Health Website – Health Information

The Acai Berry is a tiny purple berry that has been harvested and eaten for hundreds of years by the people of Brazil. An excellent diet staple, the berries were harvested by a person shinnying up the very tall palm-like trees upon which they grew and filling baskets with the berries.

Only 10% of the berry is actually fruit, as the other 90% is a large seed. The berries must be harvested by the thousands and then finally processed to separate the seed from the pulp and eventually the remains are rendered into a puree.

Although Acai berries have been eaten for centuries in Brazil, it has only been recently that it has come to the fore in this country. American doctors and nutritionists are now discovering the incredible health benefits of these berries. Their findings have been truly amazing.

A perfect example of their effectiveness is found in Brazilian athletes who eat a substantial portion of Acai berry pulp prior to every match or game. They have discovered it gives them both strength and stamina allowing them to play their best and do well under pressure. Acai berries are high in antioxidants and help rid the body of free radicals that can do damage to the bodies tissue and muscles. The results are increased energy and stamina.

The Acai berry also contains carbohydrates. Carbohydrates play a major role in the human body, delivering storage and providing the transport of energy to structural components. The derivatives of the carbohydrates all work in the process of development, blood clotting, pathogenesis (structure of cells, organs and tissues), fertilization and above all taking care of our immune system. Interestingly enough, 40 to 65% of our dietary energy should come from carbohydrates.

Especially in industrialized nations, such as the United States, the high levels of pollution, chemicals and additives in our diets has begun to create problems for our health. The free radicals that come from these things upset the natural balance of the body and cause damage to our cells. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and E help protect the body by removing these harmful elements. The Acai berry, with its tremendous antioxidant properties is an excellent option for dealing with free radicals and ridding our bodies of their negative impact.

The Acai berries have properties that have been shown to reduce cholesterol and help the body process nutrients, thus allowing it to function much more efficiently and effectively. The Brazilians are among the healthiest, most energetic people in the world. They have been able to avoid many of the illnesses that plague the western world. Scientists are beginning to think that this is a result of their Acai berry diet. Acai berry pulp contains Omega 6 and Omega 9, both found to powerful antioxidants. In addition the fruit contains essential fatty acids, proteins, fiber, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin B1, B2 and B3.

The antioxidants contained in the Acai berry and the amino acids help lower the risk of heart attack and heart disease. The phytosterols which are naturally occurring plant phytochemicals help the body burn fat more efficiently and process food more effectively. These elements make Acai berry a powerful addition to any weight loss program. In addition it can lower a persons cholesterol by up to 15%.

The essential fatty acids and antioxidants work together to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. The essential fatty acids also help you body absorb the important vitamins A, E, D and K.

Antioxidants, known as anthocyanins, as found in the Acai berry, are also thought to work as both an anti-viral and anti-bacterial agent in the body. Not only are these anthocyanins capable of accomplishing that particular task, but also they are proficient in helping maintain good eyesight. They also fight a range of other eye related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and even glaucoma.

Aiding the digestion, Acai berry has vital enzymes that aid the digestion process. If you suffer from digestive problems such as acid reflux, irritable bowel or the like, an Acai product may help cure this problem for you.

Amino acids play an important part in allowing your muscles to relax so that you can sleep properly. Acai contains this property, and along with its Vitamin B, the dopamine and serotonin in the Vitamin B will allow you long and restful sleep.

Truly you owe it to yourself to partake in this wondrous product from the Acai berry!