The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reported that different types of mass production of the acai berry can actually decrease the potency of this very nutritious food. The acai berry, found in the Amazon, is one of the best foods available for its amazingly high level of antioxidants. The antioxidant level is actually higher than any other food in the world. This is why it is important to know that some processes can decrease its potency and in result its effectiveness with supplying the body with necessary components for good health.

There have been various groups studying this situation that may dramatically effect consumer’s decisions when purchasing acai berries. The University of California, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and AIBMR Life Sciences has performed studies investigating the potency of acai after it has been processed by manufacturers. These institutions and many others have been looking into the antioxidant abundance of the processed acai berries. Specifically, OptiAcai’s freeze dried pulp and skin powder was investigated for the availability of these beneficial components. The standard used is called ORAC, which is the oxygen radical absorption capacity. These groups found that OptiAcai’s product resulted in a 1026.9 ORAC total while the ORAC score of other commercial acai berries that were freeze dried had a total of 155.

One of the scientists involved in the study was astonished saying, “What mystifies me is that the acai products we tested in the commercial marketplace had a fraction of the antioxidant activity reported in our paper for OptiAcai.”

The OptiAcai processed berries showed “extraordinarily high” peroxyl scavenging activity and very high superoxide scavenging activity. The OptiAcai product actually resulted in tests showing that it was the highest in this category out of any food tested so far. These results present findings that may have incredibly important impacts on the treatment of many diseases.

The impressiveness of the OptiAcai results should not be considered to represent all acai products on the market though. One of the people in the study stated that the effectiveness of acai products in the marketplace vary from brand to brand.

“We believe there are many reasons for the lower ORAC values of various acais that have been on the market for some time,” said an investigator. “First, freeze-drying is superior to spray drying or air drying in retaining photochemicals and nutrients, but more expensive. We believe that other suppliers have not considered the issue of enzymatic degradation of the fruit.”

It has been found that a large majority of the acai berries sent from Brazil to the United States and Europe are packaged in big frozen blocks that cannot prevent nutritional degradation. This is the reason why many of the products that are in the marketplace receive low ORAC scores.

Even though only some of the berries on the market have extremely high potency, consumer advocates still highly recommend acai berries for their nutritional value and their pleasant taste. Mike Adams, author of “The Seven Laws of Nutrition” said, “As with many of the smaller berries such as blueberries, sea buckthorn, and goji berries, acai berries pack a potent nutritional punch in a tiny package. I recommend them to anyone interested in improving their health.

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/021032_acai_berries_antioxidant.html

No related posts.

Have you ever been to Brazil? If you have, I’m sure you have tasted one or two acai recipes in a local restaurant or from a local host.

Acai berry recipes are made from the pulp of the acai berries. This berry locally thrives in the Amazon rainforest. Aside from its delicious taste, which is a mixture of chocolate and raspberry, the acai berry has many health benefits. For these reasons, the local people of Brazil and the Amazon have incorporated acai berry in their daily diet. It has been their staple food and has become a medicine or cure for many illnesses and diseases.

Many people from the western countries are curious of the acai berries and its many health benefits. This is the reason why they are searching for acai recipes so that they may also enjoy the health benefits as enjoyed by the local people of the Amazon for a long time.

The only part of this fruit that is needed in making acai recipes is its pulp. The largest part of the frit, though, is its seed, but of course it is not edible and should be disregarded in making acai recipes.

This wonder fruit can be made into delicious and refreshing smoothies. This is my favorite among all the acai recipes. The ingredients are as follows:

1. 2 100g packs of acai powder
2. 2 Tbs. honey
3. 1 frozen banana
4. 3/3 cup of apple juice

Making this acai recipe is quite simple, just throw all the ingredients in a blender and turn it on. That’s it!

There is also the acai granola mix. This simple yet delicious acai recipe is also very easy to prepare. Here are its ingredients:

1. plain granola
2. ½ to 1 cup acai berries
3. ¼ cup of raisins
4. ¼ cup of banana chips or other dried fruits of your choice

This acai recipe needs no other method of food preparation. Just combine all the above-listed ingredients and then your ready to go. This is great to take along during walks, hiking, trekking or you can just munch it at home while watching TV.

Another healthy acai recipe is a smoothie made from acai and rice. This is very nutritious as it contains high levels of vitamins and carbohydrates hence also very good for the kids. Just put these ingredients in a blender and process them until it gets smooth:

1. ½ cup of rice
2. ½ cup of banana or strawberry slices
3. 1 100g pack of acai powder or puree
4. 1 cup of acai juice

There are many acai recipes which are simple to prepare yet delicious in taste as this fruit really gives any dish or drink a distinct and refreshing taste. The acai fruit can be made into anything you want. Many people have tried a lot of acai recipes and have made them a part of their regular meals. You can also find acai recipes for cocktails and other beverages.

This wonder fruit does not only have a delicious flavor which can be incorporated to almost every dish and drink imaginable, it also has great nutritional contents. By having acai recipes on a regular basis, one may be able to enjoy the health benefits of acai berries.

Photo Credit: ianwoo

No related posts.

South America is the only place where you can find pure acai berry as it thrives in the tall trees of the riverbanks of the Amazon. For centuries, the local people of the Amazon have used pure acai berry as their staple food and as a cure against harmful disease. The acai berry is just like any other berry in terms of shape and form. In fact, it is similar to that of a blueberry. The most important part of this fruit, though, is its pull as it contains the nutrients from which we may gain health benefits.

Pure acai berries have a distinct yet delicious taste. It is comparable to a mixture of chocolate and raspberry. This is the reason why the local people of the Amazon have made this fruit a part of their regular diet. Aside from its taste, pure acai berry has a high level of nutritional content which is very good for the body. It is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and essential fatty acids. Pure acai berry contains 70% of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C and E. The antioxidants found in pure acai berry are too high compared to other antioxidant-containing fruits.

Pure acai berry also has weight loosing effects as it speeds up the metabolism process of the body. It also helps cleanse the digestive tract and eliminates harmful toxins. It also suppresses the appetite thereby regulating your food intake.

Today, getting pure acai berry is very difficult as it is a highly perishable fruit once harvested. Transporting pure acai berry from South America into the country and in other parts of the globe seems to be impossible. But with the initiative of many companies, the benefits of the acai fruit may now be enjoyed by many people who are half way around the globe from the Amazon.

There are many means developed in converting pure acai berries into other forms without destroying its nutritional contents. Upon harvesting, the berries are then freezed or freeze dried so as to preserve the important nutrients found in pure acai berry. There are also various acai products in the market today and they come in different forms such as powder, capsule, juice and extract. In taking these products one will get the health benefits of a pure acai berry.

Pure acai berries have indeed many health benefits. It can even help you reduce weight. It must be remembered though, that to maximize the weight-loosing effect of pure acai berry one must also keep a regular exercise and diet program. Products made from pure acai berries are said to be all natural. But before taking them one must first seek the advice of a health professional.

Photo Credit: gurucrusher

No related posts.

Due to the dramatically rising popularity of the acai berry, there has been much research on acai being performed lately.

Research on acai is being performed in order to find the absolute effects and results of consuming acai berries. A lot of research on acai is being done because the acai berry is one of the most nutritious and healthy foods in the whole world for a person to eat. This gives scientists good reasons to research fully the possible benefits that the acai berry may contain.

Since it is so powerful as a food, it is wondered by many if the acai berry has some secret property that will make it even more popular. It could contain a cancer cure or some other major solution to a large problem that the world currently faces. Now that there is a good amount known about the berry itself after the research on acai already performed, this berry is being consumed by many all around the globe.

Research on acai remains ongoing even after it has become so popular. Research on acai has shown that the antioxidant effect of the acai berry alone is noteworthy. The antioxidants contained within the acai berry are far greater than most other foods. The antioxidant content is simply off the charts when it comes to comparing acai berries to other well known berries. Also, the fiber content has been proven to be extraordinarily high in research on acai.

Research on acai has also revealed that it is very beneficial in many other ways. Acai can reduce cholesterol significantly as well as fight inflammation. This makes acai very helpful with many common disorders that have arisen from our current enjoy now pay later society. Research on acai has shown that it is the greatest food to eat when looking for a good supply of iron. It is recommended also from the research on acai that the elderly use the acai berry for digestive problems.

Today there are a lot of scientists doing research on acai berries. So far the research on acai has proven that almost anyone can benefit from eating acai berries. There are many varieties available on the market as well so it is not only a user friendly food but it is consumer friendly. All of these characteristics of the acai berry make it a wonderful addition to any diet. There are many benefits of eating acai, and, for this reason, the future looks very bright for research on acai.

No related posts.

We all have seen that nowadays, there are many companies that are producing acai berry products and advertising them for the unique and powerful dieting assistance these products offer.

Forms of Acai Berry Consumption

There are a variety of ways that you can consume acai. You can eat it in a powder form, juice, or the natural form, the fruit. These wide array of options for consumption are helpful for people who do not live near places where acai berries are grown. They can still eat an equivalent of fresh acai berries, but it may be in a powder or acai juice form where it is still fresh and tastes delicious.

Benefits of Acai Berries

There are many benefits that can be derived from eating acai berries in any of its forms. It has been proven that eating acai berries improves cardiovascular system functions. Also, there is a large benefit to the immune systems and digestive systems for those who eat acai berries. People who drink acai juice will see that they have increased stamina, better sleep, and even skin that is healthier.

Antioxidants in Acai Berries

Antioxidants are contained in very large quantities in acai berries. This gives them a very strong ability to detoxify anyone’s body. Another wonderful benefit of acai juice is that it contains very large quantities of fiber. Foods that are high in fiber cleanse the stomach and increase the outflow of dangerous toxins. When a stomach is clean it can absorb far more nutrients. After drinking acai juice your other foods will become more effective in supplying the body with necessary food requirements.

Healthy Fatty Acids in Acai Berries

Omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids are also found in very high quantities in acai berries. These important elements improve blood circulation and decrease overall cholesterol levels. All of this is on top of the large amounts of antioxidants that acai berries have. There are obviously many benefits from all of these important ingredients of the acai berry.

There are so many benefits that acai berries are proclaimed to be one of the best foods on the planet for human consumption. Acai berries have many beneficial qualities that average foods don’t have. These beneficial qualities are substantial too. They help the body function in far more efficient and healthier ways.

Acai Berries and Weight Loss

For those who are trying to lose weight or if you are looking for a good weight loss program, acai berries may fit perfectly in with your plans. It would be a good idea for anyone to try acai berries to see what results they might see in their own lives. There are many benefits that acai berries can bring into your life such as increased energy levels and increased vitality.

Whatever the result is from consuming acai berries, it is likely that your overall health will increase and your awareness of the types of foods you are eating will rise dramatically as well.

Photo Credit: mei.mei

No related posts.

Because there is now what we call the “Acai Berry craze”, many companies are producing different varieties of products from Acai Berries, from Acai powder, syrup to capsule. You may even buy directly online. But the question now arises of where to buy acai berry of the right kind and having the desired benefits.

Groceries and supermarkets are the places where to buy acai berry in its dried or preserved form. But for those people who think that eating or taking dried or preserved acai berries is not an option, there are other alternatives which they may avail of, such as acai powder or capsule.

However, in getting acai berries one must consider the nutritional benefits he can derive in such products. There are those acai berry supplements which contain lesser acai nutrients. Nutrients such as antioxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals are essential in boosting the energy as well as strengthening the immune system. Some acai products will lose some of these nutrients by processing them. Hence, where to buy acai berry must really be considered as to enjoy complete health benefits.

There is a need to process the acai berry because it is very difficult to transport this fruit from the Amazon, where it locally grows, to the markets since it is a highly perishable fruit. With just a day after picking, it will expire. And if it will not undergo processing, the only place where to buy acai berry would be the Amazon.
Spray-Drying of Acai Berries

Spray drying is the process wherein the acai berry is heated on a high temperature to eliminate its water content. After which, other ingredients are added in order to preserve the acai berry. This process will surely destroy the nutritional contents of the fruit as it is exposed to very high temperatures and mixed with other unnatural substances. So there is no need to ask where to buy acai berry of this kind.

Freeze-Drying of Acai Berries
The most effective and efficient means of processing the acai berry as to preserve its nutritional contents is through freeze-drying. The process begins right after the fruit is picked and harvested from the Amazon rainforest. The process involves drying the acai berry in low temperatures to preserve and keep the nutrients of the fruit. The immediate processing and the low temperature drying will ensure that the nutrients will not be destroyed or escape from the fruit.

It will no longer matter if the Acai Berries are in the form of an extract, juice or tablet. As long as the process involved is freeze-drying, the quality of the product is assured. Being of high quality, where these products are found are the right places where to buy Acai Berries.

Photo Credit: tinamathis

No related posts.

Whoever said that Acai Berries are perfect in every way probably hasn’t done their homework. Side effects resulting from ingesting any kind of food is actually possible.

Actually, there has been a recent study performed that showed that 80% of all food that is eaten by the average person generates a side effect of some kind within the body. If you are considering weight loss supplements, or any other kind of pills to lose weight, the risks of side effects can increase far more dramatic than with ordinary food. A very great deal of harm can come to anyone who chooses to consume diet pills regularly.

Because there has been much discussion on the possible side effects of the popular Acai Berry, I am discussing it for today. It is important for anyone who is interested in consuming this food that they know the details concerning the acai berry. As we all know, the Acai berry has a very high amount of fiber and the mineral content is very high also. Due to these unique characteristics of the acai berry it can give assistance to anyone in fighting off various types of diseases.

Diseases Targeted by Acai Berries

One major disease that it can specifically target is obesity. This is great news for the world because many people have an obesity problem. Over the past couple of years it has been proven that the acai berry is a wonderful tool in gaining the upper hand against obesity. For this very reason the Acai berry has become very popular among modern societies. The popularity of this plant has gained such widespread popularity that physicians from around the world are also recommending the use of this fruit for the treatment of very serious diseases like cancer and heart disorders.

Why Acai Berry Side Effects Are Publicized

A primary reason that the side effects of the acai berry are so well publicized is that the berry itself is so very popular. The business of obesity fighting pills has gone down slightly which has also allowed myths about the side effects of the acai berry to be spread easily and quickly without much resistance from suppliers. There is no need to worry though if you are one of those who use the acai berry for losing weight because the only side effect of consuming the acai berry is a lowering of your appetite.

Obviously this is not considered to be a negative side effect for those who are taking it to lose weight. This is actually one of the best foods a person can eat if they want to lose weight and eat foods that are good for them. Eating less and eating healthy are other beneficial ways to assist you in losing weight. People generally become heavy not only by eating large amounts of food, but through eating foods that are temptations because they are delicious and fattening. The acai berry has been known to help a person deal with these rampant temptations by actually removing them altogether.

If you eat this fruit you will not get cravings as often as you normally would. For this reason it is advised that you eat Acai Berries freely and bask in the glory of losing weight while not worrying too much about the possibility of side effects.

Photo Credit: allexd

No related posts.

The popularity of acai berries and the products made from them has brought about many questions including if it has adverse effects to the body. As we all know, acai berries are fruits which are locally grown in the riverbanks of the Amazon River. And like any other fruit, it may be consumed without doing any harm to the body. In Brazil, the locals consume a lot of acai berries which consists about 42% of their diet. This just shows that there are no acai berry side effects by merely eating the fruit.

There are however, a few incidents of minor complications in taking acai berries, but these cases only involved allergic reactions upon ingestion. This does not mean that acai is unsafe and bad per se because, like any other fruit, you might be allergic to it while others can eat it without getting sick. It should be remembered though that it is always a good move to ask for professional advice first before taking anything which you are not very familiar or have little knowledge of.

People who have maintenance drugs are most likely to ask about acai berry side effects. They are wondering if it’s safe to take acai berry supplements together with their regular medications. But as study shows, there are no known incidents of drug interaction upon taking 100% pure acai. Pregnant women are also safe to take acai berries as no reported case of harm to the mother’s health and that of her baby’s have been reported.

The people of the Amazon who have been ingesting acai berries for centuries have not complained of any acai berry side effects. The people from Amazon ingest relatively higher levels of acai compared to those taking acai berry food supplements

Today, there a lot of products in the market which are made from acai berries. But in getting the best results as eating the real fruit itself, one must consider taking acai berry puree. Acai berry puree products are made from mashed acai berries with a small amount of grape juice to achieve that desired sweetness.

Although there are cases of mild diarrhea in taking acai and grape juice mixes, it is quite normal as there are people who cannot tolerate juice mixes in high volume. But aside from this, there are no other reported major acai berry side effects complained of from taking acai juice mixes.

There are also those acai berry products which contain other ingredients such as guarana, and sugar. Sometimes a product contain more of these ingredients than the acai berries, companies are doing this to save money as these ingredients are much cheaper compared to the acai fruit. By doing so, it might produce a false thinking of acai berries side effects because the ingredients added, and not the acai berries, cause the adverse effect. Furthermore, the adding of these ingredients will tend to diminish the health benefits from acai as these products contain only less of it.

With this, we can say that there are no real acai berries side effects as contended by other people. The only side effect I know of is loss of appetite, an effect which is very helpful to those who are unhealthy and need to lose weight. With regards to allergic reactions caused by acai berries, I can say that this is quite normal as allergies differ from person to person and that like any other berry or fruit, a person may be allergic to one while others may not be. The most important thing to be kept in mind is seeking first the advice of a medical expert or professional before taking acai berry products to make sure that you can really ingest it without causing any side effects.

Photo Credit: Artur “tCk” Corumba

No related posts.

For those who have missed my previous posts about the history of acai berries and why they are so popular today, I recommend that you continue reading this post. For those who have been reading my entries, this one will give you a more detailed background of the history and discovery of acai berries.

What are Acai Berries?

Acai berries are a small (marble-sized) purple fruit from a palm tree (the Acai tree) that is found mainly in Brazil. The Amazon rainforest is home to many of these trees. The berries taste similar to raspberries, but look kind of like grapes. They even have a slight taste of chocolate – making them a great addition to chocolate bars. However, the Acai berry far surpasses other berries when it comes to nutrients and health benefits. Acai berry research has shown what a powerful food the berry is.

How Acai Berries Were Used in the Past

In the past, Acai berries were used by ancient Amazon cultures as a treatment for many different diseases and conditions. Acai berries are packed with beneficial antioxidants as well as essential fatty acids and amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Acai berry research has shows that Acai berries have ten times the antioxidants of grapes and blueberries (both known for their antioxidant properties).

Current Research on Acia Berries

Since the explosion of Acai berry popularity, many experts have been conducting Acai berry research. They have found that the berry is incredibly powerful and potent. Acai berries have become popular around the globe.

Acai berry research has been done to determine what vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients the berries contain. Studies have found that the berries have: fiber (essential for good digestion), antioxidants (good for preventing cancer), vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega 6 fatty acids, omega 9 fatty acids, calcium, iron, potassium, and various amino acids which serve to build protein in the body.

Other benefits of the berry include cholesterol management, decreased bloating, improved digestion, and it’s even an anti-imflammatory.
Because of its high iron content, the berries are often recommended for people with anemia, the elderly, or people who have trouble with the digestive tract (small intestine, stomach, colon). The berry can prevent many ailments, give you energy, boost the immune system, improve your skin, give you keener senses, and a host of other things.

One current issue in Acai berry research is the possibility of Acai berries as a cancer treatment or a way to prevent cancer. There have been studies done on leukemia cells (cancerous cells) that have promising results. The Acai berry’s extracts can actually cause the cells to self destruct.

There are many ways to take Acai berries – you can drink the juice, mix Acai powder into your smoothies or drinks, take pills or tablets, and many more. It’s easy enough to add Acai to your diet, so you might as well try it.

Photo Credit: Muneeb2Good

No related posts.

I’m pretty sure you have heard of the Acai berry as a weight loss super food. If not, let me introduce to you the Acai berry – a fruit which is purple in color and the size of a blueberry. They are mainly cultivated in Brazil and have a big seed in the middle which is covered with a fine pulp. In actuality, the seed makes up about 90% of the Acai berry. Quite a big seed if you might imagine it huh?

The berry began its popularity as a weight loss super food after Oprah Winfrey featured it on her talk show. There has been research done on the Acai berry as a weight loss super food, but results are inconclusive as to whether or not it actually makes people lose weight directly. Often overweight people suffer from constipation, poor digestion, bloating, and gas. The Acai berry can definitely help with these issues. Acai berries are certainly good for you – they have many beneficial antioxidants and nutrients necessary for good health. However, experts just aren’t sure yet if it truly is a weight loss super food.

Some research has suggested the Acai berries can help a person maintain their ideal weight or even help their body go towards that ideal weight. It’s all natural, safe, and it’s a good supplement to any weight loss program. It may increase your resting metabolism. Unlike other weight loss products that simply decrease your appetite, the Acai berry may actually make your body burn more calories.

Components of Acai Berries

When the body is burning more calories, it’s easier to maintain your ideal weight. The components of the Acai berry that help in this way are nutrients that stabilize homeostasis as well as Cyanidin, a powerful antioxidant. The Cyandin is particularly important because it can actually absorb the body’s fat and help burn it before the body accrues mass amounts of fat.

The antioxidant properties of the Acai berry aid in cleansing and detoxification of the body. Digestion improves and the body can use fuel more efficiently. Acai berries have good fatty acids and amino acids (the building blocks of protein) which help the body find its happy weight.

Acai berries are quite energizing as well. If a person has more energy, they will be more active during the day and burn more calories. Over time, this adds up. Those extra calories burned will help diminish fat stores and improve digestion even more.

Other benefits of taking Acai berries are enhanced circulation, anti cancer properties, healthy levels of cholesterol, and an overall feeling of health. Alone, it hasn’t been proven to induce significant weight loss, but it definitely has its place in a healthy diet and could aid in improving your health condition.

Photo Credit: newladygrrl2003

No related posts.