Scientific research on the acai berry has discovered that this purple fruit originating from the Amazon contains very high levels of antioxidants. In its natural, raw state it has twice the amount of antioxidants as blueberries and ten times that of grapes. Antioxidants are critical to keeping free radicals under control, which can cause cellular and DNA damage leading to such diseases as cancer, Parkinson's, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's and even aging. The Lowdown on Free Radicals: Free radicals are molecules, atoms or ions that play a critical role in certain biological processes, a fact that dispels the popular myth that they are all bad for your health. However, due to their high level of reactivity, when they are present in excessive amounts in the body, they tend to cause unexpected side effects that are harmful such as damage to cells and DNA. It is believed that many forms of cancer are owed to mutations in DNA caused by interaction with free radicals. These mutations disrupt the normal cell cycle and can lead to malignant tumours. Most of the free radicals found in the body are caused by a number of sources, both internal and external. These include by-products of metabolic processes, environmental pollutants such as industrial toxins and cigarettes smoke, as well as by the majority of chemicals found in highly processed foods. Antioxidants Are Nature's Defense: Antioxidants represent nature's defence against excessive free radicals by interrupting the oxidation process, in other words they provide these radicals with the electrons they require thus rendering them inert. Once neutralized, they are eliminated from the body through waste. There are two main types of antioxidants, classed according to whether they are soluble in water or lipids. The most common antioxidant compounds found in food that can help combat the effects of free radicals include: - vitamin C, present in many fresh fruits and vegetables; - vitamin E found in healthy vegetable oils; - polyphenolic antioxidants such as resveratrol and flavonoids which can be found in tea, coffee, red wine, fruit, olive oil, chocolate and many others; - carotenoids which are present in fruit, vegetables and eggs. However, the problem is that much of the antioxidant content present in food is destroyed during processing, which is why you should try to incorporate as many fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet as possible. Acai Berries Pack a Powerful Antioxidant Punch: According to studies, it has been discovered that acai berries contain high levels of polyphenols, including anthocyanins and resveratrol, which are both present in red wine but to a lesser degree and twelve different flavonoids. The advantage to such a wide range of antioxidants is that each one battles a different type of radical. However, while a recent study at the University of Texas revealed that the body does absorb antioxidants from acai berries, there is currently no scientific evidence to support whether or not acai berries can cure free radical related diseases. This does not mean, though, that their health benefits should be discounted because at the very least the high level of antioxidants will help reduce the harmful free radical effects.
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