Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Acai Berrres


(One of the new foods that has been getting a lot of press recently is the acai berry. Perhaps it was when Dr. Oz talked about it on the Oprah Winfrey show is when it really took of. Since this is a berry not familiar to many people, a number of articles are shown here. -- sparker)
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Dr. Oz's Anti-Aging Checklist
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While he's mentioned many of these antioxidant-rich foods before, Dr. Oz is ready to introduce a new entry to his hall of fame—the acai (pronounced "AH-sigh-EE"), a small fruit from South American rainforests that is often found in the United States in juice. "It has twice the antioxidant content as a blueberry, so it's a wonderful alternative," Dr. Oz says. "Look at the food label and make sure they don't have too many carbohydrates in there. It's available in all major stores now. It's just sort of breaking through."Dr. Oz says you should eat about five servings of antioxidant-rich foods a day.
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http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/slideshow1_ss_oz_20080205/3 .

(Very short) Video of Dr. Oz talking to Oprah about Acai Berries
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMtZ96QIMiA
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Acai berries are among the most nutritious foods of the Amazon, rich in B vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Acai berries also contain oleic acid (omega-9), a beneficial fatty acid (often mistakenly referred to as essential).

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http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/15/earlyshow/health/main3836818.shtml
On Dr. Weil's website:

Q: Acai: A Better Berry?
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What do you think of acai, a berry said to be one of the most nutritious foods in the world? Acai juice is showing up in natural foods stores, and all I know for sure about it is that it's very expensive.

A: Answer (Published 12/8/2006)
Acai (pronounced ah-SAH'ee) is a Brazilian berry (Euterpe oleracea) that is being touted on the Internet and elsewhere for its high antioxidant content. Reportedly, acai provides 10 times the antioxidants found in red grapes and 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins found in red wine. It is now being promoted as an aid to weight loss, lowering cholesterol and boosting energy.
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Native people in Brazil have traditionally used acai berries to treat digestive disorders and skin conditions, according to University of Florida researcher Stephen Talcott, who has been investigating the antioxidant effects of the berry. He and colleagues have published findings from laboratory studies showing that extracts from acai berries caused leukemia cells to self-destruct. While Talcott cautioned that the study doesn't show that acai could prevent leukemia in humans, he noted that compounds that show good activity against cancer cells in cell cultures are likely to have beneficial effects in the body. Past research on other compounds has not shown this to be true, and in my mind, this is a big inferential leap that needs to be validated by further research.
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Talcott is now looking into the effects of the antioxidants in acai on healthy humans. This study is aimed at determining how well the compounds are absorbed into the blood and how they affect blood pressure, cholesterol levels and related health indicators.
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Acai berries are highly perishable and are traditionally used immediately after picking. For that reason, acai is available outside Brazil only as juice or as products that incorporate juice such as smoothies, powders, and capsules. There are no studies on products containing acai, which tend to be pricey and which many people find unpalatable.
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Acai may be rich in antioxidants, but that doesn't mean that high concentrations of those phytochemicals are making it from the berries into the juices, smoothies, etc. Until we know more about these products, I recommend sticking closer to home for your antioxidants. Opt for organically grown blueberries, which are easily obtainable in fruit form, are much less expensive and give you fiber as well as plenty of antioxidants.
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And don't forget black raspberries and pomegranates, both of which have good scientific evidence for their health benefits behind them.
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Andrew Weil, M.D.
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The acai berry (ah-sigh-ee) grows in the Amazon Rainforest on acai palm trees and looks like a purple marble or purple grape. The Acaí berry (fruit) is 90% seed pit and 10% acaí pulp and must be carefully handled before it can be consumed. During the process the acaí berries with water are put into a machine and are agitated against one another. This process separates the acaí pulp from the seed to produce a thick acaí fruit pulp puree.
Acaí berry has a unique tropical fruit flavor and provides a high level nutritional benefits. The acaí berry contains high levels of antioxidants also known as anthocyanins. It also contains Omega Fatty Acids (healthy fats), Amino Acids, Fiber, Iron, along with many other vitamins and minerals (Nutritional Value of the Acai Berry and Acai Berry Juice). An amazonian traditional recipe mixes acaí fruit pulp and natural guarana seed, which gives energy and heighten mental clarity that has caffeine like effects when combined with guarana.
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Natives living in the Amazon river region in Northern Brazil, have had as part of their diet the acai berry for hundreds of years for it's nutritional value. It's healing and wellness powers are legendary throughout the area. The popularity of the acai berry is starting to spread from Brazil to the rest of the Americas.
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Acai Berry has the following nutritional, health and wellness properties:
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Antioxidant
Antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Antimutagenic
Cardiovascular System
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Acai berries contain very high amounts of essential fatty acid & omegas proven to lower LDL & maintain HDL cholesterol levels. They also have a remarkable concentration of antioxidants to help combat free radicals and premature aging. Acai Berry is a source of a particular class of flavonoids called anthocyanins. The ORAC value of Acai Berry is higher than any other edible berry in the world! Acai Berry is also an excellent source of dietary fiber!
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Acai is extremely rich in organic vegetable protein which does not generate cholesterolduring its digestion and is easier processed and transported to your muscles than animal protein (such as in milk or meat). Besides its outstanding content of protein and unsaturatedlipids, acai is also rich in carbohydrates which provide your body with the necessary energy while working or practicing any kind of sport. That is why acai is served in most gyms, sport clubs and beaches all over Brazil.
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According to medical research studies conducted on the acai berries, and citedbelow, their analysis reveals:
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An amazingly high concentration levels of antioxidants contributed to combating premature aging.
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The proanthocyanidine contents in Acai Berries are 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins (these are the purple colored antioxidants) of red wine per volume. (1)
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Although the French have a high fat diet, they have a low incidence of cardio vascular disease compared to the western countries. They contribute this factor to their consumption of red wine. (5)
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Acai Berries can help a promote a healthier cardio vascular system and digestive tract, because of its synergy of monounsaturated (these are the healthily) fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols.
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An excellent source of fiber! There are approximately 2 grams of dietary fiber in our Açaí Energy Mix. Fiber promotes a healthy digestive system. Research studies suggests soluble fibers may help lower blood cholesterol The insoluble fiber may help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers. (5)
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Essential amino acid complex along with trace minerals, which are vital for proper muscle contraction and regeneration.
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Aside from the energy and fluid replacement, Acai Berries provide a nutrition profile complete with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9).
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The fatty acid ratio in Acai resembles that of olive oil. Studies suggest this is a contributing factor to the low incidence of heart disease in
Mediterranean populations. (1,5)
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Acai Berries contain plant sterols including beta-sitosterol. Today, sterols are being used to treat associated benign prostate dyperplasia. (6) These plant sterols have also been shown to help control cholesterol as well as act as precursors to many important substances produced by the body. (7)
Acai: The Amazon Acai BerryWith 10 times the antioxidants of grapes and twice the antioxidants of blueberries, the Brazilian Acai berry (AH-sci-EE) is considered to have the best nutritional value of any fruit on earth.
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Nutritional Chemistry
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Polyphenols: 16 (14 - 212 mg/L)
Anthocyanidins: Thirty times the amount in red wine.
Phytosterols
Monounsaturated (healthy) fats (fatty acid ratio resembling olive oil): including essential omega fatty acids: Oleic (omega 9)
Polyunsaturated fatty acids: Linoleic (omega 6)
Alpha-tocopherol: natural Vitamin E
Trace minerals: copper, iron, calcium, cobalt, chromium and manganese
Dietary Fiber: 7 grams / 100 grams
Protein: amino acid profile similar to
Low glycemic index
Content per 100 grams of Acai:
Acid: 0.13%
Brix: 45.90 g
Protein: 6%
Fiber: 16.9g
Niacin: 0.40mg
Phosphorous: 58mg
Iran: 11.8mg
Vitamin B1: 0.36mg
Vitamin B2: 0.01mg
Calcium: 9mg
Vitamin C: 9mg
ph: 5.21
Calories: 247
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OMEGA FATTY ACIDS;(Omega 9, Omega 6, and Omega 3). These mono-saturatedessential fatty acids help lower LDL (harmful cholesterol) while maintaining HDL (beneficialcholesterol). This unique ratio resembles the same combination as olive oil. Omega fatty acids combat heart disease by increasing healthy cell development. Omega fatty acids are essential for healthy nervous system development and regeneration. They help rapidly repair and rejuvenate muscles after intense exercise.
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AMINO ACIDS; the Acai berry contains an almost perfect essential amino acid complex. This is vital for proper muscle contraction and regeneration, and for endurance, strength, sustained energy and muscle development.
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NATURAL VITAMIN E; to protect against aging.
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THEOBROMINE; acts as a bronchial dilator to help open air passage ways in the lungs. This increased air capacity helps in oxygen intake, which increases endurance, strength, and athletic performance.
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PHOTOSTEROLS; These complex compounds of plant cell membranes are used to treat symptoms associated with BPH, (benign prostate hyperplasia). Photosterols also help promote a healthy cardiovascular system and contributes to a healthy digestive tract.
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ANTI-OXIDANTS; Acai is rich in antocyanins, an essential anti-oxidizer that helps combat premature aging. In fact, acai has 10 –30 times more anthocyanins (purple colored anti-oxidants) that a glass of red wine.
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WebMD
Acai Berries and Acai Berry Juice -- What Are the Health Benefits?
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Have you heard about the acai berry? Do you want to know more about the health benefits of acai berries and berry juice? Acai berries are highly touted by marketers who say it’s one of the elite superfoods with anti-aging and weight loss properties. Some manufacturers use acai berries in cosmetics and beauty products. But do scientific studies support these
claims of acai benefits?
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What is the acai berry?
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The acai berry is an inch-long reddish, purple fruit. It comes from the acai palm tree (Euterpe oleracea), which is native to Central and South America. It is a relative of the blueberry, cranberry, and other dark purple fruits.
Research on the acai berry has focused on its possible antioxidant activity. Theoretically, that activity may help prevent diseases caused by oxidative stress such as heart disease and cancer.
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Is the acai berry healthy?
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Acai contains several substances called anthocyanins and flavonoids.
The word anthocyanin comes from two Greek words meaning “plant” and “blue.” Anthocyanins are responsible for the red, purple, and blue hues in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Foods that are richest in anthocyanins -- such as blueberries, red grapes, red wine, and acai -- are very strongly colored, ranging from deep purple to black.
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Anthocyanins and flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that help defend the body against life's stressors. They also play a role in the body's cell protection system. Free radicals are harmful byproducts produced by the body. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants may interfere with aging and the disease process by neutralizing free radicals.
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By lessening the destructive power of free radicals, antioxidants may help reduce the risk of some diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
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Are there known health benefits of acai berries?
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Some studies show that acai fruit pulp has a very high antioxidant capacity with even more antioxidant content than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, or blueberry. Studies are ongoing, though, and the jury is still out.
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People eat acai berries to address various health conditions. But so far, acai berries have no known health benefit that’s any different than that of other similar fruits.
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Can acai berries boost weight loss?
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Scientists are learning more about the functional power of superfoods, such as the acai berry. Although acai is touted in some weight loss products, few studies have tested the benefit of acai in promoting weight loss.
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For now, plenty of research supports eating a diet rich in antioxidants. There’s no doubt that berries and other fruits are a key part of any healthy diet promoting weight loss. The jury’s still out on whether there is something special about acai’s ability to shed excess pounds.
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Why are acai berries used in beauty products?
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Some cosmetics and beauty products contain acai oil in the ingredient list. That’s because acai oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants.
Studies show that acai oil may be a safe alternative to other tropical oils used in beauty products such as facial and body creams, anti-aging skin therapies, shampoos and conditioners, and other products. When acai oil is processed and stored long-term, the antioxidant levels remain high.
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Do acai berries and acai juice have any side effects?
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If you have pollen allergies or have a known hypersensitivity to acai or similar berries, you may want to avoid this fruit. When eaten in moderate amounts, though, acai is likely safe.
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http://www.webmd.com/diet/acai-berries-and-acai-berry-juice-what-are-the-health-benefits
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