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Açai ~ the
Superfood? More and more people are
becoming aware of some of the negative consequences of our 21st Century
living styles. With our health services seemingly always playing
'catch-up' with the latest drug resistant bug, ordinary people are
researching more natural ways to keep and restore their health.
Every week, some 'Alternative' therapy grabs the
limelight. But one of the simplest and easiest ways to stay healthy, is
to eat well.

Simply put, a 'Superfood', is a food that
is so naturally packed with goodness, that it may help to boost levels
of health and vitality - naturally.
For the peoples of the Amazon,
Acai berries are simply part of their normal every day diet.
Used for hundreds of years as a traditional natural remedy, the
Acai berry grows freely and plentifully in this hot and humid
environment.
Traditionally the Amazonian peoples
use Acai berries for a wide range of treatments. The rind of the
Acai is grated for use on skin blemishes or ulcers and the oil
is prescribed stomach ailments. Roasted, ground seeds of the
Acai berries are used to help relieve the symptoms of fevers.
But generally, the Acai is enjoyed as an essential part of a
daily diet all round general health.
In Southern Brazil, they mash and then
freeze them to make a "sorbet". They also add them with other
fruits to make an energising breakfast. While in other areas,
they mix Acai with tapioca and sugar to make a pudding.
While in the Amazon they have been
enjoying Acai for centuries, over the last few years Acai has
come to the attention of the "West".
Eaten fresh, or crushed and made in to
a juice drink, scientific studies are now showing that the Acai
is an extremely high antioxidant "superfood", with a whole range
of health benefits.

So what exactly is being discovered
about the Acai?
- Fresh Acai comes up as one of the
top sources for antioxidant activity.
Freeze-dried Acai (the best source for Acai products,
and the only kind we accept for Amazon SlimAtox) has a
score of 35,000 per 100 grams.
- The Açai berry contains
high levels of anthocyanins
which help conserve the level of antioxidants in foods
and continue to do so after they are eaten.
Açai berry actually provides 10 to 30 times more
than red wine - the previously recommended highest source.
-
Açai berries are rich in
omega fats: Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9.
-
Acai berries have a high
fibre content.
-
Açai berries have a high
content of amino acids and protein, which help
with the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.
-
Açai berries also contain
three different plant sterols - B-sitosterol,
campesterol and sigmasterol. These help to keep a heart
healthy, and assist proper digestive functions.
-
Açai berries also contain
vitamins B1, B2, B3, C and E, supplying just as
much vitamin C as another superfood - blueberries.
- For every 100 grams of Acai, you
receive more than 1000 IU of Vitamin A.
-
Açai also
contains essential minerals, specifically potassium,
calcium, copper, magnesium, and zinc.
-
Acai regulates the bodies
metabolic system which helps to burn calories more
speedily.
-
. and yet more being
discovered as you read.
So what does that mean for you?
Studies are showing that high
antioxidant diets may lower the risks of a wide range of
diseases, including heart disease, some neurological conditions,
while more studies are looking at how antioxidants may lessen
macular degeneration and help in the rebuilding of weakened
immune systems.
In sports, antioxidants are already
used to help 'regenerate' the body after heavy training or
exercise. During intense exercise the increased oxygen
consumption heightens oxidant production (free radicals) which
may be felt as muscle ache. Enjoying rich antioxidant foods
after strenuous exercise helps the body to recuperate quicker.
Plus many antioxidant rich foods
usually contain vitamins E, C as well as Carotene. Also minerals
such as Copper, Zinc, Selenium and Manganese . These are all
vital for a healthy functioning body.
What's so important about
Antioxidants?
- The body needs a variety of
vitamins and minerals and antioxidants to keep it running
healthily. High concentrations of antioxidants are also
linked with slowing down the aging process and increasing
longevity.
- As well as the high antioxidant
levels, the Acai berry naturally provides vitamins A, B1,
B2, B3, C and E, as well as the minerals potassium,
magnesium, copper, calcium, and zinc.
- This balance of vitamins,
minerals and antioxidants are known to
help
decrease 'bad' cholesterol, while increasing levels of
'good' cholesterol.
- For every 100 grams of
unprocessed Acai, there is more than 1,000 IU of vitamin A,
which is known to enhance the moisture and
health of your skin.
- Also the potassium, magnesium,
copper, calcium, and zinc in Acai, is known to
promote healthy bones and heart.
- The Acai berry has specific
healthy fats, omega-3 and omega-6. These are known to
increase energy and stamina levels.
- The Acai berry is actually
offers four times the energy of milk,
along with a healthy serving of lipids, carbohydrates, iron,
and vitamin B1.
- Vitamin C cannot be produced
naturally by your body, and has to be found in foods. This
vitamin is essential in helping the body fight
infections.
- The Acai berry has a high Vitamin
C content, actually matching the blueberry -
another recognised superfood.
- Plus the omega fats in Acai are
also known to help keep away bouts of
depression.
- The Acai berry also contain the
plant sterols B-sitosterol and campesterol, which in several
health studies has proven useful for
improving
the health of the heart as well as enhancing digestive
function.
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