Archive for the ‘Acai’ Category

Acai boosts the immune system

Saturday, March 7th, 2009

The immune system is a protection mechanism in our bodies that ward off bacteria, viruses, toxins, parasites and microbes that cause infection and disease. Boosting your immune system is one of acai health benefits you can take advantage of, with rich amounts of antioxidants and plant sterols found in this tiny superfood.

The best way to enhance your immune system is to tweak your diet. Load up on fresh vegetables and fruits like the acai berry for a sufficient supply of vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes. Acai contains antioxidants that protect the cells of your immune system from damage by toxins in the environment.

Protein is another acai health benefit that can help strengthen your immune system. Protein deficiency can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and a stressed pancreas and immune system.

Sleep deprivation is another factor that can compromise your immune system. Always get at least six hours of sleep each night for balanced hormone levels, healthy weight, clear reasoning, and better mood.

Dehydration weakens the immune system and can disrupt your chemical, nutritional and pH balances, leading to sickness and premature aging. To calculate the amount of water you should take in daily, divide your body weight (pounds) by 2 and drink that amount in ounces. Never substitute coffee or alcohol for water as they can contribute to significant fluid loss. Coffee also strips your body of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Another food item to avoid is sugar – it raises insulin levels that can undermine the immune system. Elevated blood sugar in your body reduces its ability to fight infections. Lesser sugar intake leads to better energy levels, weight distribution, disease immunity, and cognitive thinking.

Acai health benefits are numerous. But not all acai products are made equal. Pick the ones that do not contain caffeine or sugar. Supplementing your diet with acai berries, drinking lots of water, and sleeping well can substantially improve your immune strength.

Our Recommendation:

 

Acai Reviews

- 100% Pure Acai Berry Juice (best value)

 

Acai Customer Reviews

- Acai Berry Diet Pills (free trial offer)


Boost cardio workouts with acai energy

Thursday, March 5th, 2009

Acai will help you shed off excess fat with its rich amounts of fiber. But after losing a few pounds, you will have to tone those areas that have started to sag. This is the hard part. Exercise is pain, and most people will avoid sweating it out on the treadmill or bike. A shot of acai energy drink can help jumpstart your morning exercise.

Nutrients from the acai energy drink will help to naturally raise your metabolism, so you burn twice as many calories when you exercise. Acai also improves stamina and endurance, keeping you going for several miles and longer hours.

Aerobic exercises are good for the lungs and heart. Walking, jogging, cycling and swimming get your blood and oxygen pumping. These activities are aimed at strengthening your heart muscle, burning calories and body fat, lowering cholesterol, and improving the efficiency of your circulatory, cardiovascular, and immune systems.

Walking, jogging and running are exercises you don’t need to learn. But you have to consult with your doctor first if you have cardiac or orthopedic disorders. Start with 20-30 minutes three times a week, increasing mileage gradually. Tread on dirt surfaces instead of concrete for better shock absorption. Do not slouch and avoid bouncing.

Swimming works out the major muscle groups in your body – arms, shoulders, hips, abdominals, and legs are all moving against the resistance of the water. The absence of wear and tear makes swimming a good exercise routine for those with arthritis, as well as pregnant and overweight people. Swimming burns 600-800 calories per hour.

Cycling is as effective as walking and running in burning calories but with less stress on the joints – perfect for older adults with joint problems. Straddling a stationery bike 20 to 60 minutes per day, three to five times a week can help improve cardiovascular fitness. Cycling also strengthens your lower body.

Many gyms and sports clubs in Brazil recommend acai juice drinks and acai snack bars before and after exercising. A bottle of acai energy drink can keep you energetic for long hours and help repair and rejuvenate muscles after an intense workout.

Our Recommendation:

 

Acai Reviews

- 100% Pure Acai Berry Juice (best value)

 

Acai Customer Reviews

- Acai Berry Diet Pills (free trial offer)


Acai berry side effects

Wednesday, March 4th, 2009

Depending on their ingredients, different diet pills cause different side effects. The fat blocker Xenical eliminates excess fats from the intestines, causing cramps, gas and diarrhea. Orlistat also hampers the body’s absorption of essential vitamins and nutrients, so users are advised take multivitamin supplements.

When the appetite suppressant Meridia stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, it increases heart rate and elevates blood pressure that can lead to heart attack and cardiac arrest. FDA reports show that 49 deaths between February 1998 and March 2003 have been attributed to sibutramine. Meridia can also develop insomnia, constipation and headaches.

Although herbal supplements are supposed to be safe because they are made with all-natural herbs, the diet capsules themselves contain other ingredients that have potentially dangerous side effects.

Another popular diet pill ingredient is the amphetamine-like stimulant called ephedra (or the Chinese herb ma huang), which, when combined with caffeine, can trigger massive weight loss. But because ephedra boosts the heart rate, it increased the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Acai berry supplements in extract, puree or pill have not shown any side effects or negative interaction with pharmaceuticals in any study. Grapefruit is known to interact with certain drugs, but the acai berry does not contain the substances which make grapefruit dangerous when taken with pills. You may experience a reaction if you happen to have a rare allergy to berries, but otherwise you should be just fine.

The acai berry contains rich amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that have kept South American natives healthy for centuries. Its only side effect is decreased appetite, which is actually a benefit for those trying to lose weight.

Our Recommendation:

 

Acai Reviews

- 100% Pure Acai Berry Juice (best value)

 

Acai Customer Reviews

- Acai Berry Diet Pills (free trial offer)


Acai berry for improved eyesight

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

As we age, one of the first things to go is our eyesight. Don’t let blurred vision hamper you. Acai berries are known to contain antioxidants that help promote improved eyesight with healthy corneas, irises, and the rods and cones in the eyes.

Acai berries are rich in flavonoids called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are very effective in fighting free radicals in the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, preventing retina disorders such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and night blindness.

Acai berries can also help in improving night vision. This can be especially helpful for drivers who cannot see well in dim light and have difficulty recovering from glare from approaching car headlights.

Anthocyanins are so effective in improving eyesight that during World War II, bomber pilots of the British Royal Air Force would eat bilberry jam before dangerous night missions to improve their vision. In Japan and Korea, office workers are encouraged to buy vials of blueberry juice to help relieve eye strain from long hours of computer use. Acai berries, bilberries, and blueberries are all rich sources of anthocyanins.

Acai berries also contain anthocyanidins called Cyanidin 3-glycosides. These organic compounds stimulate the regeneration of rhodopsin, a pigment of the retina that enables vision in low-light conditions.

Purple fruits like acai and bilberries contain anthocyanosides which reduce inflammation and strengthen collagen. Collagen is the main protein in the tiny capillaries of the eye. Leaking capillaries impedes proper delivery of blood and oxygen to the eye, resulting in disease.
 
Acai berries can help slow down retinopathy – a common complication of diabetes that eventually leads to blindness. Almost 80% of all patients who have had diabetes for at least 10 years suffer from retinopathy.

Many acai users confirm improved eye focus after only three weeks of taking acai extracts, proof that enhanced visual acuity from acai berries is no old wives’ tale. For improved eyesight, why not give acai a try.

Our Recommendation:

 

Acai Reviews

- 100% Pure Acai Berry Juice (best value)

 

Acai Customer Reviews

- Acai Berry Diet Pills (free trial offer)


Acai a cure for insomnia?

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

Stress is the number one cause of insomnia. Acai contains anti-stress vitamin B which helps regulate your brain’s production of dopamine and serotonin – two neurotransmitters that impact sleep. Acai is also rich in protein, Omega fatty acids, and amino acids that relax your muscles and induce deeper sleep.

The current fast-paced urban lifestyle has led to the alarming increase rate of insomnia cases. Many are becoming dependent on antidepressants and sleeping pills, with many instances of overdose resulting in deaths.

Depriving a person of metal rest, insomnia can be a severe health hazard when left untreated. The body needs a periodic state of rest – at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night should be adequate. Lack of sleep can result in lack of concentration and memory lapses during your daytime activities.

Anxiety, overexcitement, anger and resentment are stressful emotions that can cause sleeplessness. There are also physical factors such as overeating, caffeine abuse, and smoking.

Sleeping pills are not worth the few hours of slumber they provide because of the numerous harmful side effects they cause. They are habit forming, they dull the brain, and they can be fatal when taken with alcohol.

The first step to better sleep is eating a balanced diet. Load up on fruits like acai berries that contain valuable nutrients such as vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Avoid white-flour products, sugar, tea, coffee, chocolate, soda, alcohol, fried food, salty food, and foods with lots of preservatives, coloring and artificial flavor.

Stick to a regular sleeping schedule. Your body should be able to adjust to a fixed sleeping pattern. Go to bed and get up at the same hour every single day. A glass of warm milk before going to bed can be helpful too.

Before sleeping, practice this breathing exercise: lie on your side and take three deep breaths to expand your abdomen; hold your breath as long as you can; then repeat. Holding your breath allows your body to accumulate carbon dioxide and induce sleep.

Exercise is good but you should never work out at night. Strenuous activities before retiring can be over-stimulating. After a day’s work, relax with a hot bath to soothe those petulant nerves. Yoga, meditation, soft music and other methods to eliminate stress could significantly improve sleep quality and can be a cure for insomnia.

Our Recommendation:

 

Acai Reviews

- 100% Pure Acai Berry Juice (best value)

 

Acai Customer Reviews

- Acai Berry Diet Pills (free trial offer)


Acai and Pregnancy

Sunday, February 22nd, 2009

Do acai and pregnancy go together?

Women trying to get pregnant might want to try acai berries to enhance their fertility. A diet rich in organic food like acai keeps the reproduction system healthy. And acai is great for maintaining healthy weight, a crucial factor in ovulation effectiveness.

Parasites and heavy metals are toxins that can cause fertility-limiting contamination. An excellent detoxifying agent, acai rids the body of toxins that can impede hormonal balance and overall fertility.

Nutritional supplements like freeze-dried acai helps the body absorb the maximum amount of nutrients. Vitamins and minerals in acai can strengthen reproductive glands and nourish the developing egg.

Free radicals can harm cells in the ovaries, follicle and egg. As you know by now, acai berries contain the most concentrated amounts of antioxidants than any other fruit on earth – antioxidants that can reverse the harmful effects of free radicals. Antioxidants are most potent when they contain extracts of superfoods like acai.

Acai berry supplements are also effective in boosting energy levels and sex drive, as well as keeping menstrual cycles and ovulation in order.

Is the acai berry safe for your newcomer?

Expecting women are naturally wary of what they eat or drink, whether it can benefit or harm the little one in their womb. The acai berry provides an enormous amount of health benefits, but because it is being marketed as a weight-loss supplement, many moms-to-be are cautious in taking acai-based products during pregnancy.

The acai berry is more than just a diet pill. Acai is all about pumping the body with nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants that are important to both mom and baby. With a great protein profile, acai berries can even help expecting women meet their body’s protein need, which increases by 30 percent during pregnancy.

For acai and pregnancy to work hand-in-hand, always read the label before buying any acai juice drink or supplement. As long as it does not contain caffeine and sugar, acai is perfectly safe for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Our Recommendation:

 

Acai Reviews

- 100% Pure Acai Berry Juice (best value)

 

Acai Customer Reviews

- Acai Berry Diet Pills (free trial offer)


Why the Brazilian acai fruit is better than weight loss surgery

Thursday, February 19th, 2009

Obesity in the United States has reached endemic proportions. And many are turning to weight loss surgery as a quick-fix solution. Somewhere in the Amazon jungle, there lies the safest alternative to gastric bypass surgery – the Brazilian acai fruit.

Just like any other invasive surgical treatment, stomach stapling and intestinal bypass are not 100% safe. Risks and complications include blood clots in the legs, leaking around the staples, and hernias in the incision. Many suffer from dehydration and vitamin deficiency. Some develop gallstones, kidney stones and bleeding ulcers.

The Brazilian acai fruit presents no such side effects. By speeding up the body’s metabolism and burning fat quickly, acai has proven to be extremely effective in weight reduction. Acai is also a valuable detoxifying agent – removing toxins and accumulated fat can trim down body mass.

While acai juice drinks and powder formulas are not for the budget-conscious, they are still way cheaper than bariatric procedures such as laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, vertical banded gastroplasty, biliopancreatic diversion, and extended (distal) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery which can cost a fortune.

Why go under the knife and put your life in danger when obesity can be treated through non-surgical means. But first, one must believe that habitual eating and physical activity behavior can be re-learned. Stick to a low-calorie diet even after you’ve achieved your ideal weight. Most people regain most of the weight they lost within a year or two of crash dieting.

Although acai can help you burn calories, exercise is still the most important, and difficult, factor in keeping excess weight off. Exercise is hard work. But you don’t even have to go to the gym to shed those extra pounds. You can lose 15 pounds in 50 weeks by just walking your dog 20 minutes a day.

The Brazilian acai fruit and its byproducts are intended to work with fat-free diets by replenishing the body with the energy you burn and supply essential vitamins and minerals that might be absent in the food you eat.

Our Recommendation:

 

Acai Reviews

- 100% Pure Acai Berry Juice (best value)

 

Acai Customer Reviews

- Acai Berry Diet Pills (free trial offer)


Foods for a better quality of life

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

Acai berries

Calories: 110 per serving

Omega 9, Omega 6, Omega 3 fatty acids: Similar to olive oil, these mono-saturated essential fatty acids help lower LDL (harmful cholesterol) while maintaining HDL (good cholesterol). Omega fights heart disease by promoting healthy cell development, and helps rejuvenate muscles after rigorous exercise.

Amino acids: Acai contains almost all the essential amino acids crucial to muscle development and regeneration.

Theobromine: Helps open air passage ways in the lungs for improved oxygen intake, which increases endurance, strength, and sustained energy.

Photosterols: Promotes healthy cardiovascular and digestive systems.

Antioxidants: Acai contains 10 to 30 times more antocyanins than a glass or red wine, essential to fighting premature aging.

 

Raspberries

Calories: 70 per cup

Vitamin C: Supplies 50% of the daily requirement.

Dietary fiber: Supplies 32% of daily fiber requirement.

Quercetin, ellagic acid and salicylic acid which can reduce pain and inflammation, fight cancer and heart disease, and control blood glucose.

 

Dried plums

Calories: less than 100

Dietary fiber: 3g per serving (4-5 plums)

Potassium: For stronger bones, helps fight osteoporosis.

Polyphenols: Helps control blood glucose, combat heart disease and protect against some types of cancers.
 

Oats

Whole grain: promotes healthy blood pressure, maintains healthy body weight, reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Fiber: Soluble fiber works like a sponge that soaks up cholesterol and removes it from the body; insoluble fiber is good for overall digestive health.

 

Milk, cheese and yoghurt

Calcium: Strengthens bones and teeth; improves sleep; alleviates PMS symptoms; and helps in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and proper nerve function. A cup of milk, an ounce of cheese, or less than a cup of yoghurt supplies 300mg of calcium, or nearly 1/3 of the daily requirement.

Protein: Essential to muscle tissue maintenance; helps regulate blood glucose for sustained energy.

Vitamin A: For good vision and healthy skin.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2): Helps convert food into energy.

Niacin (vitamin B3): Converts carbohydrates and fat to energy, promotes proper function of the central nervous system, lowers bad cholesterol.

Vitamin B12: Helps build red blood cells.

Vitamin D: Controls the absorption of calcium by the body, helps in the development of teeth and bones, and boosts immunity to disease. Apart from the sun, milk is one of the richest sources of vitamin D. Fortified milk supplies around 25% of the daily vitamin D requirement (per 8-ounce serving).

Probiotics: Yoghurt contains probiotics, which is good bacteria that fights off the bad ones, essential to good digestion.

Milk is one of the most nutrient-rich beverages in the human diet. Advancements in milk production technology have increased calcium and protein content while filtering out milk sugar – making it easier for those who are lactose-intolerant to meet their daily nutritional needs.

Our Recommendation:

 

Acai Reviews

- 100% Pure Acai Berry Juice (best value)

 

Acai Customer Reviews

- Acai Berry Diet Pills (free trial offer)


The difference between acai and goji

Monday, February 16th, 2009

Today’s fast-paced lifestyle leaves us no room to exercise or grab an apple from the fruit stand. So we turn to exotic concoctions for nutrients and detoxification, like some magic potion that can breathe life into our ailing, aging bodies. This has paved the way for acai and goji berry products to thrive on the market, sometimes even scamming health-conscious citizens.

Acai and goji possess very similar characteristics. Among their health benefits are:

•    They strengthen the heart and prevent cardiovascular diseases
•    They alleviate insomnia and increase mental alertness
•    They can reverse sexual dysfunction
•    They boost the immune system
•    They are very effective as weight loss aids
•    They clear the body of toxins
•    They contain essential amino acids, important vitamins, antioxidants, and trace minerals
•    They have anti-inflammatory sterols and essential fatty acids such as Omega and linoleic acids

How are they different?

Acai contains antioxidants more than any other fruit in the world. Antioxidants prevent the formation of free radicals in our bodies – free radicals that cause cell deterioration that leads to aging and disease. Unlike goji juice, acai antioxidants are predominantly anthocyanins. These types of antioxidants can help lower the risk of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Acai could be nature’s answer to cancer. Although still unproven, studies on the destructive effects of acai on cancer cells have been promising. Oleic acid in acai helps prevent the formation of the oncogene, a gene that turns healthy cells into cancer cells. When it comes to anti-cancer potential, no other fruit comes close to the acai berry.

While goji juice and other fruit drinks out there promise lots of vitamins and minerals, the acai berry offers the most complete spectrum of health benefits. Acai is good for the heart, brain, digestive system, bones, muscles, and even hair and skin.

Best of all, acai berries taste better than goji berries. Goji is quite bitter, while acai has a sweet berry taste with a hint of chocolate. When choosing between acai and goji berry products, trust your palate.

Our Recommendation:

 

Acai Reviews

- 100% Pure Acai Berry Juice (best value)

 

Acai Customer Reviews

- Acai Berry Diet Pills (free trial offer)


Revitalize your health with acai puree

Friday, February 13th, 2009

The acai berry is not only valuable for its health benefits. Unlike most fruits that lose their nutrients when processed, acai puree juices retain most of the antioxidants that make the fresh berry the number one superfruit in the world. While Amazon natives have long used acai to improve their health, now the rest of the world can avail of these advantages in the form of acai puree.

How can acai puree change your life?

It squelches your appetite
Persistent craving for fat- and sugar-rich snacks is the biggest challenge for those trying to lose weight. Fiber and protein in the acai berry sends messages to your brain, making it believe you’re not yet hungry.

It burns your extra calories

By drinking acai puree, your metabolism works hard even when you’re just sitting around in your office. Accompany that with regular exercise and you get to burn more calories.
 
It breaks down food faster
Acai keeps your digestive system in tip-top shape, effectively grinding food and eliminating toxins that cause diarrhea and other stomach or intestinal disorders. Because acai puree helps wash down the food you just ate, it doesn’t build up as fat in your system.

It jolts you with a boost of energy
Feeling sluggish? A bottle of acai puree in the morning gives you a jolt of energy more than several cups of coffee can, without the negative side effects of caffeine. Acai will keep you on your toes the entire day, leaving you with enough energy to run those treadmills after work.

It drops your cholesterol levels
Acai berries do not contain trans or saturated fat. And with high anthocyanin content, acai protects you from atherosclerosis or coronary heart disease.

Although you can’t consume acai berries fresh unless you live in Brazil, advanced technology has found a way to bring you all the acai goodness and health benefits via acai puree juices. Start feeling good today.

Our Recommendation:

 

Acai Reviews

- 100% Pure Acai Berry Juice (best value)

 

Acai Customer Reviews

- Acai Berry Diet Pills (free trial offer)