The numerous health benefits of acai berries have cast this little-known fruit into the spotlight. And the most promising of them all could be powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins. Have you ever wondered why France has a low incidence of cardiovascular disease with all that fat in French cuisine? The answer could be in the volumes of red wine they consume. Red wine contains anthocyanins – believed to negate the effects of a fatty diet and smoking. What you’re getting from the Brazilian acai fruit is 30 percent more anthocyanins than red wine, without the alcohol associated with it. The Value of AnthocyaninsCancer – a recent experiment showed that anthocyanins from dark-colored fruits like the acai berry effectively halted colon cancer cell growth, killing approximately 20 percent of the malignant cells without damaging non-cancerous cells. Cardiovascular disease – one of the terrific benefits of acai is its ability to lower cholesterol levels. Anthocyanins prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Elevated LDL levels can clog arteries and lead to atherosclerosis. Anthocyanins also prevent ischemia which increases capillary wall permeability, restricts blood flow, and often causes permanent capillary damage. Neurological disorders – oxidative damage in brain cells can lead to brain damage and brain trauma. Anthocyanins in the acai berry known as Cyanidin-3-glucoside can help in reversing age-related neurological deficits. Chronic inflammation – anthocyanins can prevent inflammation by neutralizing the enzymes that damage connective tissue. The anti-inflammatory capabilities of anthocyanins can help lower the risk of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis, diabetes and osteoporosis. Blindness – retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. When the body attempts to repair leaking capillaries, retinopathy occurs, which may lead to blindness. Anthocyanins prevent capillaries from leaking and control protein proliferation. Studies also show that anthocyanins can help you adapt better to light and dark as well as reduce eye fatigue. Anthocyanins are 6 to 8 times more potent than vitamin C. And the acai berry contains the most highly concentrated forms of anthocyanins among all other fruits and vegetables. Our ancestors knew then of the many benefits of acai – it’s time we make these berries a large part of our diets too.

The açaí berry has been shown to produce important health benefits associated with reducing one’s risk or prevention of cancer, diabetes, chronic inflammation, heart and vascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, high blood cholesterol, stroke, bacterial infections, urinary tract infections, age-related visual deterioration and premature aging. Acai is constantly used topically as a strong antibacterial mix in Brazil.

In a recent study have revealed that acai antioxidants could kill off leukemia cells in vitro. The study showed that the acai berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86% of leukemia cells tested. Because acai is one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants, the study was an important step in learning what benefits may be derived from using beverages, dietary supplements or other products made with the berries. In addition, this research indicates a possible anti-cancer effect of anthocyanins and other pigments in dark berries like the blueberry and black raspberry.

What are anthocyanins? Anthocyanins are some of the more potent forms of antioxidants. We have all heard of the “French Paradox”, how the people of France with their high fat diets and not uncommon unhealthy lifestyles, are still below the percentage of related deaths from cardiovascular disease than many of the populations which exist today. One reason may be that they consume large amounts of red wine. Wine made from grapes has very high levels of the antioxidant anthocyanins. The polyphenols in red wine, therefore, are believed to diminish the effects of a fatty diet and smoking. Anthocyanins found in various fruits have a unique chemical structure that makes them more potent than vitamin C. Acai contains the most highly concentrated forms of anthocyanins. The anthocyanin content in the acai is proven to be 3.5 times the amount of that present in a glass of red wine. It makes sense, therefore, that the properties in acai may help protect against a myriad of neurological diseases; arteriosclerosis; diabetes; and improve eyesight.

Further research on the acai berry has shown that the antioxidants are known to fight and regulate cholesterol levels in the body. The reason for this is that acai has two essential fatty acids known as Omega 6 and Omega 9. While Omega 6 helps lower LDL, Omega 9 fatty acids not only lower LDL, but maintain HDL levels. The acai berry plays a large role in maintaining the vascular cardiac system, which is important for better blood circulation.

Acai is widely used in energy drinks, ice cream, energy bars with granola, and now it is in it’s best form, is used as a powder extract that is more powerful and yet convenient to take. In addition, acai can be found in Forte Juice, which has now become a most popular drink for those who wish to enhance their overall health. In fact, this drink is promoted as the ultimate super juice with the power to provide a world of health benefits.

With antioxidants derived from natural substances to help fight the damaging effects of free radicals in the body, the acai berry can help boost your body’s immune system and defend against free radical damage.