The amazing acai berry has garnished quite a bit of attention. Acai supplements, extracts, mixes and juices are popping up all over the place. They might prevent cancer, heart disease and even slow aging and promote weight loss. It was not long ago that blueberries were the big superfood. Are acai berries really so much better?
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.
Phytochemicals also lend to the plants natural characteristics: texture, aroma and color. Though many plants contain a variety of phytochemicals, whichever one they contain the most of lends to the overall characteristics. In the case of purple plants, they contain high amounts of these anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins have several characteristics that make them extremely beneficial to the human body. First, they have high amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to fight free radicals and the damage incurred. We are exposed to free radicals on a daily basis: car exhaust, carcinogens, UV rays, pollution, industrial chemicals, household chemicals and even the foods we eat. Free radicals contribute to cancer, heart disease and aging among other health concerns.
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, if blueberries and acai berries both contain high amounts of anthocyanins, why are acai berries so highly regarded whereas blueberries seem to have gone back to being, well, just a fruit topping for pancakes?
Though blueberries are very good for you, acai berries have extremely high Oxygen Radical Absorption Capabilities (ORAC). This score measures how much they fight free radical damage. Blueberries score 2400 and acai berries score 5500. As well, acai berries contain a variety of essential amino acids that is nearly perfect.
However, you will not find acai berries in the produce department like blueberries. They only grow in the Amazon and we have yet to figure out how to supply these gorgeous berries for regular consumption. You will have to suffice for supplements, extracts or powders. The juices may contain sugar or corn syrup and low amounts of actual acai berry.
Truly, your best health maneuver is to eat a diet rich in fruits, veggies and whole grains. A variety of these items allows you to receive the benefits of various phytochemicals which work together in the body. You will also benefit from an acai supplement, especially when fruits and vegetables are not readily available. - 30414
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.
Phytochemicals also lend to the plants natural characteristics: texture, aroma and color. Though many plants contain a variety of phytochemicals, whichever one they contain the most of lends to the overall characteristics. In the case of purple plants, they contain high amounts of these anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins have several characteristics that make them extremely beneficial to the human body. First, they have high amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to fight free radicals and the damage incurred. We are exposed to free radicals on a daily basis: car exhaust, carcinogens, UV rays, pollution, industrial chemicals, household chemicals and even the foods we eat. Free radicals contribute to cancer, heart disease and aging among other health concerns.
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, if blueberries and acai berries both contain high amounts of anthocyanins, why are acai berries so highly regarded whereas blueberries seem to have gone back to being, well, just a fruit topping for pancakes?
Though blueberries are very good for you, acai berries have extremely high Oxygen Radical Absorption Capabilities (ORAC). This score measures how much they fight free radical damage. Blueberries score 2400 and acai berries score 5500. As well, acai berries contain a variety of essential amino acids that is nearly perfect.
However, you will not find acai berries in the produce department like blueberries. They only grow in the Amazon and we have yet to figure out how to supply these gorgeous berries for regular consumption. You will have to suffice for supplements, extracts or powders. The juices may contain sugar or corn syrup and low amounts of actual acai berry.
Truly, your best health maneuver is to eat a diet rich in fruits, veggies and whole grains. A variety of these items allows you to receive the benefits of various phytochemicals which work together in the body. You will also benefit from an acai supplement, especially when fruits and vegetables are not readily available. - 30414
About the Author:
Do you want to know which acai berry brand you can count on? Go there and find out our favorite acai berry brand.
