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The açaí palm produces a small, dark coloured fruit: the açaí berry, considered to be one of the most complete and healthy foods in nature. It originates in the Amazon region of Brazil, and has been a traditional food of the native Amazon Indians for hundreds of years. Due to the fact that açaí perishes rapidly (fruit can become rotten within a day of picking), and that the açaí palm hasn't been successfully grown outside the Amazon region, it has only recently been “discovered” in other parts of the world, thanks to modern methods of preserving the fruit. The açaí berry contains high levels of antioxidants, anthocyanins, amino acids, essential omegas, xanthones, fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals.
What are the Health Benefits of Açaí? Ounce for ounce, açaí is considered the healthiest natural food source in the world, even more so than goji, noni and mangosteen which are currently receiving much attention. Açaí has a higher ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) rating than any other fruit, as much as twice that of blueberries or cranberries, and up to thirty times greater than red wine. The healing and sustaining powers of the açaí berry are legendary. Açaí increases vitality and improves energy levels. It is known to boost the immune system and can combat fatigue, illness, and diseases, including heart ailments, and other degenerative concerns. The omega-3 in açaí aids in cholesterol reduction and has anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to the essential fatty acids, the antioxidants contained in the açaí berry can help to reduce the risk of heart disease reportedly caused by free radicals in the body. Studies from the University of Florida indicate the açaí berry may even be useful in fighting cancer cells.
What are Antioxidants? It is important to understand what free radicals are, to be able to understand the importance of antioxidants. Free radicals are molecules believed to be responsible for damaging cellular membranes and even DNA. They can arise from various pesticides, preservatives, and pollutants present in the air we breathe. The danger arises when our bodies lack the means to combat these free radicals. Antioxidants allow the body to neutralize free radicals and strengthen cells, thus reducing the risk of many diseases. The body converts many vitamins and minerals into antioxidants, most of these are contained in the açaí berry.
Much of our food is currently grown in environments which are poor in natural minerals. This, and the fact that many people don't eat as well as they should, is seeing more and more people getting sick, and lacking energy and vitality. The Brazilian Amazon rain forest, where the açaí palm grows, contains some of the richest soil on the planet. As a result, the fruit (the açaí berry) is packed with the most complete, naturally occurring goodness: antioxidants, anthocyanins, amino acids, essential omegas, xanthones, fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals. The presence of these natural elements in the human body helps it become resilient to infections both from bacterial agents, as well as viral agents.
Açaí can be used to boost energy levels. Generally, as people grow older they experience reduced energy levels. Poor diets, and less than sufficient levels of antioxidants can compound the problem. Açaí can help increase energy and vitality, and reintroduce important elements into the diet. |
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