Acai berries are all the rage. You can find them in supplements, extract, juices and powders. This “superfood” might help prevent cardiovascular disease, premature aging, type 2 diabetes and cancer. It may even help you lose a few pounds. Are acai berries really this amazing? Why are they so prevalent in the natural health industry and blueberries seem to be antiquated?
They both contain a group of phytochemicals called anthocyanins. Plants contain various phytochemicals that help the plant fight disease, fungal infections and free radical damage. They help at the cellular level. So, we benefit from these protective factors when we consume the plants. The phytochemicals such as anthocyanins improve our overall health.
Have you ever wondered why blueberries are blue and broccoli is green? Maybe not, but the interesting thing is these phytochemicals not only benefit the plant, but they also give the plant their characteristics. Blueberries and acai berries obtain their gorgeous coloring from anthocyanins.
When you consume purple plants, the anthyocyanins have several benefits to your body. They contain a large amount of antioxidants which fight free radicals and repair free radical damage at the cellular level. We obtain free radicals from the environment via chemicals, industrial pollution, car exhaust and UV rays amongst others. Free radicals are also produced during digestion. Foods high in sugar, chemicals and fat contribute a large amount of free radicals. These free radicals contribute to overall poor health and aging.
You will also find anti-inflammatory benefits in anthocyanins. Systemic inflammation contributes to many diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, weight gain and premature aging. Our Western diets high in animal protein and refined carbohydrates can cause systemic inflammation.
So, what do we make of this information. Both acai berries and blueberries contain anthocyanins, so why are blueberries so underrated compared to acai berries?
Though blueberries are very good for you, acai berries have extremely high Oxygen Radical Absorption Capabilities (ORAC). This score measures how much they fight free radical damage. Blueberries score 2400 and acai berries score 5500. As well, acai berries contain a variety of essential amino acids that is nearly perfect.
The only bad news about acai berries is they are not found in the produce department. Blueberries are more available and can even be found for less in the frozen foods. If you want acai berries in your diet, you will have to fly to the Amazon or take a supplement. You probably want to steer clear of the juices due to high amounts of sugar or corn syrup. The small amounts of acai berry in these products do not counteract the ill effects of the sugar.
Truly, your best health maneuver is to eat a diet rich in fruits, veggies and whole grains. A variety of these items allows you to receive the benefits of various phytochemicals which work together in the body. You will also benefit from an acai supplement, especially when fruits and vegetables are not readily available.
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