Have you heard about the amazing acai berry? It is showing up in supplements, smoothie mixes and juices and being touted as a “superfood” said to help prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, aging and even promote weight loss. Is it worth the hype (and price)? Are acai berries better than plain old blueberries?
They both contain a group of phytochemicals called anthocyanins. Plants contain various phytochemicals that help the plant fight disease, fungal infections and free radical damage. They help at the cellular level. So, we benefit from these protective factors when we consume the plants. The phytochemicals such as anthocyanins improve our overall health.
These phytochemicals also contribute to the plants characteristics such as color and aroma. There are a variety of phytochemicals in every plant, but the most predominant one lends to the plant’s overall characteristics. Purple plants, such as acai berries and blueberries, contain high amounts of anthocyanins which give them their gorgeous, purplish blue coloring.
Anthocyanins have several characteristics that make them extremely beneficial to the human body. First, they have high amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to fight free radicals and the damage incurred. We are exposed to free radicals on a daily basis: car exhaust, carcinogens, UV rays, pollution, industrial chemicals, household chemicals and even the foods we eat. Free radicals contribute to cancer, heart disease and aging among other health concerns.
You will also find anti-inflammatory benefits in anthocyanins. Systemic inflammation contributes to many diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, weight gain and premature aging. Our Western diets high in animal protein and refined carbohydrates can cause systemic inflammation.
So, if blueberries and acai berries both contain high amounts of anthocyanins, why are acai berries so highly regarded whereas blueberries seem to have gone back to being, well, just a fruit topping for pancakes?
Though blueberries are very good for you, acai berries have extremely high Oxygen Radical Absorption Capabilities (ORAC). This score measures how much they fight free radical damage. Blueberries score 2400 and acai berries score 5500. As well, acai berries contain a variety of essential amino acids that is nearly perfect.
However, you will not find acai berries in the produce department like blueberries. They only grow in the Amazon and we have yet to figure out how to supply these gorgeous berries for regular consumption. You will have to suffice for supplements, extracts or powders. The juices may contain sugar or corn syrup and low amounts of actual acai berry.
Ultimately, it is best to take in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to benefit from a variety of beneficial phytochemicals. They work synergistically in the body to promote overall good health. An acai berry supplement may also be a great idea to add to a healthy diet, especially during the winter months when fresh produce is not as plentiful.
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Tags: Acai Berry, Acai Diet, amino acid, antioxidant, dieting, health and fitness, nutrition, omega 3, Weight loss
