http://www.aciefruit.com/acai-fruit-juices/
There have been many claims about the food of the "super" benefits of the acai berry anti-cancer weight loss. These statements are made by smart marketing gurus trying to sell their products or multilevel marketing companies trying to build their fortunes. However, these promoted claims are not supported by evidence based on scientific research or academic studies. In other words, Acai Berry is not the "magic pill" or a panacea for all ills – and promotes weight loss. However, Acai Berry is a potent antioxidant and phytonutrient qualities that the explanation of the merits, and when taken together with other nutrients in a well balanced diet may well offer additional health benefits.
The antioxidant value or power of the acai berry and other foods is determined by assessing their capacity Oxygen Radical Absorption known as ORAC value. The higher the ORAC value of a certain food, greater its ability to neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive compounds that cause cell damage through oxidative stress and DNA mutations that can contribute to aging, cancer, heart disease, nervous system degeneration and chronic diseases in general. The researchers believe that diets high in various spices, fruits and berries, chocolate (cocoa), and herbs, grains and nuts, legumes and vegetables offer protection free radicals and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant and polyphenols (substances found in plants) compounds. The following list is an example of various foods and their ORAC values per serving of 100 grams.
1. Cloves, ground – 314,446 ORAC
2. Cinnamon, ground – 267,536 ORAC
3. Oregano, dried – 200,129 ORAC
4. Turmeric, ground ORAC 159,277
5. Acai berry powder (dried) – 102,700 value ORAC
6. Cocoa powder (unsweetened) – 80,933 ORAC
7. Curry powder – 48,504 ORAC
8. Sage, fresh – 32,004 ORAC
9. Yellow mustard seeds ORAC 29,257
10. Ginger, ground ORAC 28,811
Acai berry juice (liquid) does not offer protection acai antioxidant as well as lyophilized powder. The researchers tested several berries and fruit juices and noted that (decreasing) of pomegranate juice> red wine> Concord grape juice> blueberry juice> black cherry juice = acai juice cranberry juice> orange juice = green tea, white tea = apple juice. They concluded that when in liquid form, Acai Berry lost some of its antioxidant capacity, compared to other juices, and pomegranate juice had 20% more antioxidant power than any of the juices tested. However, in a lyophilized powder, the Acai berry has the highest ORAC value of any other fruit or berries per 100 gram serving size as follows.
1. Acai berry powder (dried) – 102,700 ORAC
2. Elderberries, premiums – 14,697 ORAC
3. Cranberries, raw – 9584 ORAC value
4. Black plums, skin – 7581 ORAC value
5. Blueberries, premiums – 6552 ORAC value
6. Red plums, skin – 6259 ORAC value
7. Blackberries, raw – 5347 ORAC value
8. Raspberries, raw – 4882 ORAC value
9. Red apples, with skin – 4275 ORAC value
10. Strawberries, raw – 3577
Therefore, considering supplementing with the Acai berry, choose organic freeze dried powder formulations of juices, and incorporate it as part of a well balanced diet, including organic whole food, and avoid processed foods and beverages. Also, remember that there is no magic pill or food, and prevent disease and loss of body fat is best achieved by following good living habits.
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References
Halvorsen, BL et al content, redox active compounds (ie antioxidants) in foods consumed in the United States, Am J Clin Nutri (2006), 84: 95-135
Schauss, AG et al, phytochemical and nutrient composition of freeze-dried Amazonian palm Euterpe oleracea Mart Berry. (ACAI), J Agricl Food Chem (2006), 54 (22): 8598-8603
Seeram, NP et al, Comparison of antioxidant potency of commonly consumed polyphenol-rich beverages in the United States, J Agricl Food Chem (2008) 56:1415-1422
Wu, X and antioxidant capacity, and hydrophilic LIpohilic common foods in the United States, J Agricl Food Chem (2004), 52: 4026-4037
ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/12354500/Data/ORAC/ORAC07.pdf
Dr. Michael R. Sardone is a board certified chiropractic physician specializing in functional and alternative medicine, nutrition and fitness with over 29 years of clinical experience. Dr. Sardone is founder of the Do It Right Health and Fitness Lifestyle Program and author of The Naked Truth: Overweight, Overwhelmed and Confused (2009). For additional information regarding eating right, proper supplementation and exercise, please visit http://www.drsardone.com
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