A woman has to be very cautious about her lifestyle and food habits during pregnancy. If she is a smoker, alcoholic or addicted to substance abuse she has to quit the habits. Her body has to be detoxified and acai berry with high content of antioxidants will give best results without any side effects.

The developing fetus inside the womb of a pregnant lady is provided nutritional requirements and oxygen through a structure called the placenta. Food consumed is converted to glucose and utilized by the body for its metabolism. During this process certain chemicals called free radicals are produced that might cause calcification of the placenta and oxidative stress in pregnant women.

Acai berry has abundant antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavonoids that neutralize the free radicals and prevent unwarranted effects on the health of a pregnant lady or the developing fetus. Acai berry is known to prevent nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Doctors routinely prescribe iron and folic acid supplements to pregnant women. Acai berry has lot of iron and folic acid content and therefore the freeze dried fruit in its purest form can be consumed for optimum benefit.

Due to the pressure exerted by the growing fetus on the abdomen pregnant women suffer from constipation. Acai berry will readily relieve constipation due to its high fiber content.

Acai berry has numerous vitamins. If pregnant women consume acai berry it will relieve the cramps and ankle edema that is common during pregnancy.

Omega three fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats are present in abundance in acai berry and they should be consumed regularly by pregnant women. Antioxidant content measured in terms of ORAC is highest in acai berry than in any other fruit in the world.  Therefore regular consumption during pregnancy rids the blood of its toxins and improves the blood circulation.

After pregnancy most women tend to gain weight. The excess weight can be reduced by taking organic acai berry that boosts energy, burns fat and increases stamina by speeding up the metabolism. There are no known side effects till date from using acai berry during pregnancy but it would be better to consult a medical practitioner before starting consumption.

References

1)    http://ezinearticles.com/?Is-Acai-Berry-Safe-During-Pregnancy?&id=2156003
2)    http://ezinearticles.com/?Acai-Berry-and-Being-Pregnant—Is-This-Diet-Best-For-Those-Carrying-a-Baby?&id=1862255
3)    http://ezinearticles.com/?Taking-Care-of-You-and-Baby—Are-Acai-Berries-Safe-For-Pregnant-Women?&id=2138442

The various indigenous tribes that inhabit the thick rainforests in the Amazon River basin are one such group of people. Very little was known about them and their culture, food habits and lifestyle till the Spanish explorers first set foot here about five centuries ago. In the later part of the twentieth century as means of communication and technology made distance irrelevant word spread about the healthy lives led by these tribes.

The secret of their healthy and long lives has been attributed to the food that they consume. Acai berry is a major constituent of their diet. The acai berry is a grape shaped dark purple colored fruit that has a large seed surrounded by pulp.

Sexual performance cannot be perfectly defined. Generally, it is considered to be having a healthy sex drive and achieving sexual fulfillment through intercourse. In males this boils down to achieving an erection, sustaining it long enough through the intercourse and culminating in ejaculation.

Female sexual performance can be assessed by the libido levels, arousal and orgasm. A healthy body, calm and peaceful mind and conducive environment are very essential to ensure good sexual performance.

Acai berry has a high quantity of antioxidants and omega three fatty acids in addition to fiber, iron, vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals circulating in the body and fight cancer cells. The omega three fatty acids increase the good cholesterol content in the body ensuring a healthy heart.

A normal, healthy individual will have a good sex drive and perform satisfactorily in sexual intercourse. The sexual performance can be affected due to diabetes, cancer, hypertension, neurological problems, hormonal disorders or other medical conditions. Marital discord, work-stress, drug abuse, smoking, alcoholism or other psychological problems also negatively affect the sexual performance.

Acai berry has various beneficial phytochemicals that increase the testosterone levels, balance the adrenal glands in humans and fight various diseases. Due to this there is a boost in energy and endurance levels and increase in stamina. This overall well being translates naturally into good sexual performance that gives both physical and mental fulfillment.

The indigenous tribes of the Amazon have been consuming the acai berry for centuries. It is their major source of protein. There are marketers who would like you to believe that there is no upper limit for consumption of acai berry as there are no side effects. Though till date there have been no reported side effects due to consumption of acai berry in pure form common sense dictates that anything in excess could be detrimental.

The quantity of acai berry to be taken daily is determined by the purpose of consumption. If you are sick or recuperating after a major surgery or illness you might have to take large quantities of acai berry to fight off infections and boost immunity levels.

If you are healthy and would like to boost your energy levels and enhance stamina then a moderate dosage would suffice. People looking to cut down flab and reduce weight might have to consume slightly more in addition to regular exercise and a balanced diet.

The whole fruit or pure acai berry juice can be taken three to four times a day along with regular meals. Five servings daily totaling 1000 mg is recommended by some healthcare professionals. However, most people concur with the view that two to four ounces of acai berry juice daily is optimal.

If you are allergic to fruit or suffer from asthma or any other medical conditions then you should consult your doctor before consuming acai berry for the optimal dosage. Some acai berry supplements use caffeine, sodium or other additives. Check the label of the product you are purchasing to know the ingredients as caffeine could be addictive and certain additives might cause allergies.

Excessive consumption of acai berry can cause dyspepsia and diarrhea. It also gives an acidic taste to the mouth due to the vitamin C and vitamin E present in it.

The optimum dosage of acai berry daily could be anywhere between 1000 mg to 4000mg. It is recommended that pure concentrated acai berry be consumed rather than blended versions for best effect.

The antioxidants have the property of destroying the dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new cells. It is however not very easy to extract the berry, but once successfully extracted, it can do wonders to your health and skin! The acai berry reduces the level of free radicals, thus reducing wrinkles, spots and acne. The antioxidants present in the acai berry is considered to be insufficient for the body, hence in order to get enough of antioxidants from the berry, acai products that are frozen is the best resort. These antioxidants are helpful as they contain phytochemicals that slow the aging process.

The berry also contains Omega 6 and Omega 9; the two fatty acids that help reduce cholesterol and restore damaged skin. The berry can be consumed in drinks such as smoothies and sorbets. One of the prime manufactures of edible products containing the acai berry is Sambazon, helping people include the berry in their daily diet.  For those who do not wish to consume the berry in drinks or food items, can turn to various skincare treatments such as facial masks. This is prepared by crushing the berry and applying it directly to the skin.

The famous talk show host, Oprah Winfrey has to be given credit for popularizing the berry and its benefits. After her show on the berry, a number of different acai products have reached the shelves in stores in America. The popularity of the berry is thriving in the US in a number of beauty conscious states like California. A lot of people are turning to the products that contain the berry to pamper themselves and receive its antioxidant benefits at the same time.

The acai berry is rightfully referred to as the super berry as it is far more beneficial than some of  the super fruits like pomegranate, blueberries and grapes, to mention a few. The acai berry helps us to forget our skin problems giving us greater confidence to hold our heads high!

The fatty acid present in this berry is similar to that of olive oil and is extremely rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Omega 3 and Omega 6 acids are the EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) that the body cannot make and so should be derived from food. Oleic acid facilitates omega 3 oils to seep in through the cell membrane making them supple. It is instrumental in making the hormones, insulin receptors and neurotransmitter function effectively. It prevents the high levels of insulin from reaching an inflammatory state thereby delaying the process of aging.

The presence of EFAs in acai berry helps in myriad other ways. Lack of these nutrients could result in skin rashes, infertility, risk of infection and retarded growth. Acai helps in effective functioning of the brain and in physical development. Children who have attention deficit disorder are likely to lack the omega 3 acids which can be considerably supplemented by the acai. Research shows that dehydration of the mouth and eye and certain types of arthritis occur due to lack of omega 3 acids.

Yet another very common health issue, especially in women, is osteoporosis. Increasing the intake of omega 3 acids has been identified to improve the bone density. These fatty acids also improve levels of calcium and help in developing a stronger bone structure. Studies have also shown that menopausal symptoms and PMS have considerably improved by consuming omega 3 acids adequately.

There are many foods that could provide these nutrients at varying levels. The acai berry is a wonderful natural source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. These EFAs also help in lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and maintaining HDL (good cholesterol). The berry also improves the rate of metabolism and prevents hunger pangs thereby aiding weight loss. The presence of healthy fats and dietary fiber helps in promoting digestive and cardiovascular health. There are numerous benefits of EFAs that can be derived from consumption of the acai berry.

These berries are found atop Acai palm trees, often referred to as the ‘Tree of life ‘, that grow in the dense Amazon rainforests of South and Central America. Harvesting them can be a very tough job due to their fragility. Since they are found only at the top of the trees, harvesters have to carefully climb and pick them before the pulp can be extracted from them for further processing. They are extremely rich in fatty content hence when once picked, their potential benefits last for just about a day. The berry gets rancid and loses its nutritional contents after that. Owing to this, the acai pulp is freeze dried and frozen before it can be shipped to other locations for further use.

Acai berry offers a vast range of benefits. Effective weight loss, strengthening the immune system, boosting energy levels, improving blood circulation, flushing out toxins from the body’s system and the list goes on. Acai Berry has the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) amongst the fruits of its category which makes it the most effective in fighting the damages caused by free radicals in daily life. Its antioxidant content is said to be unsurpassable, more than any other fruit in the world.

A 100 gm extract of acai pulp contains 52.2 gm of Carbohydrates, 8.1 gm of Proteins and 32.5 gm of fat. Of the Carbohydrate part, 44.2 gm is Fiber, which is known to be excellent for the digestive system and helps in keeping the blood sugar levels low. It has also been scientifically discovered and proved that Acai berry contains up to 19 different types of amino acids, which help in body metabolism and protein building and a high level of Omega 3,6, and 9 fats all of which acts as appetite suppressants.

Acai berry is even under study for its potential ability to fight cancer cells and is also known to slow down premature ageing, rejuvenate skin, increase libido and many more amongst other benefits. Without a thought, the benefits offered by this ‘Superfruit’ from the Amazon are unrivaled.

References:

http://www.best-home-remedies.com/review/acai-berry/index.html

http://hubpages.com/hub/Acai-Juice—The-Straight-Facts

http://www.ayurvedic-medicines.com/acai-berry/acai-berry.html

The acai berry was used in traditional medicines for ages. It was a regular part of the poor man’s diet and helped to maintain health and prevent problems. The oil of the berry was used to treat diarrhea and the root grind was used as a tropical wash to treat skin ulcers. The root was used to treat jaundice while the seeds were crushed and used to treat fevers in Brazilian herbal medicine. In the Peruvian Amazonian traditions the seeds were toasted and used as medicine for fevers, a root decoction was used to treat malaria, diabetes, menstrual pain and muscle pain.

The acai berry is seen as the perfect supplement to keep bodies in top physical condition. The presence of high levels of essential fatty acids and Omega 9 and 6 acids in the acai berry has proven to lower cholesterol levels. The fibres in the berry enable increased blood circulation which helps in the distribution of nutrients and disposal of wastes keeping the intestines in healthy condition. Anthocynanin in the berry is known for its heart health benefits thus strengthening the cardiovascular system. This compound is also known to prevent premature ageing.

The acai berry also helps in muscle contraction and regeneration as it contains an essential amino acid complex along with trace minerals. The fatty acid ratio in the berry resembles that of olive oil making it a useful supplement in warding off heart disease. Theobromine, present in the berry aids in the open passage of air through the lungs as it acts as a bronchial dilator. This enables an increase in oxygen intake which increases strength and endurance.

The acai berry also acts as a detoxifying agent as it helps remove harmful toxins and waste from the body thus helping to maintain good health. This also helps in weight loss as toxins can create a hurdle in losing weight. The acai berry is found to have high levels of phenols and anti-mutagenic compounds which improve the immune system making the body less susceptible to disease and illness. Similarly, the free radicals and minerals that are present in the berry help to build muscle and skin elasticity. It is also believed that the acai berry can help in avoiding cancer due to its detoxifying properties. Thus it seems the acai berry is indeed an all star.

Dr. Nicholas Perricone who is an M.D.; FACN and also an expert in nutritional medicine rates the Acai Berry number 1 on his ‘List of Superfoods’ and calls it the ‘nature’s perfect energy food’.  The author of the famous ‘The Wrinkle Cure’ and ‘The Perricone Promise’ has high praises for the Acai Berry.  Research indicates that Acai is indeed the world’s best anti-oxidant.  It has the capacity to kill the free radicals that destroy our cells and hence prevent cancer and prolong ageing.

Acai Berry extract has been projected as the super-weight loss formula by nutritional medicine experts.  With obesity becoming one of the most dreaded diseases, there is ample market for Acai as the natural weight-loss solution.  However, it cannot solely cause weight loss the way a medicine would.  It simply helps the process of weight-loss by detoxifying the body of free-radicals and other such elements.

People who have experienced the horrific side-effects of allopathic medicines would definitely prefer if they could solve their weight-issues without resorting to medicines.  It’s best to turn to nature when marvels like Acai are available.  Even if you are not over-weight, it is beneficial to add Acai to your regular diet as it has colon cleansing properties.

The Acai Berry is a completely fiber-packed fruit with 45% of its weight being fiber. This is the highest amongst all the fruits.  It’s this fiber content that helps keep the digestive system robust and cleans the colon keeping you away from colon-cancer.  Its high vitamin C content helps maintain teeth health and hygiene and prevents the bleeding of gums.  Apart from this the high vitamin E and C content helps in the creation of neurotransmitters thus reducing the chances of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.  However, Acai Berry cannot be used as a cure for any of these diseases.  It can be used only as a dietary supplement for improved health and well-being.

The Acai Berry has a short-shelf life of about 24 hours.  So in order to reap the complete benefit of this wonder-fruit, consumers would need to eat it as fresh as possible.  The best bet perhaps would be to go for the freeze-dried or the frozen pulps because they retain the maximum nutrient value of the fruit.  It’s best to conduct a complete research about all the available products before buying one.

The inhabitants of Brazil have known the benefits of Acai since time immemorial. It has always been a part of their staple diet.  The Acai berry has lived an anonymous life for a very long time.  Probably because the tropical forests in the Amazon, where it grew in abundance, were cut off from modern civilization for a really long time.

The western world remained ignorant about Acai Berry until the 1990s.  Moreover, it has a very short shelf-life due to its high fat content.  It would be a waste to eat the fruit after 8 hours of its being plucked from the Acai palm on which it grows. The nutritional value would become nil.  It completely decays after 24 hours of picking and so, carrying it out of Brazil was out of question.

However, as Brazil embarked on a path of progress, the visiting scientists and the western community heard of the marvelous berry from the locals.  Based on what they heard from the natives, they began their research and were delighted to find that the claims of the natives were indeed true.  Later the Acai Berry was found in the South American forests as well.  So, the Acai Berry research gained momentum.

The observations confirmed that the berry had a high anti-oxidant content and thus had important anti-ageing, colon cleansing and anti-cancer properties.  It was found to be beneficial for a number of ailments including sleep disorders, sexual performance related problems, stamina issues, weight problems etc.  Its protein content is as high as 9/100 grams which makes it an ideal diet for muscle builders.  Its high vitamin C content makes it an ideal cure for gingivitis and other teeth related problems.  Its vitamin E content helps the brain to function properly and prevents Alzheimer’s disease.

As these benefits of the Acai Berry became known to the people, the demand for it increased.  Thus the Acai came to be cultivated commercially.  The problem of short shelf life was solved by modern methods of preservation like freeze-drying and pulping.

Today, the berry boasts of an amazing number of followers and has assumed the proportion of a fad-diet for weight-loss.  It has found mention in the Oprah Winfrey Show.  So, what can we say about this stomach soother cum anti-oxidant cum aphrodisiac?  ‘Berry’ well indeed!

The acai berry helps in maintaining the overall fitness of the body. It is a rich source of anthocynanin, a compound which is known for its heart health benefits. It is rich in protein and fiber along with high levels of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids which not only protect the heart but also reduce the level of cholesterol without affecting the beneficial ones. Loaded with fatty acids, fibre and physosterols, the acai berry can provide much needed relief for people with digestive issues. Physosterols build cell membranes thus resulting in a healthier digestive tract.

The acai berry is found to have high levels of phenols and anti-mutagenic compounds which improve the immune system making the body less susceptible to disease and illness. It also contains phytosterols which reduce blood plasma cholesterol. The berry also contains sterols and beta-sitosterol which further contribute to cholesterol management. The acai berry’s property to naturally reduce cholesterol level also helps in preventing heart ailments. The acai berry also acts as a detoxifying agent as it helps remove harmful toxins and waste from the body thus helping to maintain good health. This also helps in weight loss as toxins can create a hurdle in losing weight.

The fibres in the berry help in absorption of nutrients and effective disposal of wastes from the body through increased blood circulation. This also helps in regulating the cholesterol build up in the body.  Acai berry is also instrumental in boosting energy levels within the body which again helps in cholesterol regulation. More energy translates into the burning of more cholesterol thus leading to the management of cholesterol levels in the body.
Thus we see that acai berry with its various helpful properties can be the ultimate weapon against body dysfunction caused due to high cholesterol. The fact that it also tastes good is an added bonus to all the people out there who cringe at the thought of consuming another vile tasting product which may be good for the body but definitely bad for the tongue.  Therefore the highly effective acai berry is definitely a clear winner in the race for maintaining a healthy body.

REFERENCES:

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Acai-Berry-Can-Reduce-Cholesterol-Levels&id=4412254

http://ezinearticles.com/?Best-Diet-to-Lower-Cholesterol—Are-Acai-Berries-the-Best-Kept-Secret-For-Lowering-Cholesterol?&id=1879321