Polyphenols,
Phytochemicals, Anthocyanins -- what are they and
what are the benefits of such compounds? Açai is
loaded with these anthocyanins and Amazon
Thunder makes the purest and most potent açai
antioxidant supplements on the market and
probably in the world.
Phytochemicals
characterize, or sum up the whole picture of the
beneficial compounds found in fruits,
vegetables, and certain teas. They are the
protective living matter in which plants are
able to thrive in some uncertain environments
such as climate and insect infestations. When
consumed by humans, these compounds act as
antioxidants so vital to good health and
longevity. Many studies suggest that the use of
antioxidants may help in the fight against
anti-aging, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and
so many other age related degenerative diseases
including ophthalmology.
Anthocyanins
are some of the more potent forms of
antioxidants. We have all heard of the
"French Paradox", how the people of
France with their high fat diets and not
uncommon unhealthy lifestyles are still below
the percentage of related deaths from
cardiovascular disease than many of the
populations which exist today. One reason may be
that they consume large amounts of red wine.
Wine, made from grapes have very high levels of
the antioxidant anthocyanins.
The polyphenols
(anthocyanins) in red wine, are believed to
mitigate the effects of a fatty diet and
smoking. Anthocyanin, a polyphenol which is
proven to reverse, halt, and improve the
conditions of many age related diseases
inflicted on the general population.
Anthocyanins (flavonoids) found in various
fruits have a unique chemical structure that
makes them 6 to 8 times more potent than vitamin
C.
One particular
fruit, known as açaí (ah-sigh-EE) contains the
most highly concentrated forms of anthocyanins
known thus far through intense research. The
anthocyanin content in the açaí is proven to
be 3.5 times the amount of that present in a
glass of red wine, volume to volume when tested
in an ORAC analysis (measure of capacity).
Anthocyanins
and their protective properties:
- Inflammation
and Collagen: Anthocyanins neutralize
enzymes that destroy connective tissue. Their
antioxidant capacity prevents oxidants from
damaging connective tissues and repair damaged
proteins in the blood-vessel walls.
- The
Nervous System: By preventing tyrosine
nitration, the anthocyanin properties in Açaí
may help protect against neurological
diseases. The primary anthocyanins in Açaí
known as Cyanidin-3-glucoside have been found
to help in the reversal of age related
neurological deficits.
- Large
and Small Blood-Vessels: Anthocyanins
ability to counter oxidants make them a
powerhouse in the fight against
arteriosclerosis. Even in trace amounts,
anthocyanins effectively protect against LDL
oxidation. Anthocyanins protect the integrity
of the endothelial cells that line blood
vessel walls and help to maintain micro
capillary integrity. Diabetes: One of the
serious diabetic complications is retinopathy,
which in most cases can cause blindness. This
condition occurs when the body attempts to
repair leaking, damaged capillaries, but does
so by over producing abnormal proteins. The
protection of anthocyanins may help prevent
these capillaries from leaking and to help
prevent abnormal protein proliferation.
- Eyesight: Anthocyanins may also help improve eyesight by
numerous mechanisms. In the Second World War,
British fighter pilots were found to have
improved night vision. These findings were
thought to be contributed by the large amounts
of bilberry in the pilot’s diet. The effects
of the improved night vision were not long
lasting after the initial consumption of
bilberry lasting just hours after initial
consumption. With this new found advantage,
the pilots would consume the bilberry fruits
just prior to the mission.
- Sources: Pigmentated fruits are known to carry the
highest amounts of anthocyanins. Fruits that
can be eaten with skin on, offer the highest
value of anthocyanins. These fruits would
consist of cherries, grapes, raspberries,
blueberries, bilberry, and açaí to name a
few.
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