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Sunday, October 11, 2009

Acai Berry: The New King of Super Antioxidants

By Travis Van Slooten

Have you heard that acai berry is now considered as one of the top super antioxidants? Yes, it's worthy of being described as being both "top" and "super" in the antioxidants department. Its antioxidant level is so high off the (ORAC) charts that the media ? from TV talk shows to newspaper ads to websites ? has been caught up in featuring this little berry from Brazil. But what really is the fuss all about? Or to put it more bluntly, what does being a super antioxidant mean? Here's a quick chemistry tutorial.

How Antioxidants and Free Radicals Interact

Free radicals exist in the air we breathe. They are results of pollution like smoke or car exhaust. They can also be produced from food preservatives and chemicals. And once they get inside the body, chemistry tell us that a free radical is a molecule that is missing an electron. When the free radical attempts to take an electron of a healthy cell, they create another free radical. They do this in order to return to their initial state. If a free radical takes an electron from a cell in a blood vessel, it can cause serious harm to our bodies. A high concentration of free radicals in the body have been known to cause grave health problems such as cancer and heart-related diseases.

Now enter the antioxidants. They provide that missing electron which the free radical lacks, so that it won't be turning other "regular" molecules into free radicals as well. But wait; by giving up an electron, doesn't that turn the antioxidant into another free radical too? Yes it does, and that's why it's important to keep a steady supply of antioxidants so the body can continue its balancing act and stay well.

The Role of Acai Berry

So where does acai berry come into the picture? Among the foods considered as super antioxidants, acai berry is high up on the list because it registers an extraordinary level of antioxidants on the ORAC charts. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, the standard used for determining the antioxidant concentration in a certain substance or food. While it's a relative newcomer as a health supplement, the nutritional benefits it offers cannot be underestimated and it is a great source of antioxidants that may yet be untapped by the American market.

Saving money is important, especially, during these times. Search for a high quality, organic source of acai berry to get your money's worth. And remember that acai berry comes in different forms other than the usual pills, such as frozen pulp and acai juices, so even while you load up on antioxidants, you get to enjoy this berry. It really depends on your preference. No matter how you consume it, acai berry is one of the newest super antioxidants that can be used for a healthy lifestyle. - 17274

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