduces appetite naturally. By avoiding sugar blocks and stabilizing blood sugar, açaí fiber maintains stable energy levels in the body. Thus, the acai helps reduce body fat, promoting weight loss, and prevents insulin spikes that can be converted to excess fat. In addition, high doses of insoluble fiber that acai gives, help regulate constipation.

The fiber, located in the skin of the fruit, is involved in regulating metabolism.

These are just some of the benefits offered by this magnificent fruit. Enjoy this natural delight which will bring more health and energy into your life.

Acai Milkshake

Ingredients : 100 ml. pure acai juice, 100 g. vanilla yogurt, 50 ml. soy milk.

Preparation:

Mix everything in a blender. You can add ice to make it fresh. Serve with straw and enjoy!

Green salad with chicken and dressing açaí

Salad Ingredients :

8 cups of salad greens, 
2 cups chopped chicken breast, 
½ cup sliced ​​red onion, 
4 cups chopped toasted walnuts, 
¾ cup acai dressing

Prepare salad on greens salad, add chopped chicken, sliced ​​onion and walnuts. Sprinkle top with the dressing of açai.

Açai Ingredients for dressing:

½ cup of acai juice 
3 table spoons of sugar 
1 ½ table spoons of grated orange peels
3 table spoons of rice vinegar 
1 ½ table spoons of canola oil 
¼ tea spoons of crushed red pepper

Açai dressing Preparation : Mix all ingredients in a small bowl to form a homogeneous mixture.

Acai smoothie with other fruits

Ingredients : 200 gr. of açaí pulp, 1 banana, 100 grams of strawberry, mango and acerola.

Preparation : Put 200 grams of frozen acai pulp into the blender at full power, add the sliced ​​bananas and strawberries. Blend everything for 5 minutes and serve. Can be combined with granola to taste.  ]]> http://buyacaiberries.org/acai-recipes/feed/ 0 http://buyacaiberries.org/acai-berry-for-weight-loss/ http://buyacaiberries.org/acai-berry-for-weight-loss/#comments Sat, 12 Nov 2011 18:30:06 +0000 Acai http://buyacaiberries.org/?p=25 Continue reading →]]> Acai, a Brazilian fruit, which is a perfect dietary supplement for people who need to enrich their bodies with extra energy and antioxidants, is also ideal for all those people who want to lose weight while eating and without losing energy.

A good way to lose weight without too much effort is eating açaí and doing some physical activity every day. Thanks to the enormous amount of nutrients that acai has, you will feel satisfied and will also have enough energy to perform daily activities without feeling tired or hungry. 

The acai berries help to eliminate toxins that accumulate in the body, and for this reason, play an important role towards the elimination of fat, improving detoxification and cleansing processes.

Also, the antioxidants in this fruit accelerate the digestion process that helps burn the saturated fat that your body does not need. 

Metabolism is helped by omega fatty acids, amino acids and vitamins acai. The impulses generated in the metabolism help you burn more calories even at rest.

The more you consume acai, the more likely you are to clean the walls of your stomach. With this, you feel like eating more fruits, vegetables and green vegetables into smaller pieces and gain energy and vitality while losing weight healthily and naturally.

With a healthy diet, including the acai berry, an important source of fiber that creates the sensation of satiety, and the exercises (at least three times a week), you will quickly lose weight without feeling fatigue and a ravenous appetite. 

Acai gives you the nutrients and vitamins needed to perform all the activities in the best shape.