How The Antioxidants In Acai Can Benefit You

For years, we’ve known that by consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants, we can enjoy significant health benefits. Stores moved quickly to offer them to us. For example, vitamin stores sell supplements rich in antioxidants. Grocery stores promote foods that have antioxidants. But, what are these nutrients and enzymes that experts say our bodies need? What specifically can they do for our bodies? Finally, what foods offer a rich source of these antioxidants? In this article, we’ll answer each of these questions. You’ll also learn why the acai berry is being called “an antioxidant superfood.”

What Are Antioxidants?

Your body’s tissue goes through a physiological process called oxidation, mostly through “free radical” molecules. Oxidation is normal, but can damage your health over time. Antioxidants are nutrients and enzymes that work against this process. Essentially, they counteract oxidation. The nutrients (which includes vitamins and specific minerals) and enzymes (proteins within your body) work together in order to neutralize the free radical molecules inside our bodies.

There are several forms of antioxidants. Nutrients can come from vitamins E and C as well as Beta-carotene and selenium. Enzymes can be found in glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). There are also other antioxidants such as uric acid (created by our DNA metabolism) and coenzyme Q10 that can aid in preventing the oxidation process. One of the reasons the acai berry is considered an antioxidant powerhouse is because it contains many of these ingredients.

How Can Antioxidants Keep You Healthy?

Antioxidants neutralize free radical molecules. These molecules are created from normal processes within our bodies (for example, our metabolism) or from events outside our bodies (for example, pollution and sunlight). Free radicals cause the oxidation process that damages our cells by making those cells unstable. Eventually, this leads to their death.

Antioxidant nutrients and enzymes prevent cell decay by counteracting the free radical molecules, preventing oxidation chains from being established. This can help you avoid heart disease, improve your immune system and reduce your cholesterol. Some studies even suggest that antioxidants can help prevent the onset of cancer.

What Antioxidants Are In Acai?

The acai berry contains an enormous amount of antioxidants, rivaling that of most foods. For example, red wine has been known to contain a strong antioxidant called anthocyanins. Those who say red wine helps to prevent heart disease are correct. It is largely due to the presence of anthocyanins within the grapes from which the wine is made. To compare, the acai berry has nearly 10 times the amount of anthocyanins. Acai is also rich with natural vitamin E, another source of antioxidant nutrients.

Better Health Through The Antioxidants In Acai

Because of the normal oxidation process our bodies go through, our cells are continually under attack from free radical molecules. As a result, our bodies can often be wracked with disease. Antioxidant nutrients and enzymes counteract the oxidation process that destroys our cells. That’s why it is critical to have a constant source of them in your diet. One of the most powerful sources is the acai berry. It offers a rich store of anthocyanins as well as natural vitamin E. By adding acai to your diet, you can avoid many of the diseases that afflict those around you. If you’re not currently getting a supply of antioxidants in your diet, consider the acai berry. Your health is worth the small investment.