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This wonderful berry has very good levels of anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitami
ns that would benefit overall health and fitness.
Acai berry is a small, round, dark purple fruit obtained from acai palm tree. Bo
tanically, acai belongs to palm orArecaceae family of tall trees in the genus Eu
terpe and known as Euterpe oleracea.
Each acai berry measures about the size of small sized grape, 2-3 cm in diameter
. They appear dark-green initially, later turn to deep-purple color on attaining
maturity. Technically, the fruit is a drupe which consists of outer-edible pulp
surrounding a central large seed. Only the pulp part, comprising about just 1015% of berry weight, is edible.
Health benefits of acai berry
Acai berry has very good levels of anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins that ha
ve health benefiting and disease preventing properties.
Unlike other berries and fruits, acai has high caloric values and fats. 100g of
berries provide about 80-250 calories depending up on the preparation and servin
g methods. In fact, fresh acai berry has been the staple nutritious diet of nati
ve Amazonian for centuries.
Acai berry contains many polyphenolic anthocyanin compounds like resveratrol, cy
anidin-3-galactoside, ferulic acid, delphinidin, petunidin as well as astringent
pro-anthocyanidin tannins like epicatechin, protocatechuic acid and ellagic aci
d. Scientific studies suggest that these compounds have been claimed to act as a
nti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer functions by virtue of their anti-free
radical fighting actions. In addition, tannins are known to have anti-infective
, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic properties.
Primary research studies suggest that ellagic acid in acai has anti-proliferativ
e properties by virtue of its ability to directly inhibit DNA binding of certain
carcinogens (nitrosamine toxins in the food).
Acai berry is also rich in medium chain fatty acids like oleic acid (omega-9) an
d linoleic acid (omega-6). These compounds help reduce LDL-cholesterol level and
raise good HDL-cholesterol levels in the body and thus help prevent heart disea
se. In addition, the essential fats help prevent skin dryness by maintaining ade
quate moisture in the skin.
Acai pulp has good levels of dietary fiber. Adequate fiber in the diet helps cle
ar cholesterol through the stools.
ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of acai berry is thought to be a
t mid-level range for fruits, higher than that of oranges but less than pomegran
ate. USDA so far not validated exact ORAC value of acai.
Acai berries contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper
, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body flui
ds that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by th
e body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme,superoxide dismutase.
Further, they are rich in B-complex vitamins and vitamin-K. Contain very good am
ounts of niacin, vitamin B-6 and riboflavin. These vitamins are function as co-f
actors and help body in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Acai uses in traditional medicine
Acai extracts have been used by Amazon basin tribes as the treatment remedy for
Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia Cambogia is a tree that grows in subtropical climates like Indonesia an
d Africa. The tree produces a fruit that has some properties similar to citrus.
The rind and extract of the fruit has been used for centuries in Asian cuisine b
ecause of the sour taste. The powdered rind is even used as a condiment in India
. Widespread cultivation of the Garcinia Cambogia has started because the chemic
als in the extract are believed to have several benefits related to weight loss
and the treatment of some other health issues.
Phytoplankton
Phyto = Light/Plant
Plankton =
Floating/Suspended
marine microalgae invisible to the
Scientists have studied the benefits of marine phytoplankton to humans for decad
es, but up until now, no one has had the technology to extract it from the ocean
for human consumption. Marine Phytoplankton are a major source of the Earth s oxy
gen supply and is the most powerful and essential food on Earth.
Here are some things you must know about marine phytoplankton:
They are tiny organisms with the ability to convert sunlight, warmth, water and
minerals into edible nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and amino a
cids. These single-celled plants, are the basis of all other life forms on plane
t Earth and are the vegetation of the ocean.
They are consumed by the smallest to the largest forms of life. Whales that feed
on plankton and krill are known to live up to 200 years.
Many of today s lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disea
se and liver conditions are due to the body s inability to function properly at th
e cellular level. If we do not consume enough micronutrients, like antioxidants,
our cell membranes begin to TOIL; that is, they become Toxic, Oxidized, Inflame
d, and Lacking in Energy. Then diseases begin to manifest themselves. Simply put
, by repairing the TOILing cells to improve their communication and their metabo
lism, we may impact most diseases and restore proper function at the cellular le
vel.
Fortunately, just ONE dose of marine-phytoplankton has the capability to tune th
ese cells and has the potential to prevent chronic illnesses.
Health Benefits of Marine Phytoplankton
The elements and electrolytes in marine plankton are almost tailor-made for the
human body. It s no coincidence that the composition of human plasma is similar to
that of seawater. Our bodies need these elements to perform as nature intended.
Left to its own devices, the human body has a marvellous system called homeosta
sis, which keeps all systems in balance. If we take away some critical component
s, the body experiences malfunctions that cause suboptimal performance. Too many
malfunctions usually lead to chronic illnesses.
The phytonutrients in marine phytoplankton has shown promising effects in boosti
ng health in a variety of ways:
General Nutrition - Contains ultra-potent lipids to enhance brain function
Cardiovascular Health - Supports a healthy heart
Cholesterol - Clinically tested to reduce cholesterol
Blood Sugars - Stabilizes blood sugar levels
Neurological Support - Mental alertness, ADHD, Parkinsons, and general dementia
Joint Health - Relieves pain and inflammation
Skin Care - Psoriasis & Dermatitis
Vision - More effective than Lutein
Liver Health - Supports a healthy liver
Chlorella
It s green, grows in the fresh waters of Australia and Southeast Asia, and it may
be one of the most nutritionally valuable food sources out there. What I m talking
about is chlorella; and due to the many health benefits of chlorella, it has ga
ined incredible popularity over the past few years.
Health Benefits of Chlorella
Usually taken in a capsule or put in smoothies and other recipes as a powder, th
is green algae is being credited with all sorts of health benefits. From reducin
g body fat to helping ward off metabolic syndrome, this little green algae is po
werful far beyond its unassuming appearance.
It s tiny about three to eight micrometers in diameter. After being harvested from f
resh water ponds it has to be dried and crushed, and right now there are many su
pplement and natural foods companies getting in on the chlorella action.
So, what s so great about it? It s hard to know where to start since there are so ma
ny health benefits of chlorella, but this healthful algae is said to have twice
as much protein as spinach and nine essential amino acids. It has 38 times more
protein than soybeans and 55 times more than rice. In addition to this it s packed w
ith vitamins and minerals like Vitamin K1 and Magnesium.
In people with cancer, there has been promising research to show that chlorella
fights infections. In a study of brain tumors and chlorella.
The health benefits of chlorella also include the boosting of the digestive syst
em - improving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome - among other things. It
increases the body s production of good bacteria in the gut, and that it works to
absorb toxins in the intestines. It also encourages more regular bowel movement
s, moving food through the digestive system and clearing out the intestines to p
revent the re-absorption of toxins.
As for hypertension-chlorella lowered blood pressure in about 50% of cases and a
lso lowered serum cholesterol
making a great addition to the many home remedies
for high blood pressure.
Chlorella also reduces the symptoms of diseases like fibromyalgia, colitis, and
metabolic syndrome.
Essential for the normal growth: Riboflavin is associated with protein and hence
it is essential for normal growth.
Ensures healthy eyes: Vitamin B2 plays a major role in ensuring healthy cornea a
nd perfect vision.
Helps to slacken the progression of AIDS: Studies have shown that riboflavin can
slow down the progression of AIDS.
Helps in the absorption of minerals: It helps in the absorption of minerals such
as iron, folic acid and other Vitamins such as B1, B3 and B6.
Helps to protect the digestive tract: It plays a major role in maintaining the m
ucous membranes in the digestive system.
Healthy development of the fetus: Though there are no proofs to substantiate the
claims that Vitamin B2 is essential for the healthy progression of pregnancy, i
t is regarded as an essential ingredient of the mother s diet along with Vitamin A
.
Remember to have a well balanced diet plan to ensure the supply of riboflavin, w
hich needs to be replenished daily.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a natural algae (cyanbacteria) powder that is incredible high in prot
ein and nutrients. When harvested correctly from non-contaminated ponds and bodi
es of water, it is one of the most potent nutrient sources available. It is larg
ely made up of protein and essential amino acids, and I typically recommend it t
o clients who decide to remain vegetarian for its high natural iron content. It
is often touted for its high B-12 content, though there is a lot of debate about
if this particular form is a complete and absorbable form of B-12 and I don t rec
ommend it completely in place of animal products.
The high concentration of protein and iron also makes it idea during pregnancy,
after surgery or anytime the immune system needs a boost.
Health Properties: Spirulina has some great health-boosting qualities:
Spirulina is 65% protein and amino acids including the essential fatty acid gamm
a linolenic acid (GLA) which has gotten a lot of attention for its anti-inflamma
tory properties, especially when taken with other quality Omega-3 supplements li
ke Fermented Cod Liver Oil. (I suspect that the benefits of GLA in Spirulina are
even more than what the studies have found since these studies often use vegeta
ble oils for their GLA source, and the other inflammatory compounds in vegetable
oils can interfere with the anti-inflammatory ability.) It contains all essenti
al amino acids.
Spirulina contains Omega 3-,6 and 9s and is especially high in Omega-3s.
Spirulina is extremely high in Chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from the b
lood and boost the immune system.
Spirulina has a very high concentration of bio-available iron and is excellent d
uring pregnancy and for those with anemia and will not cause constipation.
Spirulina is a great source of other nutrients including (according to Wikipedi
a): Spirulina contains vitamins B-1(thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3(nicotinamide
), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitam
in E. It is also a source of potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesi
um, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc. Spirulina contains many
pigments which may be beneficial and bioavailable
Spirulina is also incredibly high in calcium with over 26 times the calcium in m
ilk, making it excellent for children, the elderly and during pregnancy.
Some research has suggested that Spirulina may be helpful in allergies and aller
gic reactions.
Spirulina s phosphorus content makes it helpful as part of a tooth remineralizatio
n regimen.
Emerging evidence suggests that it binds with radioactive isotopes and may be us
eful for radioactivity exposure or radiation therapy.
The protein in Spirulina is highly usable and has a net protein utilization rate
of between 50-61%
Spirulina can bind with heavy metals in the body and help remove them.
Spirulina can increase fat burning during exercise.
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Coenzyme Q10 may be useful in a variety of cardiovascular ailments. The heart ce
lls have a high rate of metabolism so they require ample levels of CoQ10 to supp
ly the cellular energy source, ATP. According to Drs. Alan Gaby and Laurie Misch
ley, a medical doctor and naturopathic doctor, respectively, and contributors to
the "Textbook of Natural Medicine," CoQ10 deficiency is found in individuals wi
th cardiovascular disease. Restoring CoQ10 levels can correct this deficiency an
d help the heart muscle to function optimally. This can treat and prevent condit
ions such as ischemic heart disease, where the heart muscle does not get enough
oxygen and nutrients; cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle is inflamed; conges
tive heart failure; angina; heart murmurs and high blood pressure. Drs. Gaby and
Mischley also suggest that CoQ10's antioxidant capacity may be helpful for prev
ention against atherosclerosis, in which the arteries become hardened and the ri
sk of heart attack increases.
ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION
CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize fre
e radicals -- substances that form both from internal metabolism and external to
xin exposure and cause damage to cells. In other words, antioxidants protect the
body's cells from harm and help repair existing damage. According to Drs. Gaby
and Mischley, free radical formation is implicated in a number of diseases, such
as asthma, heart disease, Parkinson disease, gastric ulcers and infertility. Op
timizing CoQ10 levels in the body may be a useful adjunct in treating these dise
ases, by optimizing cellular energy and minimizing harm to the tissues and organ
s. In addition to supplementation, CoQ10 is also available from the diet, especi
ally from oily fish, organ meats and whole grains.
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
According to Linda Page, author of "Cooking for Healthy Healing," ribose enables
the heart to increase energy reserves. She says that this compound permits the
heart to replenish more than 85 percent of its ATP levels within 24 hours. This
is of particular significance to people with heart disease. For example, people
with ischemia may experience a fall of 50 percent or more ATP because not enough
oxygen is being delivered to cells.
FIBROMYALGIA
An unspecified number of people involved in the study cited above also suffered
from fibromyalgia, so reports of overall symptom improvement of this condition w
ere also attributed to ribose therapy. However, a case study published in the No
v. 24, 2004, issue of "Pharmacotherapy" suggested that ribose specifically benef
ited one woman with fibromyalgia when it was added to her treatment regimen. The
authors of the study speculated that ribose may benefit people with fibromyalgi
a by correcting imbalances of muscle adenine compounds, including ATP, a scenari
o that depletes cells of energy.