Açaí's Amazing Nutritional Profile

Açaí's Amazing Nutritional Profile
From:http://products.mercola.com/acai-berry/I think the "Superfood" title is a bit overblown. Like I already said, I still favor Purple Defense as my #1 antioxidant recommendation (especially with the added bonus of Resveratrol)... yet açaí does indeed have an incredible nutritional profile and is a superb addition if you want to give variety to your antioxidant protection.Antioxidants and Anthocyanins.Açaí has become recognized as one of the world's highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) foods*.ORAC is a lab measurement of how well antioxidants can neutralize free radicals in your body. The higher the value, the better your body utilizes it to fight the damaging effects of free radicals.Açaí has ten times the antioxidant levels of grapes and twice that of blueberries*.Further, the USDA recommends you consume 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units per day*. But if you're average, you only get about 1,000 units daily.What are anthocyanins?If you've seen a deep purple plum, a bright red apple, or deep green spinach, you've seen anthocyanins. They are a particular class of flavonoids and represent nature's "colors of the rainbow".Those anthocyanins transfer their antioxidant properties directly to you when you eat them, to keep you healthy and help you fight the signs of aging*.Açaí has ten to thirty times the anthocyanin levels of red wine,Essential Fatty Acids.Açaí is naturally high in fatty acids, especially omegas 3, 6 and 9*. Its fatty acid profile is similar to that found in olive oil, a food believed to enhance cardiovascular health in Mediterranean populations*.Omega fatty acids promote your healthy nervous system, and aids muscular development and rejuvenation*.Dietary Fiber.Açaí is an excellent source of organic dietary fiber*. Fiber promotes a healthy digestive system*. Studies also suggest that dietary fiber may help support a healthy cardiovascular system and help regulate optimal cell division*. (1)Protein.Açaí owns an almost-perfect essential amino acid complex*, promoting muscle performance, endurance, strength, and sustained energy*.No wonder surfers and other high-level athletes were some of the first to rave about its virtues!Photosterols.Photosterols are complex compounds of plant cell membranes which help promote your healthy cardiovascular system by helping maintain optimal cholesterol levels*. Plant sterols may also promote your healthy digestive tract*. They act as precursors to many important substances produced by your body*. (2)Vitamins and Minerals.Açaí presents you with an opportunity to obtain vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E*. Actually, açaí contains as much Vitamin C as blueberries*. It has more than 1000 IU of Vitamin A per 100 grams açaí*. Additionally, you'll find potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc in açaí*.Nine Ways Açaí Contributes to Your HealthWith a nutritional profile like açaí's, it's not too