Acai’s Hidden Nutritional Secrets
Acai berries are loaded with Polyphenols, Phytochemicals, Anthocyanins, what are they and what are the benefits of such compounds? Acai is one of the best sources for anthocyanins there is! Phytochemicals are the beneficial compounds found in fruits such as Acai, vegetables and tea. In these uncertain environments like climate and insect infestations it is these protective living matter which let plants survive. For humans, these compounds act as antioxidants which are very important for a good health and longevity. Many studies indicate that the use of antioxidants may assist in the prevention and treatment of anti-aging, heart disease, cancer, and other age-related degenerative ailments.
A more potent form of antioxidant is Anthocyanin. We have all heard of the “French Paradox”, how the people of France with their high fat diets and not uncommon unhealthy lifestyles are still below the percentage of related deaths from cardiovascular disease than many of the populations which exist today. One of the many reasons is consumption of huge amount of red wine by them. Anthocyanins is an antioxidant found in wine, which is derived from grapes. The polyphenols (anthocyanins) the red wine is thought to mitigate the effects of smoking and diet high in fat. Anthocyanin, a polyphenol which is proven to reverse, halt, and improve the conditions of many age related diseases inflicted on the general population. Anthocyanins (flavonoids) found in various fruits have a unique chemical structure that makes them 6 to 8 times more potent than vitamin C. There is a fruit called Acai (ah-Sa-E) contains the most highly concentrated forms of anthocyanins known thus far through intense research. The anthocyanin content in the Acai is proven to be 3.5 times more than a glass of red wine has, ounce for ounce when examined in an ORAL experiment. (capacity measure).
Anthocyanins and their protective properties: Inflammation and Collagen: Anthocyanins neutralize enzymes that destroy connective tissue. Their antioxidant capacity prevents oxidants from damaging connective tissues and repair damaged proteins in the blood-vessel walls.
The Nervous System: By impeding tyrosine nitration, anthocyanin characteristics in Acai berry might assist in staving off nerve-related illnesses. Acai contains primary anthocyanins, Cyanidin-3-glucoside which helps in reversing age related neurological deficits.
Large and Small Blood-Vessels: Anthocyanins ability to counter oxidants make them a powerhouse in the fight against arteriosclerosis. Even in trace amounts, anthocyanins effectively protect against LDL oxidation. Anthocyanins protect the integrity of the endothelial cells that line blood vessel walls and help to maintain micro capillary integrity.
Diabetes: One of the serious diabetic complications is retinopathy, which in most cases can cause blindness. This condition occurs when the body attempts to repair leaking, damaged capillaries, but does so by over producing abnormal proteins. The protection of anthocyanins may help prevent these capillaries from leaking and to help prevent abnormal protein proliferation.
Eyesight: Anthocyanins may also help improve eyesight by numerous mechanisms. During World War II, British fighter pilots were found to slightly increase their night vision. These findings were thought to be contributed by the large amounts of bilberry in the pilots diet. The effect of improved night vision is not long lasting but it is temporary after the consumption of the biliberry. On account of this newly discovered benefit, the pilots ate the bilberry fruits minutes before starting their work.
Sources: The highest amount of anthocyanins are present in pigmented fruits. Fruits which contain the highest level if anthocyanins are the ones that you don’t need to peel. These fruits include Acai, cherries, grapes, raspberries, blueberries, bilberry to mention several.