While Goji berries are now considered one of the leading super foods they do not come entirely risk free.

Side effects

It is not recommended that Goji berries be taken at night, as they may increase alertness, making it difficult to sleep. It is also important to note that Goji Berries, like some other natural products, may have anti-coagulant properties.

Although there are no serious side effects associated with the use of the Goji berry itself, there is some concern about potential drug interactions.

Possible drug interactions with Goji

The Mayo Clinic mentions on their website that Goji juice may interact with some medications, but does not list the specific drugs. It is recommend that a doctor be consulted before taking Goji on a regular basis, particularly if taking prescription drugs, herbs or dietary supplements.

Goji interaction with blood pressure drugs

Goji root bark could interact with drugs used to treat high blood pressure, potentially increasing the risk of dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension). Symptoms of low blood pressure include lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting. It is not clear if Goji berries or juice also have similar effects on blood pressure.

Goji interaction with diabetes drugs

Theoretically, Goji root bark may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if taken with diabetes medications. It is not clear if the berries, or juice, also have this potential. More frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels is advisable if Goji supplements are being taken.

Goji interaction with Warfarin

Two published case reports described patients, being treated with the anticoagulant drug Warfarin, who experienced increased bleeding after drinking Goji tea. Warfarin is prescribed as a blood thinner to prevent clots. Studies showed that the tea inhibited the breakdown of Warfarin in the body, suggesting a possible interaction between Warfarin and undefined phytochemicals in the Goji plant [1,2].

Health Canada has issued a warning for people being treated with Warfarin to avoid certain herbal, vitamin and mineral products, including Lycium barbarum (Goji berries). Too much Warfarin could cause excessive bleeding. Evidence of Warfarin interaction has also been linked to avocados, cranberry juice, fish oil supplements and ginseng.

See also: The Incredible Goji Berry

References

1. Lam AY, Elmer GW, Mohutsky MA. Possible interaction between warfarin and Lycium barbarum L. Ann Pharmacother. 2001, Oct; 35(10):1199-201.

2. Leung H, Hung A, Hui AC, Chan TY. Warfarin overdose due to the possible effects of Lycium barbarum L. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008, May; 46(5):1860-1862.

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In the hectic modern lifestyle it can be difficult to devote time and focus to loosing weight. Two big problems are easy access to cheap and delicious high calorie fast foods, and no real requirement to take exercise.

High-calorie foods tend to have limited nutritional value. They can trigger a hormonal reaction that leads to heightened hunger pangs. The process works like this:

1. High calorie sugary, starchy food is converted by the body into blood sugar (glucose).
2. In response to heightened levels of blood sugar, the pancreas produces increased amounts of insulin.
3. Blood sugar levels drop sharply due to the action of the insulin.
4. The sudden decrease in blood sugar causes hunger pangs for more fattening foods.
5. The cycle repeats itself for as long excessive high calorie food consumption continues.

The glycemic index of Goji Berries

The glycemic index (GI) is a numerical scale used as a measure of the rate at which food is converted by the body into glucose. The lower the GI of a food, the more slowly it is processed into blood sugar and the less likely it is to over stimulate the appetite.

On the GI scale, pure glucose has a value of 100. Foods rated at 70 or higher are considered to have a high GI value, while foods rated below 55 are considered to have a low GI value. Goji berries have a low GI compared to most other fruits:

• Banana – 25
• Goji berry – 29
• Apple – 38
• Orange – 42
• Raisins – 64
• Cantaloupe – 65
• Watermelon – 72

Goji berries and appetite control

Goji berries have additional characteristics that can help promote weight loss. By weight they contain 21% fiber. High fiber foods are filling and can reduce blood sugar levels. Goji berries also contain chromium, a mineral beneficial to blood sugar control.

Lean muscle promotion with Goji berries

Chromium may also help to preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss. Muscle burns more calories than fat making it easier to prevent weight gain. A lean body burns food rather than storing it as fat. As the body ages declining growth hormone secretion leads to reduced muscle mass and greater fat storage. Two amino acids, L-arginine and L-glutamine, and potassium in Goji berries are believed to promote the production of growth hormone.

Goji berries and thermogenesis

Goji berries are rich in nutrients that can convert food into energy rather than fat:

• The vitamin B1 (thiamin) promotes healthy thyroid function. The thyroid gland secretes a hormone called thyroxin which stimulates the body to burn fat (thermogenesis).

• Essential minerals are necessary for efficient protein metabolism. In addition to calcium and chromium, Goji berries contain copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc.

Improved physical performance with the Goji berry

Permanent weight loss is greatly facilitated by regular physical exercise. Goji berries can enhance the ability to exercise in several ways:

• Delaying the onset of fatigue during exercise

• Increasing endurance

• Increasing stamina

• Improving circulation

Nutrients in Goji berries are believed to be beneficial to the glands that are responsible for generating energy, muscle growth and repair – the adrenals, thymus, thyroid and pituitary. Polysaccharides in the Gogi berry can help to reduce muscle soreness. They can aid in the removal of lactic acid that accumulates in muscles during exertion.

See also: The Incredible Goji Berry

The Acerola berry is also known as the Barbados cherry, Puerto Rican cherry, West Indian cherry, Cereso, and Antilles Cherry. The berry is the fruit of the Acerola tree, which grows up to 10 feet in height. There are several different species of Acerola, including Acerola Malpighia glabra L., Acerola Malpighia punicifolia L. and Acerola Malpighia emarginata D.C..

Acerola Berries are a thin skinned, bright red in color, and cherry-like in appearance. They flourish in tropical regions of the Americas. Many people in the Caribbean islands and Florida grow their own Acerola, which can be eaten like grapes.

Both the berries and powder are delicious and nutritious. They are added to smoothies, syrups, jams and jellies. The berries are very rich in vitamin C; one single berry contains 80 milligram of vitamin C -133% of the daily recommended dose.

Acerola is the major source of commercially produced vitamin C. The berries are also rich in vitamin A, iron and calcium.

Health benefits of Acerola berries

For many years Acerola berries have been used in the Caribbean and in South American as an alternative medicine for strengthening the immune system, fighting infections, and helping heal open wounds.

Acerola berries have anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger properties, and it has been suggested that they act as an effective antiviral agent by some scientists.

The vitamin C in Acerola helps the body make collagen, a tough, fibrous protein that is key to making connective tissue and skin, and that also plays a role in wound healing. Vitamin C also protects the body from free radicals, cell-damaging molecules that contribute to the development of cancer, heart disease, and many other diseases.

Because the body does not manufacture or store vitamin C and bioflavonoids, they must be replenished on a regular basis. And, since these two compounds work together to promote circulation, stimulate bile production and boost the immune system, they act as the body’s first line of defence against illness. They also help fight off colds and flu. The berry is also very useful in balancing the pH levels in gastrointestinal tract, which ultimately promotes improved digestion.

Acerola Berries contain vitamins and minerals that help strengthen teeth and bones.

Research on Acerola berries

Acerola has been studied in the laboratory and has been found to be a powerful antioxidant and have anti-cancer properties. One hundred and fifty componets have been identified in the berry, of which furfural, hexadecanoic acid, 3-methyl-3-butenol, and limonene were found to be the major constituents.

Two anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-alpha-O-rhamnoside (C3R) and pelargonidin-3-alpha-O-rhamnoside (P3R), and quercitrin (quercetin-3-alpha-O-rhamnoside), were isolated from Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) fruit. These polyphenols were evaluated based on the functional properties associated with diabetes mellitus or its complications, that is, on the radical scavenging activity and the inhibitory effect on both alpha-glucosidase and advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation. C3R and quercitrin revealed strong radical scavenging activity.

The Acai berry is one of the world’s most unique foods. It may also be one of the healthiest. Acai berries come from the Acai palm tree of South America. The native peoples of Brazil have consumed the berry for centuries, and there are many testimonials to its incredible healing and sustaining powers. In the last few years Acai berry products have made their way to foreign shores. Acai has a vibrant taste that most people find pleasant. The flavor of has been described as comparable to chocolate-covered cherries, or blueberry ice cream with a hint of chocolate.

The nutritional facts relating to the Açai berry are impressive. It possesses:

Anthocyanins

Acai berries contain an extremely high concentration of anthocyanins – 30 times that of red wine. One of the many attributes of anthocyanins is their anti-inflammatory qualities. Studies have shown that anthocyanins can help prevent blood clots, improve blood circulation, relax blood vessels, and prevent artherosclerosis. But researchers have also discovered a whole host of other powerful effects related to anthocyanins, including antiviral and antiallergenic properties. One study even suggests that anthocyanins can inhibit cancer cell growth and even promoted cancer cell death.

Antioxidants

Antioxidant levels in Acai berry pulp are 50 times higher than mangoes, 10 to 30 times higher than red wine grapes, 3 times higher than blueberries and 3 times higher than pomegranates.

Amino acids

The Acai fruit has 19 amino acids – an almost perfect essential amino acid complex (the “building blocks” of protein).

Protein

One 100 gram serving of Acai contains 8 grams of protein.

Essential fatty acids and omegas

High levels of essential fatty acids and omegas are present in Acai pulp. There is 60% oleic acid (omega 9), a monounsaturated essential fatty acid that helps to lower LDL (harmful cholesterol), while maintaining HDL (beneficial cholesterol). There is 12% linoleic acid (omega 6), a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid that has also been found to lower LDL, while maintaining HDL.

Dietary fiber

Acai contains a significant amount of dietary fiber.

Trace minerals

High amounts of trace minerals (e.g. Co, Cr, Cu, Mo…) and macro minerals (Ca, Fe, Mg, P and Zn).

Vitamins

An abundance of vitamins including vitamins E, A, B1-3, C.

Phytosterols

Many valuable phytosterols. Sterols are compounds of plant cell membranes providing numerous benefits to the body, including a reduction of blood plasma cholesterol levels, protect the immune system, and protect against prostate enlargement.

Nutritional content

Most of the research to on the nutritional content of Acai has centered on a particular freeze-dried form known as Opti-Acai. This powder preparation (per 100 g of extract) of freeze-dried Acai fruit pulp and skin contains 533.9 calories, 52.2 g of carbohydrates, 8.1 g of protein, and 32.5 g of total fat. There is 44.2 g of fiber. The powder also contains 260 mg calcium, 4.4 mg iron, and 1002 U vitamin A, as well as aspartic acid and glutamic acid. The amino acid content is 7.6% of total dry weight.

Fats
Acai berry has a high content of fats, including oleic acid (56.2% of total), palmitic acid (24.1% of total), and linoleic acid (12.5% of total). Acai also contains high levels of beta-sitosterol (78–91% of total sterols). These oil components include high contents of polyphenols such as procyanidin oligmers and vanillic acid, syringic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, and ferulic acid which degrade appreciably during storage or exposure to heat.

Antioxidants
Freeze-dried Acai fruit pulp and skin contains 3.19 mg/g of anthocyanins. The powdered preparation also contains twelve flavonoid-like compounds, including homoorientin, orientin, taxifolin, deoxyhexose, isovitexin, scoparin, as well as proanthocyanidins (12.89 mg/g), and low levels of resveratrol (1.1 ?g/g).

See also: The Amazing Acai Berry

Acai Berry Dosage

There are two types of Acai berry. One is purple in color while the other is white. The purple Acai berry is very rich in antioxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids, minerals, phytosterols and vitamins such as thiamine. When purchasing Acai extract, ensure that it is the purple variant and not the white. The white berry has limited health benefits due to low levels of antioxidants.

Purple Acai berries (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) are consumed raw as a food, and also as a juice, or in capsules. The juice is used commercially in the manufacture of ice cream, jelly, and liquors and as a natural food colorant.

The processing methods play a critical role in the quality and potency of Acai. Berry extract should be  freeze dried no longer than 24 hours after its collection. Avoid supplements which are manufactured by spray drying, spraying with Maltodextrin and those which include Acai berry seed. The seed has no health value and if ground together with the pulp and skin of the berry, reduces the potency of the supplement.

What is the recommended Acai berry dosage?

Acai berries are eaten as a food in Brazil. There are no official guidelines on the recommended dose of Acai extract. Only limited research has been carried out on the Acai berry, juice or capsules. The therapeutic daily dosage of anthocyanins, and other flavonoids from other sources, ranges from 200 to 1500mg daily. This dose may be extrapolated to Acai berry extracts.

If in poor health or under medication, consult with your doctor before taking Acai.

Acai Capsules: Take up to four 500mg capsules of Acai daily with water to experience the full health benefits of the berry, or-
Acai Liquid: Take two tablespoons of pure Acai liquid extract on a daily basis, or -
Acai Tea: Drink 1-2 tea cups of Acai tea daily.

Related article: The Amazing Acai Berry

Summary

Human studies on the Acai berry or Acai extracts have been limited, so no firm statements can be made regarding the clinical benefits of this plant. Acai has, however, been eaten for thousands of years and its health benefits are legendary. There are many thousands of positive testimonials, albeit anecdotal. Research studies have been carried out in animals and cell culture systems.

Related article: The Amazing Acai Berry

Clinical study on antioxidant properties of Acai juice

This study assessed the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties of a juice blend (JB), MonaVie Active, containing a mixture of fruits and berries with known antioxidant activity, including Acai, a palm fruit, as the predominant ingredient. The phytochemical antioxidants in the JB are primarily in the form of anthocyanins, predominantly cyanidin 3-rutoside, cyanidin 3-diglycoside, and cyanidin 3-glucoside. The ‘cell-based antioxidant protection of erythrocytes (CAP-e)’ assay demonstrated that antioxidants in the JB penetrated and protected cells from oxidative damage ( p < 0.001). A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with 12 healthy subjects examined the JB’s antioxidant activity in vivo. Blood samples at baseline, 1 h, and 2 h following consumption of the JB or placebo were tested for antioxidant capacity using several antioxidant assays and the TBARS assay, a measure of lipid peroxidation. Subject taking JB showed an increase in serum antioxidants at 1 h ( p < 0.03) and 2 h ( p < 0.015), as well as inhibition of lipid peroxidation at 2 h ( p < 0.01) postconsumption [Jensen GS, Wu X, Patterson KM, Barnes J, Carter SG, Scherwitz L, Beaman R, Endres JR, Schauss AG. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of an antioxidant-rich fruit and berry juice blend. Results of a pilot and randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study. J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Sep 24;56(18):8326-33. Epub 2008 Aug 22].

Human pharmacokinetics of Acai pulp and juice

This study was carried out as an acute four-way crossover clinical trial with acai pulp and clarified acai juice compared to applesauce and a non-antioxidant beverage as controls. Healthy volunteers (12) were dosed at 7 mL/kg of body weight after a washout phase and overnight fast, and plasma was repeatedly sampled over 12 h and urine over 24 h after consumption. Pharmacokinetic analysis of total anthocyanins quantified as cyanidin-3-O-glucoside showed Cmax values of 2321 and 1138 ng/L at t max times of 2.2 and 2.0 h, and AUC last values of 8568 and 3314 ng h L(-1) for pulp and juice, respectively. Plasma antioxidant capacity was significantly increased by the acai pulp and applesauce. Individual increases in plasma antioxidant capacity of up to 2.3- and 3-fold for Acai juice and pulp, respectively were observed. The antioxidant capacity in urine, generation of reactive oxygen species, and uric acid concentrations in plasma were not significantly altered by the treatments. Results demonstrate the absorption and antioxidant effects of anthocyanins in Acai in plasma in an acute human consumption trial [Mertens-Talcott SU, Rios J, Jilma-Stohlawetz P, Pacheco-Palencia LA, Meibohm B, Talcott ST, Derendorf H. Pharmacokinetics of anthocyanins and antioxidant effects after the consumption of anthocyanin-rich acai juice and pulp (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in human healthy volunteers. J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Sep 10;56(17):7796-802. Epub 2008 Aug 12].

Antioxidant properties of the Acai berry

The antioxidant properties of 11 commercial and non-commercial samples of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Acai) fruit pulp were evaluated using the ‘total oxidant scavenging capacity assay’ against three reactive oxygen species [Lichtenthaler R, Rodrigues RB, Maia JG, Papagiannopoulos M, Fabricius H, Marx F. Total oxidant scavenging capacities of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Acai) fruits. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2005 Feb; 56(1): 53-64].

The antioxidant potential of all purple Acai samples was found to be excellent against peroxyl radicals, good against peroxynitrite, but poor against hydroxyl radicals relative to common European fruit and vegetable juices.

The phenolic compounds in purple Acai fruit pulp were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The two major anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside, were assayed using high-performance liquid chromatography-visible spectrometry. The contributions of the anthocyanins to the overall antioxidant capacities of the fruit were estimated to be only around 10%. Compounds not yet identified are responsible for the major part of the antioxidant capacities of Acai fruit pulp.

ORAC value of the Acai berry

The Acai berry has a high oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Measurements of ORAC on freeze-dried Acai pulp and skin powder samples have been undertaken for 4 reactive oxygen species (ROS); superoxide, peroxynitrite, hydroxyl radicals and peroxyl radicals for both hydrophilic- and lipid-soluble species. The assay for superoxide gave a value of 161,400 units per 100 g, the highest yet found for any plant evaluated to date. The total ORAC value against peroxyl radicals, determined from both hydrophilic and lipophilic sources, was 102,700 units per 100 g, again the highest value found to date [Schauss AG, Wu X, Prior RL, Ou B, Huang D, Owens J, Agarwal A, Jensen GS, Hart AN, Shanbrom E. Antioxidant capacity and other bioactivities of the freeze-dried amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (Acai berry ). J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Nov 1;54(22):8604-10].

Phytochemical and nutrient composition of the Acai berry

In this study, a standardized freeze-dried Acai fruit pulp/skin powder was used for all analyses and tests. Anthocyanins (ACNs), proanthocyanidins (PACs), and other flavonoids were found to be the major phytochemicals. Two ACNs, cyandin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside were the predominant ACNs; there were 3 other minor ACNs. The total content of ACNs was measured as 3.1919 mg/g dry weight (DW). Polymers were found to be the major PACs. The concentration of total PACs was calculated as 12.89 mg/g DW. Other flavonoids, namely, homoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, scoparin, and taxifolin deoxyhexose, along with several unknown flavonoids, were also assayed. Resveratrol was detected at a very low concentration. In addition, components including fatty acids, amino acids, sterols, minerals, and other nutrients were present. Total polyunsaturated fatty acid, total monounsaturated fatty acid, and total saturated fatty acids contributed to 11.1%, 60.2%, and 28.7% of total fatty acid, respectively. Oleic acid (53.9%) and palmitic acid (26.7%) were found to be the two dominant fatty acids. Nineteen amino acids were detected; the total amino acid content was measured at 7.59% of total weight. Sterols accounted for 0.048% by weight of the Acai powder. The three sterols B-sitosterol, campesterol, and sigmasterol were detected. A complete nutrient analysis is also presented [Schauss AG, Wu X, Prior RL, Ou B, Patel D, Huang D, Kababick JP. Phytochemical and nutrient composition of the freeze-dried amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (acai). J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Nov 1;54(22):8598-603].

Vasodilator properties of the Acai berry

The Acai berry is rich in polyphenols. Animal studies have been carried out to determine whether a hydro-alcoholic extract obtained from the berry can stimulate a vasodilator effect. The study (in the rat mesenteric vascular bed), carried out at the Department of Pharmacology and Psychobiology in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, demonstrated that the vasodilator effect of the Acai extract was dependent on activation of the nitric oxide -cGMP pathway. It may also involve endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor release.

This vasodilator property of Acai berry extract suggests that the plant could have potential in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases [Rocha AP, Carvalho LC, Sousa MA, Madeira SV, Sousa PJ, Tano T, Schini-Kerth VB, Resende AC, Soares de Moura R. Endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Acai) extracts in mesenteric vascular bed of the rat. Vascul Pharmacol. 2006 Sep 1].

Anticancer effects of the Acai berry

Published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a study demonstrated that extracts from the Acai berry triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells evaluated [Del Pozo-Insfran D, Percival SS, Talcott ST. 2006. Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) polyphenolics in their glycoside and aglycone forms induce apoptosis of HL-60 leukemia cells. J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Feb 22; 54(4): 1222-9].

This was only a petri dish cell-culture model study and not a clinical trial. The findings are, however, encouraging. Other fruits, including grapes, guavas and mangoes, contain antioxidants shown to kill cancer cells in similar studies. Researchers are uncertain as to how effective antioxidants are against cancer cells in the human body, because factors such as nutrient absorption, metabolism and the influence of other biochemical processes may affect the antioxidants’ anticancer activity.

In the study, six different chemical extracts were made from acai fruit pulp, and each extract was prepared in seven concentrations. Four of the extracts were demonstrated to kill significant numbers of leukemia cells when applied for 24 hours. Depending on the extract and concentration, 35 percent to 86 percent of the cells died.

Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with decreased risk for many diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Consuming at least five servings a day of these nutrients is a good approach for helping promote optimal health.

The Acai berry has been consumed for thousands of years, but it was not until the 1990′s that it was introduced to the western world. The berry was first used by the tribes of the Amazon jungle as a cure for various ailments. It was named by the native people as “içá-çai”, which roughly translated means: “the fruit that cries”.

Where does the Acai berry grow?

The Açaí berry is indigenous to the flood plains of the Amazon estuary and covers an area in Northern Brazil equivalent to half the size of Switzerland. The fruit comes from a palm that has a long thin trunk that can reach heights of up to 25 meters. Traditionally the Acai berries would be picked by hand – tribe’s men would climb up and cut Acai laden branches from the top of the palm tree. The Acai palm regenerates with ease.

Acai is one of the main food sources of river communities in the Amazon estuary. A bowl of Acai is usually eaten in the morning with breakfast.

Acai berries in Rio

Brought to Rio by northern Brazilians migrants who moved to city, the Acai berry was consumed as a natural source of energy. In the 1960’s, the famous Gracie jiu-jitsu family in Brazil recommended eating Acai before and after workouts. Soon after, it became popular with Brazilian surfers as a natural way to regain energy. The berries were pulped and frozen to keep them fresh and they became an additive to the smoothies drunk along the beaches. It was known as a natural Viagra by the boys of the beach.

Acai berry production

Now that the Acai berry has become enormously popular it is mass produced. Agronomists have successfully developed a method of cultivating the Acai palm sustainably with a high yield. In the last 5 years Acai berry production has tripled. Each Acai palm tree produces around 20 kg of fruit per year. Its active ingredients only have a 24 hour life span. As a consequence, the berries must be loaded into baskets and onto boats soon after picking.

Belem, the principal city in the Amazon estuary, has around 60 factories and employs over 30,000 people in the Acai berry industry. The city is the world center for Acai. An estimated 200,000 liters of Acai juice is drunk every day by the 1.3 million inhabitants of Belem. Refrigerated trucks transport frozen berries from Belem to Rio, where it is a very popular ingredient in smoothies, ice-cream, and even cocktails.

Acai berry goes international

Only recently, at the start of the new millennium, have a few companies started to market the Acai berry in the United States and other countries. One of the first companies to do so was Sambazon. They are now the largest supplier of Acai berry pulp outside of Brazil. Scientists have discovered that Acai is extremely rich in anthocyanins, the group of biochemicals in red wine that are believed to have many health benefits including lowering the risk of heart disease. Sales of Acai have started to accelerate dramatically as more and more people become aware of its powerful health benefits.

See also: The Amazing Acai Berry

People everywhere are looking for answers to the problems of aging. There are obvious lifestyle choices to stave off the effects of aging, like plenty of exercise and a healthy diet. As part of the anti-aging arsenal, foods with very specific properties are becoming increasingly popular. Such “super foods” contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Acai is a berry that grows on palm trees in the Brazilian rainforests. The berry is a deep purple color, and is rich in important nutrients such as protein, fiber, fatty acids, and vitamins. Studies show that Acai has extremely high levels of antioxidants, and has the greatest concentration of anthocyanins and omega fatty acids of any known edible plant. These antioxidants help in reducing cholesterol levels in blood, and also neutralise free radicals in the body. The Acai berry is now recognized as one of the foremost super-foods for anti-aging.

The free radical problem

Millions of biochemical interactions take place in the body on a daily basis. The bi-products of some of these interactions are called “free radicals”. These free radicals react with health living cells damaging the DNA and other cellular components. This process can trigger disease processes and accelerate aging. So by counteracting the formation of free radicals Acai helps cells stay in health condition for longer, slowing the aging process.

Antioxidants in Acai

As the body ages, it becomes increasingly susceptible to the long-term effects of “oxidative stress”. Antioxidants help the body to fight off the effects of oxidative stress, which is involved in many degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s. Foods are assigned a value, known as ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). ORAC is a measure of how effective the antioxidants within that food are in combating oxidative stress. The higher the ORAC value the better.

Studies have shown that freeze dried Acai berries maintain their anti-oxidant properties, enabling them to be stored for extended periods of time. Freeze dried Acai’s ORAC rating is over 4 times that of the next highest fruit (the wild blueberry). Doctors recommend an intake of 3000 – 5000 ORAC units per day, which, given the relatively low ORAC values of traditional fruits, can be a challenge. With freeze dried Acai, meeting such a quota is no problem.

With a value of 1,026, Acai boasts the highest ORAC score of any fruit or vegetable tested to date. By comparison, Acai has more than 10 times the antioxidant content of cranberries. It is the leader among other well-known antioxidant plants, such as blueberries, grapes, red wine, green tea, and pomegranates.

Amino acids in Acai

The amino acids and trace minerals that are found in Acai aid muscle regeneration; this helps slow down the destructive effects of UV light which contribute to the aging of the skin, for example.

Fatty acids in Acai

The Acai berry is high in monounsaturated Oleic acid (Omega 9) and Linoleic acid (Omega 6) which are known to play a key role in the maintenance of cell membranes. Healthy, supple cell membranes are needed for optimal organ function and to keep inflammation at bay. Inflammation is a leading cause of the aging process. Oleic and Linoleic acids help lower LDL (harmful cholesterol), while maintaining HDL ( beneficial cholesterol).

Polypherols in Acai

Polyphenols are a class of powerful antioxidants. It has been estimated that Acai has 20-30 times the anthocyanins levels found in red wine. Polypherols are believed to have anticancer properties. They can also benefit the immune system, itself key in fighting cancer and other diseases.

Phytosterols in Acai

Acai also contains phytosterols. Phytosterols provide numerous including the reduction of blood plasma cholesterol levels.

Anthocyanins in Acai

The Acai Berry is a valuable source of a class of flavonoids called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are a group of phytochemicals found for example in red wine. The Acai berry contains 10-30 times the amounts of anthocyanins contained in red wine. Anthocyanins have been shown to deliver numerous health benefits including the amelioration of diabetic retinopathy, and fibrocystic disease of the breast in human. Other potential benefits from anthocyanins include vasoprotection and anti-inflammatory effects.

Anthocyanins also neutralize enzymes that destroy connective tissue. Their antioxidant capacity prevents oxidants from damaging connective tissues and repair damaged proteins in the blood-vessel walls.

By preventing tyrosine nitration, the anthocyanins in Acai may help protect against neurological diseases. The principal anthocyanins in Acai, known as Cyanidin-3-glucoside, have been found to promote the reversal of age related neurological problems.

The ability of anthocyanins to neutralize oxidants make them useful in helping to combat arteriosclerosis. Even in trace amounts, anthocyanins can protect against LDL oxidation. Anthocyanins augment the integrity of the endothelial cells that line blood vessel walls and thus help to maintain a healthy circulation. Anthocyanins may also help improve eyesight.

Vitamins and minerals in Acai

Acai has a high content of vitamin B1, B2, B3, E, C, and Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, and Iron.

See also: The Amazing Acai Berry

To date, only a limited number of scientific studies have been carried out on the Acai berry. Most of the evidence related to the proposed health benefits of the berry is anecdotal. The Acai berry has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA.

The Acai berry is claimed to have the following properties when ingested:

• Is an extremely powerful free radical fighter
• Cleanses and detoxifies the body of infectious toxins
• Strengthens the immune system
• Improves mental clarity/focus
• Increases energy levels and physical strength
• Facilitates efficient digestive function
• Relieves osteoarthritis pain
• Bone and Joint Health Maintenance
• Facilitates weight loss
• Helps maintain a healthy prostate gland
• Promotes urinary tract health
• Acts as an aphrodisiac
• Has anti-cancer properties
• Slows the aging process
• Promotes healthier and younger-looking skin
• Alleviates diabetes
• Normalizes cholesterol levels
• Helps maintain healthy cardiovascular function
• Reduces inflammation
• Improves circulation
• Inhibits artherosclerosis
• Improves visual acuity
• Acts as an antidepressant

See also: The Amazing Acai Berry