As it is being touted as one of the world's "superfoods" the acai berry (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) has been proclaimed to be a wonder food for weight loss, anti-aging, cancer prevention and more.
Lots of of these claims are almost certainly highly exaggerated since there are many, many extremely nutritious "superfoods" found in nature and there is no single "miracle" food that can treat all that ails you. The acai berry is just another in a long line of nutritious foods.
However, the acai berry does have one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food found on the planet. It even has twice as many antioxidants as blueberries and as much as 10 times as much as red grapes. It also boasts a good supply of essential fatty acids in the form of Omega 3, 6 and 9 and monounsaturated fats in the form of oleic acid, which is similar to olive oil. And along with all of that it also has an abundance of phytosterols and healthy dietary fiber.
When it comes down to it the acai berry is one of the most healthy and rich with antioxidants foods ever found in nature and our bodies require and even crave these nutrients to function at optimal levels. But this small berry and the products created from it are not the miracle cure for everything that ails you such as anti-aging, fat fighting and disease prevention. The acai berry is just one component in the pursuit for great health.
It has been confirmed by science that while it is possible to get antioxidants and other nutrients from supplements it is by far better to obtain your nutrients from the consumption of a nourishing diet. Every single one of the nutrients that we need as well as the outstanding nutrients that are found in the acai berry work at their optimal levels when combined with other nutrients. In nutrition the synergy of the whole beats a single nutrient every time.
The highest benefit that you can receive from acai berries and the products made from it are when it is included as part of a balanced, healthy diet plan that consists of many healthy and high antioxidant foods such as blueberries, pomegranates, spinach, kale, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and the list continues on as there is an abundance of highly nutritious and healthy foods out there. Dark chocolate and red wines both contain significant antioxidants. But the best dietary advice is "all things in moderation".
A healthy, well-balanced and healthy diet plan can benefit from the addition of acai berries and the related products. The exceptional nutritional value and the high antioxidant qualities can assist your body in reducing the effects of aging, losing weight and the prevention of disease but not by working alone and only as an integral part of a complete healthy diet.
High nutrition requires the synergy of a large spectrum of nutrients working as one in harmony and one food, no matter how nutritious cannot do it alone. Moreover, with all foods and all nutrition, moderation is key.
Posted under Fitness
This post was written by Carolyn H Perez on October 13, 2009



