This amazingly powerful fruit
The Acai (ah-sigh-ee) berry is from Amazon palm trees located in the rain forests of Brazil. This high energy berry is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber and omega fatty acids. This colorful berry has a flavor that could be best described as berries and chocolate. The pulp of this berry contains 10x’s the antioxidants of red wine and 10-30x’s the anthocyanins of red wine. The pulp also contains monounsaturated fats, fiber and phytosterols for cardiovascular and digestive tract health.
The fatty acid content of the acai berry is similar to that of olive oil and is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid helps Omega-3 essential fatty acids penetrate the cell membrane and make the cell more supple. If the cell is more supple, all the hormones, insulin receptors and neurotransmitters will work more efficiently. Why is this important? Because high insulin levels create an inflammatory state and inflammation causes aging.
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So exactly what is an antioxidant? Well, an antioxidant is a molecule capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of another molecule. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation produces free radicals which in turn starts a chain reaction that damages cells. So, essentially antioxidants stop the oxidative process by donating an electron to a free radical thereby stopping the process. Where do you get antioxidants? By eating your fruits and vegetables and or by taking supplementation. Do you remember that food pyramid from 1st grade? The triangle that recommends 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. This is why you need to eat them and that is how you stop oxidation and the damaging effect of free radicals! The acai berry is loaded with antioxidants.