Archive for November, 2009
A Breakdown of Antioxidants
As their name suggests, antioxidants are molecules that impede the oxidation of other molecules. Through the oxidation process, free radicals are created. These free radicals have unpaired electrons, which make them highly reactive, and while some of them are necessary for normal biological processes, too high of a number can be damaging to our bodies.
Plants, animals and humans all maintain some antioxidants, but we can increase our levels through a proper, healthy diet. Many fruits and vegetables have high antioxidant levels, which can increase our ability to eliminate harmful free radicals. One of the most popular antioxidant-rich foods on the market today is the South American acai berry.
What is Acai Berry?
There are a variety of products being touted as “super foods” today, and one of the newest foods to be given the moniker is the acai berry. Many people may be asking themselves, “What is acai berry“? Although the berry is relatively new to North American culture, it has been harvested by the people of South America for thousands of years.
The small, purple skinned berries have large seeds and little pulp, with makes them ideal for juicing. One of the reasons that the acai berry has earned the designation of a super food is its high level of antioxidants, which protect our bodies from harmful free radicals. It also has the same Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids that are found in olive oil.
Clinical Research of Acai Berry
Over the last several years there has been significant research into the tiny acai berry. One of the studies that spurred the acai revolution was conducted at the University of Florida. In 2006 the University released acai berry research that showed the berry’s extract was effective in causing up to 86% of Leukima cells to initiate a self-destruct mechanism.
This research, as well as other studies conducted around the world, affirms some of the berry’s miraculous effects. Because examinations into the berry are relatively new, there is still much to learn about the tiny fruit. All preliminary findings, however, point to a bright future for the acai berry.