Acai Berries grow on an Amazon Palm Tree and have been
prized for hundreds of years by Brazilian natives for their ability
to provide a sense of strength, energy, and a high nutritional content.
Acai Berries are high in essential fatty acids & omegas
that have been found to lower both LDL & HDL cholesterol levels.
They are also a remarkable concentration of antioxidants
to help combat premature aging. Acai Berry is a dense source of a particular
class of flavonoids called anthocyanins. The ORAC value of Acai Berry
is higher than any other edible berry on the planet. Acai Berry is
also an excellent source of dietary fiber
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Acai Berry is a dense source of particular
class of flavonoids called anthocyanins (red-blue phenols
with potent antioxidant properties)
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Anthocyanins are a group of phytochemicals
in red wine thought to contribute to the "French paradox",
i, e. France has one of the lowest incidences of heart disease
of any westernized society despite a prevalence of smoking
and a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol (5). Acai
pulp contains 10-30 times the anthocyanins of red wine per
equal volume (1).
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The primary anthocyanin in .Acai is cyanidin-3
glucoside (1), Cyanidin-3- glucoside has been found to be
3.5 times stronger than Trolox (vitamin E analogue) and the
predominate anthocyanin found in red wine (nalvadin-3-glucoside)
in an ORAC analysis (measure of antioxidant capacity) (2).
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Anthocyanins have been found to "exhibit
numerous potential therapeutic effects including treatment
of diabetic retinopathy and fibrocystic disease of the breast
in human" (2). "Other potential physiological effects
of anthocyanins include radiation ¬protective, chemopratective,
vasoprotective and anti-inflammatory agents" (2),
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The fatty acid ratio of Acai resembles that
of olive oil, which is thought to be a contributing factor
to the low incidence of heart disease in Mediterranean populations
(1, 5),
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60% Oleic (Omega 9) a monounsaturated, essential
fatty acid, helps lower LDL (harmful cholesterol) while maintaining
HDL, (beneficial cholesterol) levels (5).
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12% Linoleic (Omega 6) a polyunsaturated,
essential fatty acid, has been found to lower both LDL and
HL levels (5).
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Fatty acids aid in the transport and absorption
of fat-soluble vitamins ice. Vitamins A, E, D, and K(3).
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Acai contains valuable phytosterols
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Sterols are components of plant cell membranes
providing numerous benefits to the human body, namely the
reduction of blood plasma cholesterol (5)
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Sterols are currently being used to treat
symptoms associated with BP.