Health Benefits of Amazon Acai Berry
The acai berry has a number of notable health benefits for both body and mind. Up until recently, there has been little scientific backing for the claims given by acai manufacturers about the benefits of this fruit, but as interest has grown, the push for educated information has opened the door to information that has surprised even the most stubborn cynic.
In a recent study at the A&M University in Texas, AgriLife Research scientists put these claims to the test. Sure the concentration of antioxidants within the acai berry can be measured, but are they absorbed by the human body? Twelve volunteers were rounded up and were distributed a single serving of either acai pulp or juice. The point of this experiment was to test absorption levels of this beneficial fruit and all its properties.
Dr. Steve Talcott, one of the first scientists to publish research on acai in English, leads the research with his wife Susanne. He points out that researching the amount that the body can absorb of these antioxidants will help to determine the most beneficial amount to eat and at what intervals, which is a major health benefit of acai berries.
The study concluded that after 12 hours, the blood and urine samples collected had a noticeable increase in antioxidant activity with the use of both the acai juice and pulp. With further research, Talcott feels the fruit could hold disease fighting health benefits that can help save lives.
So just how effective are these little berrys at fighting diseases? It is hard to say at the moment, with further testing needed before any reasonable person can give a definitive answer. What we do know is how it compares to other fruit derived super foods currently being used by millions for their health benefits.
Red wine has been touted as a life extender due to the anthocyanins it contains. Olive oil has also been pushed as a healthy addition to anyones diet, due to the fatty acids it possesses. Each of these examples have been used for years by different cultures and are currently looked upon as healthy for these respected reasons. Would it surprise you to know that acai berries have over thirty times the anthocyanins of red wine, while also holding the same concentration of fatty acids as olive oil?
The potent antioxidants within the acai berry have proven with other comparable fruits to encourage healthy blood circulation, deter blood clots, and relax your blood vessels. It has also been proposed that these antioxidants could prevent cancer through the blocking of carcinogens within the body, and killing tumor cells that are present. The essential amino acids that are contained within acai have also been found to promote a number of positive health related effects, including the lowering of cholesterol levels in certain tests. These fatty acids have also been found to promote heart, as well as cardiovascular health. Acai has also been touted as a anti-aging fruit, due to these high concentrations of both antioxidants and amino acids. Studies have pointed to the natives that regularly eat the acai and their long life spans. Further research is still needed before people start throwing away their botox needles for acai shakes, but it is a step in the right direction.
Besides these main benefits, the acai also contains a high amount of protein and fiber, while still having a low calorie concentration. When it comes to taste, no worries what so ever. The acai berrys taste has been touted as a mix between blueberries and chocolate. Just about time for my smoothie..
You can read more about the acai berry health benefits by checking out our page today.
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