In
the age of fast food and fatty foods, is seems
more and more people are encountering problems
with their cholesterol. As some people know,
there are two types of cholesterol: good
cholesterol and bad cholesterol. For many of us,
it seems that our bad cholesterol (LDL) is going
up and our good cholesterol (HDL) is going down,
which is not the way it is supposed to happen.
What can a person do about it? It is not
uncommon for doctors to prescribe drugs that
reduce cholesterol levels. Even so, there are
patients who do not want a pill.
They want a
natural solution.
For
those who prefer a natural solution, one new
option is the açaí berry. Açaí affects
cholesterol in much the same way as other
products, including red wine and olive oil. Açaí
has two essential fatty acids, which are known
as Omega 6 (Linoleic Acid) and Omega 9 (Oleic
Acid). Both Omega 6 and Omega 9 help lower LDL
while Omega 9 also assists in maintaining HDL
levels.
In
addition to these fatty acids, açaí’s
anthocyanins affect cholesterol levels. The
anthocyanins help to fight and regulate
cholesterol levels in your body. Açaí, for
example, has a concentration level of
anthocyanins that are 440mg/100g of fruit.
Similarly, cranberries have approximately
400mg/100g while fruits like cherries and
strawberries have 43mg/100g and 30 mg/100g,
respectively.
Even with other fruit available, the açaí
berry is one of the top choices.
Are
you still unsure about the açaí berry? Just
think, if açaí affects your cholesterol levels
this much, there is no telling what it can do
for the rest of your body. Açaí is said to
prevent cancer, improve energy and mental focus,
improve digestion, and boost your immune system.
It also claims to cleanse and detoxify your
body, attack premature aging, and promote
healthier and younger looking skin. The only
question remaining is: what doesn’t this berry
do?
How
is it possible that these small berries, which are
about the size of a blueberry, could offer so
many health benefits? The answer lies within its
nutritional make up. Açaí berries have more
proteins than one average egg. It also has
essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B1,
Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, potassium,
iron, and calcium to name a few. This does not
even include its antioxidant properties and high
concentration of fibers.
Needless
to say, acai’s effects on cholesterol and
everything else are worth giving this little
Amazon treasure a try. Regardless of where you
look, you will find that the açaí berry is
being recognized as on of the most nutritious
fruits in the world. There are a number of
products being sold in health stores and on the
internet. A word to the wise, though, is to
fully research the product before you purchase
it. Not all açaí products are all-natural nor
are they 100% açaí berry. For further
information, there are a number of sites that
offer product reviews and comparisons. |
