Which is Better? Acai Berry or Blueberry?
Have you heard about the amazing acai berry? It is showing up in supplements, smoothie mixes and juices and being touted as a "superfood" said to help prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, aging and even promote weight loss. Is it worth the hype (and price)? Are acai berries better than plain old blueberries?
They both contain a group of phytochemicals called anthocyanins. Plants contain various phytochemicals that help the plant fight disease, fungal infections and free radical damage. They help at the cellular level. So, we benefit from these protective factors when we consume the plants. The phytochemicals such as anthocyanins improve our overall health.
Have you ever wondered why blueberries are blue and broccoli is green? Maybe not, but the interesting thing is these phytochemicals not only benefit the plant, but they also give the plant their characteristics. Blueberries and acai berries obtain their gorgeous coloring from anthocyanins.
These anthocyanins contribute to better health because they have characteristics that counteract some of the major causes of disease, aging and weight gain. Their antioxidant abilities are astounding. Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Our lifestyles and diets contribute a huge amount of free radicals to our bodies and can lead to cancer, heart disease and aging. So, fighting them is essential to good health.
Anthocyanins also have anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists are now giving more credence to inflammation's role in the disease process, aging and weight gain. Our diets, high in animal protein and refined carbohydrates and low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, contribute largely to systemic inflammation.
So, what do we make of this information. Both acai berries and blueberries contain anthocyanins, so why are blueberries so underrated compared to acai berries?
The answer can be found with a score called "Oxygen Radical Absorption Capabilities" or ORAC. This is a measure of the acai berry's ability to prevent free radical damage. In other words, ORAC determines how beneficial the food is in regard to counteracting the ill effects of free radicals. Whereas blueberries have a 2400 score, acai berries have an astounding 5500.
The only bad news about acai berries is they are not found in the produce department. Blueberries are more available and can even be found for less in the frozen foods. If you want acai berries in your diet, you will have to fly to the Amazon or take a supplement. You probably want to steer clear of the juices due to high amounts of sugar or corn syrup. The small amounts of acai berry in these products do not counteract the ill effects of the sugar.
Your best bet is to enjoy the benefits of blueberries, acai supplements and a wide variety of plants in your diet. This way, you will benefit from all the phytochemicals, which tend to work together to improve health. - 17274
They both contain a group of phytochemicals called anthocyanins. Plants contain various phytochemicals that help the plant fight disease, fungal infections and free radical damage. They help at the cellular level. So, we benefit from these protective factors when we consume the plants. The phytochemicals such as anthocyanins improve our overall health.
Have you ever wondered why blueberries are blue and broccoli is green? Maybe not, but the interesting thing is these phytochemicals not only benefit the plant, but they also give the plant their characteristics. Blueberries and acai berries obtain their gorgeous coloring from anthocyanins.
These anthocyanins contribute to better health because they have characteristics that counteract some of the major causes of disease, aging and weight gain. Their antioxidant abilities are astounding. Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Our lifestyles and diets contribute a huge amount of free radicals to our bodies and can lead to cancer, heart disease and aging. So, fighting them is essential to good health.
Anthocyanins also have anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists are now giving more credence to inflammation's role in the disease process, aging and weight gain. Our diets, high in animal protein and refined carbohydrates and low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, contribute largely to systemic inflammation.
So, what do we make of this information. Both acai berries and blueberries contain anthocyanins, so why are blueberries so underrated compared to acai berries?
The answer can be found with a score called "Oxygen Radical Absorption Capabilities" or ORAC. This is a measure of the acai berry's ability to prevent free radical damage. In other words, ORAC determines how beneficial the food is in regard to counteracting the ill effects of free radicals. Whereas blueberries have a 2400 score, acai berries have an astounding 5500.
The only bad news about acai berries is they are not found in the produce department. Blueberries are more available and can even be found for less in the frozen foods. If you want acai berries in your diet, you will have to fly to the Amazon or take a supplement. You probably want to steer clear of the juices due to high amounts of sugar or corn syrup. The small amounts of acai berry in these products do not counteract the ill effects of the sugar.
Your best bet is to enjoy the benefits of blueberries, acai supplements and a wide variety of plants in your diet. This way, you will benefit from all the phytochemicals, which tend to work together to improve health. - 17274
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