Since the Today Show feature in which Matt Lauer described it as the ‘Amazon Viagra’, and the appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show of Dr. Nicholas Perricone who endorsed it as one of the most nutritious and powerful anti-ageing foods in the world, the Acai berry has become a sought after health food.
Although relatively new to the modern world, the Acai berry, or Cabbage Palm (Euterpe oleracea), has been eaten by Amazon Indians for centuries. One of the world’s most nutritious fruits, the Acai grows wild on Brazil’s palm trees. The fruit is believed to dramatically increase energy levels and alertness. Its protein, fat, Guarana and antioxidants provide high-performance body fuel.
Acai berries and antioxidants
The Acai berry has many impressive nutritional constituents, and the amount of antioxidants in the berry is high. Although blueberries are known for being extremely high in antioxidants, Acai berries have twice the concentration of antioxidants. As the body ages, it suffers oxidative damage that can lead to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. The most effective way to combat oxidative damage is by consuming high levels of antioxidants in the diet.
Is the Acai berry the ultimate aphrodisiac?
Although virility drugs started to appear in the nineties, they are expensive and come with side-effects. For example, one well-known pill can cause blurred vision, headaches and skin flushing. The effects of another libido boosting drug can last for up to 36 hours, causing backache, headache and stomach upset.
The combination of Guarana and Acai is said to act as a powerful aphrodisiac. The standard dose is 100 grams, but doses as high as 500 grams can be taken. Ancient Amazon warriors ate Acai right before battle. Apparently the energizing ‘Acai high’ made them feel invincible.
Lose weight with the amazing Acai berry
The Acai berry is filled with vitamins and minerals that can aid in weight loss, building muscle and increasing overall energy. The berry is also rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, fiber and other plant compounds that can promote health; these work together to help the body burn fat more efficiently.
Fatty Acids
The body requires essential fatty acids to maintain health. It is unable to produce Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are plentiful in Acai berries. In clinical studies Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids have been shown to increase metabolic rate, which can promote weight loss. Fatty acids have also been linked to lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.
Fiber
Acai contains a generous amount of fiber, which helps the digestive tract to move food through the body more rapidly. In this way, excess food is eliminated from the body, rather than absorbed and turned into fat. Fiber can also help to reduce appetite.
Amino Acids
The Acai berry is rich in amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Muscles require amino acids in order to function effectively, and to regenerate from exercise stress. Since the fatty acids in Acai increase metabolism and the amino acids maintain and build muscles, these nutrients help the body burn calories more efficiently, promoting weight loss.
Phytosterols
Phytosterols help fortify the digestive tract, moving waste materials out and absorbing nutrients more efficiently.
Additional health benefits of the Acai berry
While the amount of antioxidants in Acai berries is important, these berries have a lot more to offer. Users of Acai berries have reported numerous positive benefits such as boosted energy levels, strengthened immune system, improved mental clarity and firmer looking and feeling skin. These benefits appear to be due to both the antioxidants and other nutrients that help circulation.
Side effects of the Acai berry
Current research and customer testimonials indicates no apparent side effects in taking Açai in any form. The Amazonian people have been eating Acai berries for centuries without ill effect.
Where to buy the Acai berry?
Acai berries can be purchased fresh, frozen or dried at health food stores. They can also be bought online. The berries can be used as a cereal topping, in granola, smoothies, yogurt, on low-fat ice cream and in muffins and cookies (preferably low fat). Acai can also be purchased as a liquid extract. The benefit of taking Acai in this form is that the nutrients will be super concentrated. Another way of taking Acai is in capsule form.
What is the recommended Acai dosage?
There are no official guidelines on the proper dosage of Acai extract. Very limited research has been carried out on the Acai berry, juice or capsules. Much will depend on an individual’s medical condition, what medications they are taking, what other health supplements they are using, etc. As a general rule, 500 mg of Acai berry supplement a few times a week is a commonly used dosage for healthy people.
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