The Acai Berry: An Antioxidant Superfood That Has Everything

The acai berry is one of the world's most interesting and unique foods. It may also be one of its healthiest. Chock-full of antioxidants, amino acids, AND essential fatty acids, the tiny little acai berry packs a nutritional wallop rarely seen in the natural world. In fact, some experts consider it to be the world's most "complete" natural food.

Acai berries come from the acai (pronounced ah-SIGH-ee) palm tree of South America. The native peoples of Brazil have eaten the berry for centuries and there are, in fact, many local legends about acai's incredible healing and sustaining powers. It remains a popular "health and energy" food in that country today. Fortunately for North Americans and Europeans, in the last few years acai berry products have made their way to foreign shores. Now just about anyone can (and should) try this incredibly healthy food for themselves.

To give you an idea of just how powerful this fruit really is, consider the nutritional profile of acai berry pulp:

- 10-30 times the anthocyanins (strong antioxidants) of red wine
- an almost perfect essential amino acid complex (the "building blocks" of protein)
- 60% Oleic acid, an omega-9 monounsaturated essential fatty acid
- 12% Linoleic acid, an omega-6 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid
- a full array of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements
- large amounts of plant sterols (phytochemicals with numerous health benefits)
- significant amounts of natural dietary fiber
- natural calcium!

As you can see, there aren't many things that the acai berry doesn't have! But the good news doesn't end there. Acai has a vibrant taste that most people find very, very pleasing. Though difficult to describe, some people compare the flavor of acai to tart, chocolate-covered cherries or blueberry ice cream with a hint of chocolate. Not bad for something so healthy!

A few of the more common benefits reported by people who consume acai berries on a regular basis include:

- Greater energy and vitality
- Increased stamina
- Improved circulation
- Improved digestion
- Better sleep
- Improved sexual function
- Healthier, better-looking skin
- Increased sense of overall "well-being"

By now you're probably aching to try this super-fruit for yourself. Fortunately it's becoming more and more widely available throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia. Look for acai smoothies and acai berry juices at your local health foods shops. There are also several health supplements on the market which contain dried acai berry powder... but it would be a shame to miss out on the delicious and unique taste of this amazing berry!

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About the Author

Jamie Clark is a health and fitness writer who loves smoothies made with acai berry juice and guarana. To learn more about acai berries and acai products, be sure to visit: http://acaifacts.com

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Berry Antioxidants and Exotic Xanthones in Smoothies

The smoothies are undergoing a recipe revolution. Normal fruits such as bananas, strawberries, and peaches are no longer the only ingredients used in these energy surprises. More and more health aficionados are transitioning to exotic or at least versatile fruits to make their smoothie concoctions.

One of the fruits often used is the Mangosteen. This sweet crown is not marketed for sale in the United States. This is because of the tremendous risk of the Mediterranean fruit fly infestation upon its importing. However, fruit enthusiasts are able to purchase the byproduct of this fruit in juice or capsule form. Mangosteen is an exotic fruit from Indonesia. It's about the size of a small apple and contains a sweet white interior that breaks off in wedges similar to a mandarin.

Professionals found it has energy, anti-swelling, mood enhancing, and free radical eliminating uses. Garcinia Mangostana research moving forward and there is evidence that this exotic surprise is full of many properties that improve wellness to say the least.

One research review indicates positive reduction in leukemia:

"We examined the effects of six xanthones from the pericarps of mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana, on the cell growth inhibition of human leukemia cell line HL60. All xanthones displayed growth inhibitory effects. Among them, alpha-mangosteen showed complete inhibition at 10 microM through the induction of apoptosis."(Matsumoto K, Akao Y, Kobayashi E, Ohguchi K, Ito T, Tanaka T, Iinuma M, Nozawa Y: Gifu International Institute of Biotechnology, 1-1 Naka-Fudogaoka, Kakamigahara, August 2003)

Another exotic fruit applied used in smoothies is the Noni. This tropical grows best in Southeast Asia as well. Found in India and the Tahitian Islands, the fruit of the Noni tree has powerful antioxidant properties, anti-depressant capacities, and immune system enhancing properties. This fruit has shown promise as a free-radicals eliminator as well.

"In laboratory research, Noni has shown antioxidant, immune-stimulating, and tumor-fighting properties. The National Cancer Institute is funding preliminary research on Noni for breast cancer prevention and treatment." (NCCAM Publication No. D398, 2007)

Acai Berry, a juicy delight is grape-sized and a dark deep purple color. The Acai Berry contains fiber and is believed to have the capability to free the body of toxins. Clinical studies into this berry's uses show it is also applicable for enhancing circulation, promoting vitality and minimizing inflammations. The fruity surprise from western tropical areas, the Acai berry, conquering the world from Central and South American tropical regions is another antioxidant mix of vitamin.

Blueberries aid in the fight against the damaging effects of chronic diseases that come from the aging process. Rich with Vitamin C and E, Blueberries are another good choice to mix in. They also contain anthocyanins and phenolics, which contain inhibiting cancer-cell properties. The above three tropical's are possible add-ins one can consume to come up with their own individually preferred creation. These are exotics that one can add-in in combination with blueberries.

With all the options available today from health food stores offline and online, the ingredients can be had, even if not in whole fruit form. Blueberries can be found more easily, exotics are not so easy to obtain. Therefore, a fruit smoothie using combinations of these fruits is a great suggestion to enrich a wellness. Some of the fruits can be found in processed juice or powder form, which can be added into one's smoothie beverage.

The enhanced power resulting from vita-fruit mixes full with free radical eliminators are motivation enough for trying them. Exotic energizing fruits can enhance system wellness that enables them to be more productive throughout the day. Energized own the world they walk in; they feel their self-esteem. This leads to a better mental attitude, which can halt depression in its tracks. People that feel better about themselves are able to develop more positive thinking and action. Ultimately result they improve their performance and gain enhanced social skills.

When it comes to smoothies, foods with a high ORAC value are the best ones to include in its recipes. Fruits that have a high ORAC rating (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) are the ones that have the most antioxidant power. These ingredients all contain antioxidant properties, which are healthy and tasty.

About the Author:
T. Fox researches workplace-environmental productivity and efficiency. Some of the contributors are healthy ingredients with increased nutrient levels. People perform better when they are healthy, especially when they can manage depression with food and lifestyle choices.

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MANGOSTEEN FRUIT

 Xanthones In The Mangosteen Fruit

photo credit: KayEss

By: D Fraser

A wonderful compound found specifically in mangosteen fruit Xanthones (said zan-thones) are polyphenolic compound sets that are wonderful antioxidants. If you're not familiar with antioxidants then you might want to get a quick over view of exactly what it is they do, for now we'll go a head break down the benefits of Xanthones in Mangosteen fruit.

Xanthones: A Miracle Antioxidant?

Better then most other known types of antioxidants xanthones in mangosteen are said to help slow the aging process of the bodies cells. Folk/Natural medicine also states that the xanthones in mangosteen are very effective at treating numerous ailments and diseases, along with preventing them from occurring at all. Recently medical studies have also proven that there is definitely benefits to these antioxidants and the effect they have on the human body.

Used for centuries in Southeast Asia the mangosteen fruit cured a variety of diseases and ailments. In the western world mangosteens have already exhibited anti fungal an antibacterial properties, and they appear through Xanthones to help strengthen our immune system. This could be wonderful news for those suffering from immune deficiency problems such as HIV.

Xanthones in mangosteen fruit also aid with blood circulation, and help dilate blood vessels. This allows more blood to flow through them, and an over all increased blood flow. For people with poor circulation such as those with diabetes this is good news to naturally help increase blood flow through the body.

Other positive health benefits that xanothones have been credited with curing are: fatigue, depression, eczema, gum disease, pain, obesity, and vertigo. There have also been claims that mangosteen has help slow the progress of Parkinson's, glaucoma, and Alzheimer’s.

Some research on the benefits of xanthones in mangosteen fruit appear to be very promising. Just for the simple anti-viral properties it possesses could turn to be very important in treat viruses. Generally there is no treatment for viral infections like colds, they're just left to run their course.


Will xanthones turn out to bring the mangosteen fruit into the spot light as a healing fruit? Time will tell, providing cancer curing properties isn't easy, and long term studies must be done before the medical community will recognize it at all. For now it's yet another dietary natural supplement you can take in juice, or capsule format. Before taking any Mangosteen product it's a good idea to consult your family doctor of any adverse side effects you might have. 

About the author 
To learn more about fruit visit our website about mangosteen and goji juice at http://www.mangosteen-and-goji.com/mangosteen-health-benefits/xanthones-in-mangosteen/  

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Xanthones Antioxidants in the Mangosteen Super Fruit

A lot of the so called super fruits has come to the attention of consumers because of their antioxidants and healthful nutrients. Manufacturers have sprung to fill in the growing market.

One of these super fruits, the mangosteen, has become popular because they contain xanthones. Xanthones are powerful antioxidants as researchers claim. Out of 200 known xanthones, 40 of these substance can be found in the mangosteen fruit - each one having different antioxidant properties. The pericarp or rind contain the highest concentrations.

According to the article A Look at Xanthones and Mangosteen

"Scientific research has made it abundantly clear that no other fruit compares in its health benefits to mangosteen, due to its xanthones and other nutritional properties."

Does the xanthones in mangosteen deliver the health benefits it claims? Here are some testimonials that says it does indeed offer many health benefits.

Researchers say that the darker the peel or rind of a fruit, the higher the antioxidants it contain. Mangosteen has a very dark colored rind, maybe it really does contain a lot of healthful antioxidants.

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