Benefits of Acai Berry Capsules Immunity Complex
Benefits of taking Acai Berry Capsules Immunity Complex
Introduction
Acai berries have become one of the most popular "superfoods" in recent years, prized for their high nutritional content and purported health benefits. These small, deep purple berries grow on acai palm trees in the Amazon rainforest and have long been a dietary staple for people in Brazil and surrounding regions.
With the acai berry's rise in popularity, supplements in the form of capsules, powders, and juices have become more widely available. One such supplement is acai berry capsules that contain an immunity complex - a combination of the antioxidant-rich acai berry along with other ingredients aimed at supporting immune health.
This article will explore the evidence-based benefits of taking acai berry immunity complex capsules. We'll cover the nutritional profile of acai berries, their antioxidant content, and the scientific research surrounding their effects on health, immunity, cholesterol, cancer, brain function, and more. We'll also look at safety, side effects, and optimal dosage.
By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of this popular superfood supplement so you can decide if acai berry capsules with an immunity blend are right for you.
What are Acai Berries?
Acai berries grow on acai palm trees (Euterpe oleracea) native to Central and South America. These palm trees reach heights up to 80 feet and flourish in the Amazon basin.
The acai fruit resembles a small black-purple grape or berry, approximately 1 inch long and containing a single large seed. Acai berries have a slight grape wine taste with subtle chocolate undertones.
Ingredients
Acai Berry Extract, Acai Berry Freeze Dried Powder (Euterpe Oleracea Martius), Organic Moringa Oleifera Powder, Capsule Shell: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) Beetroot Powder (Beta vulgaris), Anti-caking Agent: Magnesium Stearate (Magnesium salts of fatty acids) (vegetable source), Pomegranate Seed Extract (Punica Granatum), Resveratrol from Japanese Knotweed Extract (Polygonum Cuspidatum), Zinc (Zinc Citrate), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Grape Seed Extract (Vitis Vinifera), Vitamin B7 (as D-Biotin).
Acai berries are an integral part of local diets in Brazil, Peru, and surrounding areas. They have a long history of medicinal and culinary use among Amazonian tribes. The tough outer skin of the berries is softened by soaking and mashing them into a dark purple pulp to add to meals.
Outside of their native growing region, acai berries have an extremely short shelf life of only 24 hours after harvest. Therefore, exportation and widespread distribution relies on quickly freezing or dehydrating the berries. Common forms of acai found globally include:
Frozen pulp - The most frequently used form of acai. The frozen pulp retains more nutrients compared to juices or dried powders.
Dried powder - Freeze-dried into a powder which can be added to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal etc.
Juice - Boosts antioxidant content but lower in fiber and higher in sugar than the pulp.
Added to foods - Used to flavor and color items like jelly beans, ice cream, body creams.
No matter what format, acai berries are valued for their unique nutritional profile high in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats - a true superfood.
Ingredients
Nutritional Profile and Composition
The nutritional breakdown of 100 grams of frozen acai berry pulp consists of:
Calories: 70
Fat: 5 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Calcium: 2% DV
Acai pulp is low in sugar, with only 4 grams per 100 gram serving. It provides a healthy dose of omega fatty acids including oleic acid and linoleic acid.
Fresh acai berries also contain trace minerals like chromium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
But what makes acai berries really stand out is their exceptionally high antioxidant content. These antioxidant compounds give acai berries medicinal qualities and health benefits.
The deep pigments that give acai berries their rich purple-black color contain flavonoids called anthocyanins. These anthocyanins act as antioxidants within the body.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals to prevent cellular damage. Considerable research shows that higher anthocyanin intake is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other conditions.
Anthocyanins
The antioxidant strength in foods is measured by an ORAC score. Acai berries have an incredibly high ORAC value.
To put this in perspective:
The Benefits of Acai berries
100 grams of acai pulp has an ORAC of 15,405
100 grams of blueberries has an ORAC of 4,669
So per gram, acai berries contain over 3 times as many antioxidants as blueberries! The anthocyanins and other antioxidant compounds in acai berries deliver this high antioxidant capacity.
Studies also show our bodies effectively absorb these antioxidants after eating acai pulp or drinking acai juice. Plasma antioxidant levels in the blood increase following consumption.
Overall the rich, purple pigments of acai berries signify powerful phytochemicals and antioxidants with demonstrated health benefits. The antioxidant content sets acai berries apart from other fruits.
Antioxidant Levels
The unique nutritional profile and extremely high antioxidant levels of acai berries translate into several potential health benefits. Here is an overview of the current research:
Potential Health Benefits
As previously discussed, acai berries are extraordinarily high in anthocyanin antioxidants which combat free radicals. Free radical damage contributes to aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration.
By neutralizing these harmful compounds, antioxidants are crucial for overall health and longevity. The dense concentration of antioxidant anthocyanins gives acai berries a strong edge for preventing disease.
In a human study, 12 volunteers consumed various high-antioxidant foods including acai pulp and acai juice. Both acai products measurably increased blood antioxidant levels, demonstrating their antioxidant compounds are well-absorbed in the body.
Antioxidant Effects
The combination of anthocyanins, plant sterols, and healthy fats in acai berries may support better heart health.
Animal studies reveal acai pulp and extracts help lower total and LDL cholesterol levels in mice and rats. The proposed mechanisms include:
Anthocyanins increasing HDL while lowering LDL cholesterol.
Plant sterols blocking cholesterol absorption.
Omega fats improving cholesterol ratio.
A small pilot study in humans had 10 overweight adults consume acai smoothies twice daily for 1 month. By the end, they had lower total and LDL cholesterol levels with no changes to HDL cholesterol.
While results are promising, larger scale human studies are still needed to confirm any cholesterol-lowering effect in humans. But acai berry supplements may have potential for improving cholesterol profiles and reducing heart disease risk.
Cholesterol and Heart Health
Acai berries exhibit anti-cancer properties in cell cultures and animal models.
Specific findings show acai pulp and extracts can:
Reduce tumor cell proliferation in the lab
Lower incidence of colon and bladder cancer in rodents
Slow tumor growth and spread in animal models
Proposed anti-cancer mechanisms include triggering apoptosis (cancer cell death), inhibiting cell mutations, and activating detoxification enzymes.
The antioxidant anthocyanins likely contribute a protective benefit. However, human studies are lacking to demonstrate any anti-cancer effect definitively. The research remains in the preliminary stage but indicates anticancer potential.
Anti-Cancer Effects
Oxidative damage and inflammation are two primary factors that impair cognition and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
The anthocyanins and other antioxidants in acai berries can cross the blood-brain barrier to combat these effects. They counter inflammation and free radical damage that harm brain cells and neuronal communication.
Rodent studies reveal acai extracts boost antioxidant activity in the brain. Acai also enhanced memory and learning in aging mice.
Additionally, acai extract consumption enhanced autophagy, which is the process of cells recycling old components. Autophagy declines with age but is vital for proper brain function.
While human studies are still needed, this preliminary research shows promise that acai berries promote neurological health and offer brain protective benefits.
Brain Health and Function
Weight loss - Acai pulp provides fiber and plant sterols that may promote satiety and fat excretion from the body. However, human data on acai's effect on weight is lacking.
Blood sugar - Animal studies show freeze-dried acai extract helps lower blood sugar in diabetic rodents by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. But human research is again limited.
Anti-aging effects - The high antioxidant content aids the body's defense against cellular aging. But clinical studies to prove anti-aging effects in humans are still needed.
Vision health - The anthocyanins in acai as well as vitamin A content may help slow macular degeneration and retinopathy. But concrete evidence is not yet available.
While acai shows promise in these other areas of health, more research is warranted, especially large, high-quality human clinical trials.
Other Potential Benefits
Current evidence suggests acai berries are very safe for most people when consumed in normal food amounts or as a supplement.
After reviewing many laboratory and animal studies, researchers have found no toxicity associated with acai berries and their antioxidant anthocyanins. Acai berry supplements are likely safe in the typically recommended dosages.
However, acai does contain low amounts of oxalate so should be avoided by those prone to kidney stones.
Also use caution regarding potential drug interactions as acai may inhibit some liver enzymes. Speak to your doctor before taking acai supplements if you are on any medications.
Finally, be wary of purchasing juices with very high added sugar content and little acai concentration. Otherwise, acai berries themselves and high quality supplements appear to be quite safe with a low risk of side effects.
Safety and Side Effects
Since fresh acai berries oxidize and deteriorate rapidly after harvest, most people outside of the Amazon rely on pre-prepared frozen pulp, juices, or spray-dried powders. Here are some tips for incorporating acai:
How to Add Acai Berries to Your Diet
Blend packages of unsweetened frozen acai pulp with a liquid like coconut water, almond milk, or juice to create a base. Pour the smoothie-like base into a bowl then top with your favorite fruits, nuts, seeds, nut butters, or granola.
Popular add-ins for acai bowls include:
Sliced banana, mango, strawberry, blueberry, kiwi
Toasted coconut flakes, chia seeds, slivered almonds
Almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter
Granola, oats, muesli mix
Acai Bowls
Mix acai powder into your favorite smoothie recipes for an antioxidant and nutrition boost. Great for post-workout recovery or breakfast.
Smoothies
Some juices use filtered pulps to remove the fiber content. Check labels for added sugars and seek out versions with higher acai content. Decrease your dosage if sensitivity to the natural sugar content.
Juice
You can freeze blended acai bowls into popsicles or ice cream bars for a refreshing, nutritious snack. Kids will love the berry flavor in these homemade frozen treats.
Frozen Snacks
From cakes to sorbet, creative desserts use acai pulp or powders to provide natural purple coloring and enhanced nutrition.
Acai Desserts
Acai berry capsules with an immunity complex offer a convenient way to get your daily acai dosage in supplement form. The acai berry itself is an antioxidant-rich superfood full of anthocyanins, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats.
Early research shows acai berries may benefit immunity, cholesterol levels, blood sugar regulation, brain function, and possibly even have anti-cancer effects. The high antioxidant content can help combat inflammation and free radical damage.
While the majority of the research remains in the animal and test tube stage, the science surrounding acai continues to grow. Larger scale human studies are still needed to substantiate many of the health claims.
However, acai berries and supplements appear quite safe for most people when used appropriately. In moderation, adding acai berry capsules to your routine can be a healthy way to boost overall nutrition intake.
Acai Immuno Defence
100 Capsules £16.99
Acai berry capsules with organic Moringa oleifera, resveratrol, herbs, vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Brazilian acai berry
With zinc, vitamin B6 and biotin
With resveratrol, grape seed extract and pomegranate seed
With organic Moringa oleifera
Immunity support
Energy levels
Hair, skin, nails and bones
Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
References
Conclusion
Acai Immuno Defence
100 Capsules £16.99
Summary
BUY NOW >> CLICK HERE
References