ACAI & TARGETED HEALTH CONCERNS

This article was written by Dr. Hugo Rodier for the "Health Journal"...

There are five chief diseases that are plaguing many Americans today. These diseases include: fibromyalgia, depression, arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure together with heart diseases and strokes. Through my research I found the acai fruit may be beneficial in combating a number of deseases. The low content of antioxidents and anti-inflammatory micronutrients in our processed diets is aggravated by toxins in the environment, which cause free radicals to disperse throughout the body. Free radicals, byproducts of daily living, are neutralized by good nutrients - antioxidants. A lack of antioxidants can cause our cell membranes to "TOIL", become Toxic, Oxidized, Inflamed and Lacking energy. Our terrian is then fertile ground for disease to take root. The action of the antioxidants and micronutrients in the acai berry help to heal TOILing cell membranes, thus improving our cell communication and metabolism, which leads to better tissue health by better detoxification of inflammatory toxins. Here is an overview of the five health concerns and the benefits that acai has to offer.

FIBROMYALGIA: Fibromyalgia is an illness characterized by chronic pain that includes muscle aches, pain and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness and fatigue and sleep disturbances. Modern research shows fibromyalgia is a desease of poor cell metabolism and a breakdown in cell communication. The nutrients in the acai berry can heal the metabolism in cells, thus increasing the energy available for these cells to carry out their function. The cells in our connective tissues are then better equipped to detoxify, thus reducing the pain of fibromyalgia. Acai also has many anti-inflammatory micronutrients that directly neutralize the messages of inflammation.

DEPRESSION: By the year 2020, depression will be the second most common diagnosis for Americans. Why? We live very stressful lifestyles, consume empty calories rich in refined sugars and are exposed to significant toxins in the environment from polluting technologies. Depression results in our bodies having sub-optimal levels of micronutrients to maintain proper brain function. Like before, the nutrients in acai heal metabolism in our cells, thus increasing energy in cells. The cells in our brains are better equipped to function, produce energy and communicate via neurotransmitters, like serotonin. The high content of omega oils, B vitamins and amino acids in acai help produce better neurotransmitters, thus improving brain cell communication and reducing the chances of mental dysfunction.

ARTHRITIS: "Time Magazine" and the "World Health Organization" both agree that the first decade of the 21st century will be known as the decade of bone and joint disease. Society is aging and we live with poor diets, toxic environments and excessive stress This causes one-third of Americans to suffer from some form of joint disease. By the year 2020, 40 million Americans will be diagnosed with a type of arthritis. Foreign substances, such as heavy metals, air pollution and chemicals are known to create "immune complexes" when attacked by our immune system. The battle results in antibodies that may end up attacking our own joints. Acai nutrients also improve our immune system, thereby minimizing the damage that could occur to cell membranes throughout our body, particularly cells in our joints.

DIABETES: We face a deadly epidemic of diabetes and obesity in our country today. In fact, one-third of our children will be diabetic as adults. While it is true that some have genetic disposition to insulin restistance, the vast majority of people suffer from these conditions due to poor diets, stress and lack of activity. By healing our intestines, improving micronutrient absorption and healing the detoxification pathways of the liver and intestines, we end up healing our cell membranes. Acai can assist you in doing so, thereby reducing your risk and the problems associated with diabetes. Some worry that the elevation of blood sugar while consuming fruits like the acai berry is a sign that acai is not good for diabetics. This is not correct. Not eating fruits leads to a lack of antioxidants that are essential to build and fuel cell membranes. Also, refraining from fruits can leave people dissatisfied and craving sugar, especially refined foods. And so they succumb to the temptation of eating simple carbohydrates and processed foods high in refined sugars. They would have been better off satisfying their sweet tooth with fruits like the acai.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, HEART DISEASE AND STROKE: About half of Americans die from high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, 80 percent of those deaths could be prevented by changing the toxic lifestyles at the root of these diseases. Hypertension, heart disease and strokes are problems that start with cell membranes lining our arteries. By improving the health of our intestines, acai increases the levels of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) that are indispensable to the health of cell membranes lining the arteries. The high amino acid content of the acai berry is also helpful in reducing the risk of heart disease. Acai is also high in monounsaturated essential oils, fats and trace minerals, which are indispensable for cell membrane, insulin and arterial health.