Acai Berry Information

The Acai Berry is a fruit that grows on the Acai palm tree. It is purple in color and the pulp is on the outer portion of the fruit. The inner portion is a large pit. The Acai berry is processed by removing the pulp from the pit. This process involves agitating the fruit in water to remove the pulp from the pit which produces a very thick puree.

Since the Acai berry is a tropical fruit it has a tropical taste. It contains antioxidants and is very high in Omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, iron and several other vitamins.

Acai berry has been eaten by the people living in the Amazon for hundreds of years because of its high nutritive values. It is used by these people in a number of recipes.

Since Acai berries have been proven to contain a large amount of essential fatty acids, it help to lower LDL cholesterol. The Acai berry is very high in protein, rich in carbohydrates, and rich in fiber.

Acai Berry Information

Acai Berry has the following nutritional, health and wellness properties:

* Antioxidant
* Antibacterial
* Anti-inflammatory
* Antimutagenic
* Cardiovascular System

Acai berries contain very high amounts of essential fatty acid & omegas proven to lower LDL & maintain HDL cholesterol levels. They also have a remarkable concentration of antioxidants to help combat free radicals and premature aging. Acai Berry is a source of a particular class of flavonoids called anthocyanins. The ORAC value of Acai Berry is higher than any other edible berry in the world! Acai Berry is also an excellent source of dietary fiber!

According to medical research studies conducted on the acai berries, and cited
below, their analysis reveals:

An amazingly high concentration levels of antioxidants contributed to combating premature aging.

The proanthocyanidine contents in Acai Berries are 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins (these are the purple colored antioxidants) of red wine per volume. (1)

Although the French have a high fat diet, they have a low incidence of cardio vascular disease compared to the western countries. They contribute this factor to their consumption of red wine. (5)

Acai Berries can help a promote a healthier cardio vascular system and digestive tract, because of its synergy of monounsaturated (these are the healthily) fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols.

An excellent source of fiber! There are approximately 2 grams of dietary fiber in our Açaí Energy Mix. Fiber promotes a healthy digestive system. Research studies suggests soluble fibers may help lower blood cholesterol The insoluble fiber may help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers. (5)

Essential amino acid complex along with trace minerals, which are vital for proper muscle contraction and regeneration.

Aside from the energy and fluid replacement, Acai Berries provide a nutrition profile complete with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9).

The fatty acid ratio in Acai resembles that of olive oil. Studies suggest this is a contributing factor to the low incidence of heart disease in Mediterranean populations. (1,5)

Acai Berries contain plant sterols including beta-sitosterol. Today, sterols are being used to treat associated benign prostate dyperplasia. (6) These plant sterols have also been shown to help control cholesterol as well as act as precursors to many important substances produced by the body. (7)

Acai: The Amazon Acai Berry
With 10 times the antioxidants of grapes and twice the antioxidants of blueberries, the Brazilian Acai berry (AH-sci-EE) is considered to have the best nutritional value of any fruit on earth.

Nutritional Chemistry

* Polyphenols: 16 (14 – 212 mg/L)
* Anthocyanidins: Thirty times the amount in red wine.
* Phytosterols
* Monounsaturated (healthy) fats (fatty acid ratio resembling olive oil): including essential omega fatty acids: Oleic (omega 9)
* Polyunsaturated fatty acids: Linoleic (omega 6)
* Alpha-tocopherol: natural Vitamin E
* Trace minerals: copper, iron, calcium, cobalt, chromium and manganese
* Dietary Fiber: 7 grams / 100 grams
* Protein: amino acid profile similar to
* Low glycemic index

Content per 100 grams of Acai:

* Acid: 0.13%
* Brix: 45.90 g
* Protein: 6%
* Fiber: 16.9g
* Niacin: 0.40mg
* Phosphorous: 58mg
* Iran: 11.8mg
* Vitamin B1: 0.36mg
* Vitamin B2: 0.01mg
* Calcium: 9mg
* Vitamin C: 9mg
* ph: 5.21
* Calories: 247

OMEGA FATTY ACIDS;(Omega 9, Omega 6, and Omega 3). These mono-saturated
essential fatty acids help lower LDL (harmful cholesterol) while maintaining HDL (beneficial
cholesterol). This unique ratio resembles the same combination as olive oil. Omega fatty acids combat heart disease by increasing healthy cell development. Omega fatty acids are essential for healthy nervous system development and regeneration. They help rapidly repair and rejuvenate muscles after intense exercise.

AMINO ACIDS; the Acai berry contains an almost perfect essential amino acid complex. This is vital for proper muscle contraction and regeneration, and for endurance, strength, sustained energy and muscle development.

NATURAL VITAMIN E; to protect against aging.

THEOBROMINE; acts as a bronchial dilator to help open air passage ways in the lungs. This increased air capacity helps in oxygen intake, which increases endurance, strength, and athletic performance.

PHOTOSTEROLS; These complex compounds of plant cell membranes are used to treat symptoms associated with BPH, (benign prostate hyperplasia). Photosterols also help promote a healthy cardiovascular system and contributes to a healthy digestive tract.

ANTI-OXIDANTS; Acai is rich in antocyanins, an essential anti-oxidizer that helps combat premature aging. In fact, acai has 10 –30 times more anthocyanins (purple colored anti-oxidants) that a glass of red wine.

Works Cited
1.Rogez H. Acai: Preparo, ComposiÁao, e Melhormento da ConveraÁao. Belem: EDUFPA; 2000.

2. Seager S, Slabaugh M. Chemistry for Today: General Organic and Biochemistry-4th ed. California.

3. Wardlaw G, Insel P. Perspectives in Nutrition – 2nd ed. Saint Louis: Masby – Year Book, Inc; 1990.

4. Sillberberg S. Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of matter and Change – 2nd ed. USA: McGraw-Hill; 2000. 1086p.

5. Cook-Fuller C, editor. Annual Editions Nutrition 00/01 – 12th ed. Connecticut: Dushkin/McGraw Hill; 2000.

6. Berges B, et al. Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol in patients
with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Lancet 345: 1529–1532, 1995.

7. Pegel K. The importance of sitosterol and sitosterolin in human and animal nutrition.
S African J Science. 93, 263 –268, 1997.

8. Miura T, et al. Effect of guarana on exercise in normal and epinephrine-induced glycogenolytic mice.
Biol Pharm Bull. 1998 Jun;21(6):646-8.

9. Henman AR. Guaran· (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis):
Ecological and social perspectives on an economic plant of the central Amazon basin. J. Ethnopharmacol,
1982 Nov.

10 Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 349

11 Amazon ThunderA