Benefits of the Acai Berry
Benefits of the Acai Berry
Robyn Roberson
May 30, 2011
Gamma
Alexis LeBlanc
Aveda Institute Benefits of the Acai Berry
The Acai berry (ah-SAH’-ee) is known around the world as a “super fruit” The Acai berry is a one inch-long purple berry; that grows high atop the 90 foot tall Acai palm tree, native to Central and South America. This highly perishable berry is related to the blueberry and cranberry; and holds more antioxidant power than the blackberry, oranges, and even red wine. The berry must be eaten or processed within 24 to 48 hours because it loses its benefits and freshness quickly. In the Special Acai Report the Acai berry is mentioned, “to have the antioxidant concentration of five times higher than that of Gingko Biloba, the popular “brain boosting” herbal supplement that is renowned for its antioxidant properties. Due to the vitality of this fruit, it is also referred to as the “Viagra of the Amazon.( Special Acai Report - 2005, 1)” Other benefits attributed to this amazing little berry are anti-aging properties, joint flexibility, decreased susceptibility to heart related problems, lowers cholesterol, and fights depression. It is even known aide in curing cancer.
Antioxidant is defined as, “a molecule capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. In turn, these radicals can start chain reactions. When the chain reaction occurs in a cell, it can cause damage or death of the cell. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions. They do this by being oxidized themselves. (Wikipedia, 2011 1)” These antioxidant rich berries aide skin by reducing the effects of aging and providing better elasticity. An E-zine article stated, “Regardless of whether it is used as a topical cream or as an oral pill, the Acai berry
Robyn Roberson
May 30, 2011
Gamma
Alexis LeBlanc
Aveda Institute Benefits of the Acai Berry
The Acai berry (ah-SAH’-ee) is known around the world as a “super fruit” The Acai berry is a one inch-long purple berry; that grows high atop the 90 foot tall Acai palm tree, native to Central and South America. This highly perishable berry is related to the blueberry and cranberry; and holds more antioxidant power than the blackberry, oranges, and even red wine. The berry must be eaten or processed within 24 to 48 hours because it loses its benefits and freshness quickly. In the Special Acai Report the Acai berry is mentioned, “to have the antioxidant concentration of five times higher than that of Gingko Biloba, the popular “brain boosting” herbal supplement that is renowned for its antioxidant properties. Due to the vitality of this fruit, it is also referred to as the “Viagra of the Amazon.( Special Acai Report - 2005, 1)” Other benefits attributed to this amazing little berry are anti-aging properties, joint flexibility, decreased susceptibility to heart related problems, lowers cholesterol, and fights depression. It is even known aide in curing cancer.
Antioxidant is defined as, “a molecule capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. In turn, these radicals can start chain reactions. When the chain reaction occurs in a cell, it can cause damage or death of the cell. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions. They do this by being oxidized themselves. (Wikipedia, 2011 1)” These antioxidant rich berries aide skin by reducing the effects of aging and providing better elasticity. An E-zine article stated, “Regardless of whether it is used as a topical cream or as an oral pill, the Acai berry
Citations: Amherst. (2005). Special Acai Report . Retrieved from http://www3.amherst.edu/~dmirwin/AcaiReport.html Drake, J. A. (2011). E-zine Articles. E-zine. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?Acai-Berry-and-the-Benefits-to-Your-Skin&id=1948689 University of Florida. (2006). University of Florida News. Retrieved from http://news.ufl.edu/2006/01/12/berries/ Wikipedia. (2011). Wikipedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioxidant