Acai is a small purplish-black berry that is native to the Brazilian rain forest. The most common use for this berry is the production of juice. The acai berry offers a complete range of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids that are essential for proper health. Consumption of acai juice will provide individuals with high concentrations of calcium, potassium, vitamins B, C, and E and other essential nutrients. Due to the high concentrations of these vitamins and minerals, the consumption of acai juice offers several health benefits. Acai should not be used as a replacement for any medications. Consult a health professional before adding acai to your health regimen.
Cardiovascular Health
According to American Cancer Center Online, acai contains a high concentration of compounds called anthocyanins, which provide the berry with its purple color. These are the same chemicals that give red wine its cholesterol-lowering characteristic. Acai juice offers the same cholesterol-lowering properties without the potential dangers of alcohol consumption. In addition, the potassium content of acai can increase blood circulation and decrease blood pressure, which can provide protection from cardiovascular disorders such as stroke and heart attack.
Anti-Aging Properties
Acai juice contains extremely high levels of many forms of antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that protect the body from cell damage, the phenomenon that makes skin appear wrinkled and discolored. The acai berry contains 10 times the amount of antioxidants as grapes and twice times the amount as blueberries. Consumption of acai juice can effectively slow the aging process and promote younger-looking skin.
Vision Benefits
According to a study by Dilip Ghosh, Ph.D., published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the presence of anthocyanins within the acai berry can also provide eye and vision benefits. Anthocyanins are believed to have a protective capability against capillary damage to the eyes, which can lead to disorders such as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that causes damage to the retina due to capillary damage from long-term diabetes. Anthocyanins contained in acai juice may treat as well as prevent this disorder.
Cancer Prevention
According to a study performed at the University of Florida and published in 2006 in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the juices from the acai berry have proven effective in destroying the cancer cells associated with leukemia. The research concluded that antioxidants contained within the acai berry triggered a self-destruct response in 86 percent of the leukemia cells that were cultured. In addition, according to GlobalHealingCenter.com, acai is rich in vitamin C and and ellagic acid. The American Cancer Society states that ellagic acid has slowed tumor growth in animals and in cell cultures. Further research needs to be performed to determine the cancer-fighting effects of ellagic acid on humans.
References
- Global Healing Center: 12 Health Benefits of Acai Berries
- American Cancer Center Online: Acai Berry Superfood
- University of Florida News: Brazilian berry destroys cancer cells in lab, UF study shows
- Organic Health Report: Acai Supplement Benefits for Health and Longevity
- American Cancer Society: Ellagic Acid
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