Fat Loss 4 Idiots Secret

Saturday, September 12, 2009

The Acai Berries Hidden Nutritional Secrets

By Max Benifitz

Acai berries are loaded with Polyphenols, Phytochemicals, Anthocyanins, what are they and what are the benefits of such compounds? Acai is one of the best sources for anthocyanins there is! Phytochemicals are the beneficial compounds found in fruits such as Acai, vegetables and tea. In these uncertain environments like climate and insect infestations it is these protective living matter which let plants survive. For humans, these compounds act as antioxidants which are very important for a good health and longevity. Many studies indicate that the use of antioxidants may assist in the prevention and treatment of anti-aging, heart disease, cancer, and other age-related degenerative ailments.

Anthocyanins are some of the more potent forms of antioxidants. We have all heard of the "French Paradox", how the people of France with their high fat diets and not uncommon unhealthy lifestyles are still below the percentage of related deaths from cardiovascular disease than many of the populations which exist today. One reason may be that they consume large amounts of red wine. Anthocyanins is an antioxidant found in wine, which is derived from grapes. The polyphenols (anthocyanins) in red wine, are believed to mitigate the effects of a fatty diet and smoking. There are evidences that anthocyanin, a polyphenol reverses, halts, and improve those afflicted with age related diseases. Anthocyanins (flavonoids) found in several fruits, a unique chemical structure present in it, makes them more potent by 6 to 8 times when compared to vitamin C One such fruit is called Acai (pronounced ah-Sa-E) contains the most highly concentrated forms of anthocyanins known thus far through intense research. Acai berries have anthocyanin, which is proven to be 3 to5 times the amount of that present in a glass of red wine, volume to volume when tested in an ORAL analysis (capacity measure).

Anthocyanins and their protective properties: Inflammation and Collagen: Anthocyanins neutralize enzymes that destroy connective tissue. The antioxidant quality that is posses stops connecting tissues from getting damaged and helps in repairing damaged proteins in the blood vessel walls.

The Nervous System: By preventing tyrosine nitration, the anthocyanin properties in Acai may help protect against neurological diseases. Acai contains primary anthocyanins, Cyanidin-3-glucoside which helps in reversing age related neurological deficits.

Large and Small Blood-Vessels: Anthocyanins ability to counter oxidants make them a powerhouse in the fight against arteriosclerosis. Even when present in small amounts anthocyanins effectively guards against LDL oxidation. Anthocyanins protect the integrity of the endothelial cells that line blood vessel walls and help to maintain micro capillary integrity.

Diabetes: One of the serious diabetic complications is retinopathy, which in most cases can cause blindness. This condition occurs when the body attempts to repair leaking, damaged capillaries, but does so by over producing abnormal proteins. The protection of anthocyanins may help prevent these capillaries from leaking and to help prevent abnormal protein proliferation.

Eyesight: Anthocyanins may also help improve eyesight by numerous mechanisms. During World War II, British fighter pilots were found to slightly increase their night vision. These findings were thought to be contributed by the large amounts of bilberry in the pilots diet. The effect of improved night vision is not long lasting but it is temporary after the consumption of the biliberry. On account of this newly discovered benefit, the pilots ate the bilberry fruits minutes before starting their work.

Sources: Pigmentated fruits are known to carry the highest amounts of anthocyanins. Fruits that offer the highest value of anthocyanins are those that can be eaten with their skin on. Acai, cherries, grapes, respberries, blueberries and bilberry are the name of few of these fruits. - 17274

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