Fat Loss 4 Idiots Opinion

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Why is Acai Berry Better than Blueberry?

By Caitlin Ryan

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?

Both acai berries and blueberries contain phytochemicals from the anthocyanin group. Phytochemicals are the components of plants meant to help the plant combat disease and cellular damage. They also help repair damage. In other words, they keep the plant healthy and when you consume these plants, that protective factor transfers to your body.

These phytochemicals also contribute to the plants characteristics such as color and aroma. There are a variety of phytochemicals in every plant, but the most predominant one lends to the plant's overall characteristics. Purple plants, such as acai berries and blueberries, contain high amounts of anthocyanins which give them their gorgeous, purplish blue coloring.

Anthocyanins have several characteristics that make them extremely beneficial to the human body. First, they have high amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to fight free radicals and the damage incurred. We are exposed to free radicals on a daily basis: car exhaust, carcinogens, UV rays, pollution, industrial chemicals, household chemicals and even the foods we eat. Free radicals contribute to cancer, heart disease and aging among other health concerns.

These same foods, especially high-fat animal protein and refined carbohydrates, also contribute to systemic inflammation. Anti-inflammatory properties in anthocyanins combat this systemic inflammation. Systemic inflammation is at the root of many disease processes including obesity.

So, if blueberries and acai berries both contain high amounts of anthocyanins, why are acai berries so highly regarded whereas blueberries seem to have gone back to being, well, just a fruit topping for pancakes?

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.

Unfortunately, acai berries are not readily available in the produce department whereas blueberries are. If you want acai berries, you will have to travel to the Amazon OR purchase them in supplement or powder form. The juices often contain high amounts of sugar, so it is better to go with a supplement.

Your best bet is to enjoy the benefits of blueberries, acai supplements and a wide variety of plants in your diet. This way, you will benefit from all the phytochemicals, which tend to work together to improve health. - 17269

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