The Benefits of Acai
December 23rd, 20081. Acai is a good source of protein. Protein is one of the building blocks of the human body, especially bodily tissues like the organs and muscles. Protein is also a component of the skin, hair and nails; and ounce for ounce, acai contains more protein than eggs!
2. Acai is a natural detoxifier, helping to remove toxins from the body -something for which acai has been used for centuries.
3. Acai helps your muscles work more efficiently, as well as assisting their recovery after a workout, due to acai’s high mineral and amino acid content.
4. Acai gives your body the energy it needs to play competitive sports or to get through your busy day, thanks to the high lipid content of the acai berry.
5. Acai helps to reduce stress levels.
6. Acai is good for sexual health. The antioxidants in the acai berry and its anti-inflammatory properties can improve fertility by reducing stress and countering the actions of pollutants and free radicals on your body.
7. Acai contains a wealth of vitamins and minerals which help your body to resist illnesses.
8.Acai’s antioxidant content can reduce the effects of aging by protecting your cells from free radicals.
9. Acai’s antioxidants can also help to prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, or enlarged prostate).
10. The high calcium content of the acai berry can help to prevent osteoporosis and fractures and strengthen the entire skeletal system.
11. The calcium content of acai also makes it beneficial to women; as it reduces menstrual pain and bloating..
12. Acai supports heart health by reducing stress on your heart (this is because if acai’s anthocynanin content, especially 3-glucoside, which stimulates circulation easing nitric oxide production by endothelial cells). Acai also contains polyphenols - antioxidants which are especially good for your heart.
13. The essential fatty acids in acai help to boost your levels of good (HDL) cholesterol, while lowering bad (LDL) cholesterol.
14. The sterols and anthocyanins in acai help to maintain circulatory health, strengthening arteries and veins and regulating blood pressure.
15. Acai can help to prevent retinopathy in diabetics, which can lead to blindness. Acai strengthens capillaries to prevent eye damage and also helps maintain proper glucose and lipid levels. Acai is a low glycemic index food which is very good for diabetics.
16. The fact that acai is a low GI food means that it can regulate appetite, making it a great choice for those trying to lose weight.
17. Acai boosts immune function - the Journal of Sports Medicine recently published a study showing that the beta-sitoserol content in acai regulates lymphocyte function and counteracts immune suppression.
18. Acai’s antioxidant properties also help support your immune system by preventing damage done to cells by free radicals.
19. Acai’s anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibacterial properties help to prevent disease.
20. Acai is an anti-mutagen, meaning that it prevents damage to your DNA (such as that done by mutagens and carcinogens).
21. The high fiber content of acai supports healthy digestive function.
22. Acai can help to treat GERD (acid reflux disease). This is due to the antioxidant properties of the acai berry, which assists in repairing and protecting the lower esophagus from the damage caused by GERD and its ability to reduce stomach acidity.
23. Acai even helps to heal ulcers by killing H. pylori, an ulcer-causing bacteria.
24. Acai’s anti-inflammatory properties help to control the symptoms of Chron’s disease.
25. Acai contains phytosterols and anthocyanins which protect your skin and connective tissues (like collagen) which helps to keep your skin looking more youthful and smooth.
26. Acai cocntains lots of antioxidants, which reduce your risk of certain cancers, such as skin, breast, stomach and lung cancers.
27. Acai contains anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce the pain of arthritis.
28. Acai is beneficial for asthma sufferers - its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants can lessen asthma symptoms.
29. A 2004 Archives of Neurology study found that a diet containing ample vitamin E and vitamin C lowers the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Acai contains a significant amount of both vitamins.
30. Acai contains the vitamin C and beta carotene your eyes need for proper function; vitamins which also help to prevent macular degeneration in diabetics.
31. Acai is beneficial to dental health as well - the calcium content helps strengthen and whiten teeth, as well as helping to prevent gingivitis and other diseases of the gums.
32. The omega-3 fatty acids in acai help maintain mental clarity and alertness.
33. Acai’s B vitamins help you to get a better night’s sleep, lower stress and produce the appropriate levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
34. Acai Promotes overall good health and wellness.
35. While acai does not cure diseases per se, acai helps the body to heal itself by supplying it woith the nutrition it needs to support good health.