Though the acai berry is becoming more well known as the most recent superfood, there are many things about it that people don’t know or understand. It has incredible capabilities as a diet supplement as well as a nutritious and good tasting juice. One of the most prominent benefits of the acai berry is it’s very high level of antioxidants. But what exactly are antioxidants?
First of all, understanding what antioxidants are in the chemical sense, might help most people understand why it’s so important. Antioxidants prevent or slow the process of oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction of electrons that damages cells by producing free radicals. Antioxidants stop these chain reactions and destroy free radical intermediates. Though oxidants are necessary for life, the fact that they’re damaging means that many plants and animals contain multitudes of different antioxidants to help slow, but not deplete the oxidants. Low levels of antioxidants can cause oxidative stress which plays a role in many human ailments such as strokes and neurodegenerative diseases. It is not, however, completely certain that oxidative stress is the cause of it and as research advances, the clear truth might be definite in the future.
Though antioxidants are crucial, there isn’t a straightforward process for measuring it in fruits and vegetables. There are many other groups of compounds with different reactions to other reactive oxygen species. In current science, researchers use the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) system to measure antioxidant strength. Some of the compounds that are measured include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Polyphenolic antioxidants, and Carotenoids (lycopene, carotenes).
In the case of foods, especially the acai berry, antioxidants are also used as a food additive. It helps preserve and guard against food deterioration. Many people are aware that sealing certain fruits and vegetables and keeping them in the dark or coating them in wax, such as with cucumbers, is a good way to keep them fresh. However, oxygen is necessary for food respiration. Certain preservatives are then used to help keep foods fresh, but also let them respire. Oxidation still occurs, but it keeps the foods longer. Oxidants most commonly attack unsaturated fats, which turns them rancid. It usually causes discoloration and a sulfurous or metallic flavor. So oxidation in fat-rich foods should be avoided at all costs. This usually occurs in meats. However, because oxidation still occurs in fruits and vegetables, most are sprayed with sulfurous antioxidants and then air dried to help slow down the process of decay.
Being as antioxidants are very important for slowing down the effects of anything from aging to maintaining major systems of the body, people are becoming more interested in different foods that contain higher levels of it. Acai is no exception and in fact, contains 10-30 times the amount of anthocyanins (a very strong antioxidant) of red wine. As this article has proven, antioxidants play a vital role in the human body. Research continues on the acai berry, more information is being revealed about it’s many benefits and it may one day be able to be a vital asset to cancer patients.
Though it is a relatively new product and discovery, the benefits of the acai berry have been quickly spreading throughout the globe. Antioxidant properties, several important vitamins and minerals as well as even some potential for fighting cancer have been mentioned. What can’t this little berry do?
One of the prominent factors in the acai berry’s benefits, though it’s little known, is the fact that it has anti-aging properties. Even among other famous fruits and natural remedies for aging, acai has become one of the foremost foods for slowing the again process. The acai berry contains certain trace minerals not found in most other products, as well as amino acids that aids in muscle contraction and even regeneration that slows the destruction of the skin leading to the looks of aging.
Another factor that has been discovered to help in slowing the aging process is the fatty acids found in acai berries. Monounsaturated oleic acid as well as omega 3 fish oils are important in the fact that they are found in the cell membrane and help to make it flexible which in turn helps different functions of the body, such as neurotransmitters, insulin receptors and hormones work more efficiently. With these working ably, inflammation is reduced or diminished, which is the number one cause of aging.
Acai has also been proven to be an excellent source of anthocyanins, a influential class of antioxidants that promotes good circulation, relaxes blood vessels, prevents blood clots and arthrosclerosis, and has even shown promising results for fighting cancer. Not only this, but acai berries also contain more calcium than milk, therefore encouraging healthy bones and teeth, another important factor in the aging process.
As the skin is the most important organ of the body when speaking of aging, it is obviously the most vital to keep healthy to stem the process of aging and slow it down. Acai is rich in so many vitamins and minerals to help the skin healthy. Some of these include phytosterols, vitamins C and E, manganese, chromium, copper and boron. Not only this, but acai is also low in calories, contains no cholesterol, and is high in fiber and calcium. Acai has even been known to reverse the signs of again due to their powerful antioxidants, which is ten times as potent as a red grape.
Acai is not only available on the shelves as an edible product. As cosmetologists and beauty companies became aware of these anti-aging benefits, they started producing certain goods that would aid those who were looking for a more youthful complexion. These include shampoos and conditioners, facial and body creams, and even acai oil, which can be stored for long periods of time.
Due to the acai’s amazing benefits and antioxidant inclusion, it has become one of the most revolutionary fruits of today’s society in the anti-aging group. Scientists are still working on finding out all of it’s potential and who knows what they will discover in years and perhaps just in the months to come?
As the acai berry sweeps the world, many people are becoming interested in the fact that it has become the most recent ‘superfood’. Facts about it’s benefits such as increasing energy and stamina and helping balance and maintain major systems of the body are becoming common knowledge. But what exactly makes the acai berry better and different from other superfoods? The Goji berry has also taken the stage. How do they compare?
Goji, or sometimes known as the Chinese Wolfberry, is also climbing the charts as one of the top superfoods. It too, has only been recently discovered and also has the great benefits of antioxidants and various other medicinal purposes. It has been around, secretively, for years, just like the acai berry. It’s sudden appearance on the market is due to new scientific discoveries and extensive research. Just like the acai, it has been used by the locals throughout China for hundreds of years. Also like acai, it’s mostly marketed as a juice.
However, there have been some questions raised between the acai berry versus the Goji berry. There are many similarities between the two, but there are also some subtle differences that make the acai berry a prominent choice. Some similarities include:
Being called one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits on Earth.
High nutrient content.
Several applications in different foods
Centuries of use by the locals
Proven research of incredible benefits
Increasing popularity in markets all over the world
What makes acai better than the Goji berry in a Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) face off? Antioxidant levels in both are very high. However, in the acai berry, they are slightly higher. In the same respect, the acai berry has been more thoroughly researched and examined than the Goji berry has. They’ve both been proven to increase energy and stamina and with high levels of minerals and nutrients, are exceptional in maintaining major organs and systems of the body. The Goji berry is also exceptionally rich in carotenoids. Due to the great level of antioxidants and it’s superior benefits in the eyes of the ORAC table, the acai is the best overall choice.
However, as a whole including it’s antioxidant strength, versatility as a food throughout the world and the markets, and nutrient richness, the upper hand has to go to the goji berry. It is more versatile as it is more fat-soluble and is therefore used for almost ever application from foods, yogurts and smoothies. Another major factor is the shipping and transportation process. Acai is hard to keep as they start decaying quickly after harvest. The Goji can be dried and transported, something the acai berry is not capable of.
Although both berries have their differences, they also have their similarities and own unique structure that make each a great option for anyone looking for a superfood that is both beneficial and tasty. Overall, however, the Goji berry must be given recognition as the best choice in a face off between it and the Acai berry.