Amelie Mag asked:


In this day and age, everybody wants to improve their looks with a thinner waist line. For that, people may need some directions for finding healthy solutions to lose weight. The best choice someone can make in order to lose weight and gain health, energy and vitality is switching to a raw food diet.

People discover each day the benefits of raw food recipes. When switching to a raw food diet you will see improvements to your daily behavior like improved sleep, some anti-aging benefits, increased vitality and health. Owing to such advantages, the popularity of raw food diets is bound to increase, because we all want to improve the way we look and the way we feel about ourselves, don’t we?

In the beginning people didn’t cook their food and they consumed it raw. Eating like this helped them keep very healthy. Our bodies are built so that we can consume raw foods. The only thing we need to do is to rediscover the way we were in the beginning and enjoy all that nature has to give us. Consuming raw foods helps our bodies because they contain enzymes that help digestion. These enzymes are destroyed if the fruits and vegetables are cooked. Our body digests the foods through its own enzymes, but the enzymes in our body also give us energy. Therefore, when we use the enzymes in our bodies for digestion and not the ones in fruits and vegetables, it means that our energy levels and vitality are decreased.

Basic guidelines for planning your healthy raw food recipes recommend that you should include in your diet mostly fruit and vegetables, which are our most biologically conducive meals. Something that can help you in planning your raw food recipes is the categories in which fruits and vegetables are divided.

Fruits can be divided in sweet fruits (tropical fruits, persimmons, sweet grapes), acid fruits (lemons, citrus), sub-acid fruits (apples, pears, tart grapes) and fatty fruits (avocadoes, durian). Melons constitute a separate category of fruits. Some of the vegetable categories are non-starchy greens (spinach, cabbage), fruit vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes) and root vegetables (carrots, celeriac). Another category of vegetables includes lettuce and celery. The vegetables named here can be found as items on a list of raw low carbohydrate foods. All these fruits and vegetables are the common components of raw food recipes.

Now that the categories have been established, here are some rules of combining them in order for you to avoid fermentation in the intestines, indigestion, water retention and toxicity. Sweet fruits are to be eaten with other varieties of sweet fruits only or with sub-acid fruits. Don’t eat acid fruit with anything other than celery and lettuce. Avocadoes and olives should be eaten with non-starchy vegetables. Melons should be eaten alone or not eaten at all. These are combinations that you should try. But there are a few combinations that you should try to avoid like starch and acid (tomato and potato), protein and protein (avocadoes and nuts), sweets and starch (maple syrup and rice). Think about these combinations when you are developing your own raw food recipes.

Raw food diets are not all about fruits and vegetables. Organic foods can also be included in the diet. Organic cheese is very nutritious and can be included in raw food diets because it does not involve a cooking process that destroys enzymes. You should make sure that the organic cheese you buy is organic, and not a scam. The process that is followed by farmers to obtain organic cheese consists of letting nature take its natural course, from harvesting the milk from the cows and letting it coagulate with no help from additional catalytic agents. Incredible products made from raw ingredients and that may include organic cheese can be found here, on rawbakery.com.

Wycliffe Williams asked:


Soul food recipes that contain sweet onions may seem like relatively new recipes, but the sweet onions were first introduced around the turn of the century. Word has it that a soldier brought some sweet onion seeds from Corsica to the Pacific Northwest.

Overtime, farmers realized what a special thing they had in the sweet onions. They soon began spreading the news far and wide. Of all the healthy compounds contained in onions, two stand out. They are sulfur and quercetin; both antioxidants.

They each have been shown to help neutralize free radicals in the body. They also protect the membranes of the cells from damage. Quercetin is also found in red wine and tea, but in much lower quantities.

Most health professionals recommend eating raw onions for maximum benefit. However, cooking makes them more versatile and does not significantly reduce their potency. In fact, unlike sulfur compounds quercetin can withstand the heat of cooking.

It has been well documented that onions help prevent thrombosis and reduce hypertension, according to the American Heart Association. The juice of one yellow or white onion a day can raise HDL cholesterol, the good stuff, by thirty percent.

Anyone can tell you that sweet onions, when used for soul food recipes, sell out very quickly. It is always a good idea to stock up when you can. Here are a few sweet onion tips.

Look for sweet onions that are light and golden brown in color. Make sure they have a shiny tissue thin skin and firm, tight, dry necks. Ordinary storage onions are darker and have a thicker skin. When cut into them, sweet onions should have a creamy white interior. Avoid onions that have soft spots or surface bruises.

1. The bigger and firmer the onion, the easier it will be to cut.

2. Use a sharp knife. A dull knife can slip and will mash rather than slice through the onion.

3. Use a straight edge knife rather than a serrated knife for cleaner cuts.

4. Be sure your cutting board is positioned securely on the counter. If necessary, place a damp kitchen towel underneath to keep the board from sliding around.

5. If cutting onions ahead of time pack them in a plastic zipper lock freezer bag. Squeeze all the air out, then enclose in a second plastic zipper lock freezer bag. This will help to keep everything in your fridge from smelling and tasting like onions.

6. Use pre cut onions within two days.

7. Save onion trimmings, including the papery brown skin and add to soup stock for golden color. Store them in a well sealed plastic zipper lock freezer bag in your freezer.

Most sweet onions are usually high in water and sugar content. They require more care when storing. Treat them gently to avoid bruising. Sweet onions will keep for six weeks at the most. Cut onions should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated

There is no official industry standard, but a sweet onion should contain at least six percent sugar. Some sweet onions have recorded sugar levels of up to twelve percent. These are especially great for soul food recipes. Regular storage onions usually range from three to five percent in sugar content.

The best sweet onions deliver a burst of sweetness when bitten into. They have very little if any sharpness, and possess a subtle, fruity flavor. They should still taste like an onion, but be much sweeter and milder. Sweet onions are a premium product and as such cost a bit more than storage onions.

IC asked:


Is Organic Food really better? I believe it to be so. By buying organic fruits and vegetables will cut the amount of pesticides in your body by an unbelievable 90%.

In Canada, it has been said in Chatelaine September 2007 that: ‘no dairy product produced in Canada - organic or not - contain growth hormones.’ This is a good thing and thanks to a federal decision to ban bovine growth hormone. Some experts link high amounts of rbST to breast and prostate cancer. In Canada milk is so highly regulated that if even a trace of antibiotic is found the entire load is destroyed. But there is a possibility of pesticide residue that can still exist in conventional milk. So what would your choice be?

Organic Milk would be mine. Especially considering that milk is used in a lot of recipes.

Fruits and vegetables grown organically, certainly would be a positive choice and used in organic food recipes, it feels much safer knowing they are not covered in pesticides.

Did you know that the following veggies and fruits are in the top five produce that when you eat them, the contaminants show up in your body:peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery and nectarines. Onions and avocados score the lowest. More offenders of pesticide carriers are strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce and potatoes. If you use organic, once again, you will have reduced approximately 90% of pesticides.

Even in Beef, the director of McGill Office for Science Society and department of chemistry admitted that there are trace amounts of hormones in conventional meat. Beef cattle is raised in a strictly controlled environment that is designed to produce the most meat at the least cost. We can’t blame the cattle rancher as it is simply a smart business decision to stimulate the growth of the rancher’s product. He’s not growing cows for fun. The regulation has to start at the top and the only way to influence the industry is to insist on organic food products. Would you believe that beer and eggs contain even more estrogenic compounds?

I believe that the more often you use a food, you should consider buying organic, especially knowing that eggs have estrogenic compounds in them and we use eggs to cook with frequently.

Organic Food Recipes are definitely the way to go to be healthy.

Darren Craddock asked:


Smoothies are no longer crunchy granola hippie food. They are in sidewalk cafes and are being sold at the grocery store in 6 packs. But smoothies are easy to make at home and can be even more nutritious when you make them yourself. One of the best reasons to start drinking smoothies is if you are prone to skipping breakfast.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet millions of people walk out the door with a thermos of coffee and a full to-do list. Your body needs fuel to work properly. Your brain needs energy to think properly. Smoothies are a great way to get super nutrition in a tasty treat. They are quick to make and easy to share. What more could you want form a great breakfast?

I keep a list of smoothie ingredients on hand so I can make the best tasting, most nutrient rich shake I can. I keep these ingredients on hand all the time so I can substitute different fruits or juices to change the flavor depending on my mood.

Here is my list: juice (I mix it up), plain whole yogurt, flax seeds, a super green powder, coconut milk powder, protein powder (vanilla), flax seed oil, and wheat germ.

You can start out with juice, yogurt, green food and the Coconut milk powder and work in the flax seeds, protein powder and other ingredients. I recommend a powdered super green mix because it mixes easily and digests very quickly. (In fact I often mix it with a cup of juice and take a green shot for a mid afternoon pick me up!) Plus it is less expensive than other vitamin regimes because you get all the nutrients you need in one shot. I particularly like adding vanilla protein powder and Coconut milk powder because they add more protein and omega 3 fatty acids, plus the coconut milk powder tastes really creamy and good! Ok, now that you have your basic ingredients lets get down to it!

Smoothies are good for you for many reasons, but two in particular. One: smoothies combine readily available nutrients in a liquid form. This means you get the nutrients you want in a highly digestible form, right away. Second: they are great healthy food on the go. Let’s face it, we need better food for a fast pace society. Before you go drop another 5 dollar bill on a starbucks -try creating your own smoothies and feel the super green food difference!

Smoothie recipes without using a blender

Creamy orange

1 cup orange juice (to taste)

1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

1 tb super green energy powder

1 tb coconut milk powder

2-3 cubes of ice (helps mix ingredients and keeps it cold)

Put ingredients into jar with tight lid and shake vigorously or whisk together

Grape dream

2 cups grape juice (to taste)

1 cup vanilla protein powder

1 tsp super green energy powder

1 tsp coconut milk powder

2-3 cubes of ice (helps mix ingredients and keeps it cold)

Put ingredients into jar with tight lid and shake vigorously or whisk together

This one is sweet and creamy

Cranberry Lemon zest

1 cup cranberry juice (to taste)

1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

1 tsp super green energy powder

1 tsp lemon juice

2-3 cubes of ice (helps mix ingredients and keeps it cold)

Put ingredients into jar with tight lid and shake vigorously or whisk together

This one is a real zinger and great when it’s hot!

Smoothie recipes using your blender

These are easy to make before work and you can

make plenty to share with your family too!



Apple banana fun

1 cup apple juice

1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

1 tsp super green energy powder

1 tsp wheat germ

1 large cored apple (with or without peel)

1 ripe banana

2-3 cubes of ice

Put ingredients into blender and serve cold

This one turns out very chunky and good! The wheat germ gives I a slight texture and wonderful nutty taste.

Coconut banana cream

1 half cup fresh filtered water

half cup coconut milk powder

1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

1 tsp super green energy powder

2 tsp flax seeds

1 ripe banana

half a cup of half and half (optional, but good)

2-3 cubes of ice

Put ingredients into blender and serve cold

Ok, are you ready for a yummy, creamy, coconutty and that’s really good for you? Try this recipe!

For this one I use fruit I keep the freezer, try it - its easy. Next time bananas, blueberries or strawberries (or any other fruit) starts to go bad, just peel chop and freeze it in a bag. I then use these chunks for smoothies all year long! It replaces the ice and gives your smoothies great flavor and texture.

Frozen Slushie delight

1 cup 2% milk

1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

1 tsp super green energy powder

2 tsp flax seeds

1 cup frozen fruits

1 ripe banana

2 tsp coconut milk powder

1 tsp flax seed oil

1 splash of vanilla extract

Put ingredients into blender and serve cold

Healthy bloody mary

2 cups tomato/ vegetable juice

1 tsp super green energy powder

1 quarter cup celery leaves

2 -3 fresh basil leaves

2-3 cubes of ice

Put ingredients into blender and serve cold, serve with fresh celery sticks

Now that you have all these delicious options for adding a super green drink to your morning - what are you waiting for?

Douglas Alp asked:


In the past it was believed that your intelligence was something that was inherited or that it was a genetics thing. Although this is a possiblity it may not be a total truth. It is now believed that your intelligence can be determined by your environment, life experiences and your diet. So is there a brain food recipe that one can start eating to make them more intelligent?

Well I don’t know if there is a exact recipe but from my research on foods and supplements it continually amazes me how foods and supplements can actually stimulate chemical reactions or add natural chemicals into your body and affect you in amazing ways.

So can food actually have a positive or negative effect on your brain function and brain power?

Well the answer is Yes! Egyptians have long thought that fish was brain food. Well actually fish is high in omega 3 fatty acids and since the neurons in your brain are rich in omega 3 fatty acids adding fish or omega 3 into your diet does indeed give your brain a boost in its function. It has been found that eating fish helps to create a healthy emotional environment and a more balanced and positive mood.

Proteins are also a very good substance for the brain. Proteins such as chicken and beef contain tyrosine, an amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and cells and may also help the neurotransmitter within your brain to send and receive signal and information. They can also assist one in handling stress and help the body maintain a balanced blood sugar level.

Food such as avocados, raisins, apples and nuts contain a substance called boron which has the potential to increase your memory and attention.

Choline which has also been proven to improve brain function can be found in such foods as eggs and milk. Fruits and vegetables are also extremely important in protecting your brain. Fruits and vegetables have a high degree of anti-oxidants which protect your cells and brain from free radicals which cause your cells to be damaged and age faster.

Blueberry and blackberry are especially good for your brain since they contain Anthocyanins which is the most powerful form of anti-oxidant.

Other fruits and vegetable that have been found to have a high amount of anti-oxidants are strawberries, cranberries spinach, raspberries, brussel sprouts, plums, broccoli, oranges, red grapes, red bell pepper, cherries and kiwis.

Probably the number one ingredient for proper brain function is water. Since your brain is 80% water it is imperative that one keeps themselves and their brain hydrated. Even a slightly dehydrated brain can raise the stress hormone in a person causing them to not have clarity of thought. Just observe people living in the desert in to summertime and see the stressful actions of people and one can see how dehydrated people are stressed.

There are also foods to avoid and foods that can actually slow down the brain function. Food which are high in sugar and simple carbohydrates which can give you an instantaneous surge of energy but then leave you in an daze.

It is also recommend not to consume food high is saturated fats. Sure your body needs fats, but it needs the good fats found in avocados, nuts and fish.

Also avoid eating heavy meals. It has been proven that reducing your calories will extend your life and the quality of you life. It is also a benefit for your brain function. The digestion process takes a lot of energy which in turn take the energy away from your brain functions.

So as you can see there is a brain food recipe. By eating the correct foods you can actually protect your brain and keep it healthy. You can also provide the added substances the brain needs to improve your memory, mood and the speed in which your brain functions.

Yuki Shoji asked:


One big reason that people stop following their diets is flavor. Let’s face it. While our motto in life should “eat to live” and not “live to eat,” sometimes you need to add a little flavor in order to avoid that urge to pick up the phone and call Pizza Hut. Sometimes when we prepare a meal we want to have butter, or eggs, or cheese even though we know its bad for us. However, in order to reach the goal of a healthy lifestyle, the one that leaves you thin and attractive well into old age, you have to stand strong against the cravings.

But never fear if you happen to be a person with a weak resolve because you’re not alone, which is why the following is a list of foods you can use to supplement butter, eggs and cheese.

Food Supplement That Helps Aid Weight Loss #1 Applesauce

I was hard pressed to believe applesauce would be better than butter on my toast in the morning, but it’s actually quite tasty. But even more amazing, especially for those cake junkies who can’t live without their desert, is that you can substitute applesauce in place of butter when baking a cake. What’s more, you can’t even tell the difference. You end up with a delicious cake with more than half the calorie content if you had used butter.

Food Supplement That Helps Aid Weight Loss #2 Egg Whites

Just because you’re living a health lifestyle doesn’t mean you can’t have eggs. Well, you can’t have the whole egg, but just the egg whites. But that’s okay. You won’t be able to tell the difference once they’re cooked and at the same time you’re avoiding eating the unhealthiest part of the egg.

Food Supplement That Helps Aid Weight Loss #3 Salsa

There is nothing unhealthy about salsa, a condiment made up of nothing but vegetables. What makes salsa unhealthy is when you combine it high caloric, high fat, chips. However, if you want to add a little excitement to your chicken and rice dinners, try smothering your chicken in salsa. It’s also a great addition to an egg white omelet instead of using salt.

Food Supplement That Helps Aid Weight Loss #4 Cottage Cheese

Regular cheese had a very high fat content, which can be detrimental to your healthy lifestyle if love Italian food, a food known for its gracious use of highly fattening cheeses. However, cottage cheese sprinkled with flour can perform the same function as regular cheeses, and provides less fat and less calories in the dish without taking away from the flavor of the food.

When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, it is giving up the little things that generally prompt us to develop unhealthy eating habits, which lead to poor health and unattractiveness. By using these supplements in their place, you can fight the temptations and ensure a longer and attractive lifestyle, one which others will envy you for.

Patricia McDougall asked:


One of the most common ailments of women in their reproductive years is pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Depression, bloating, breast tenderness, irritability and mood swings are common symptoms of PMS. One of the food supplements that alleviate symptoms of PMS is Suma, also known as Brazilian ginseng.

Some women can take PMS in stride. In most cases, the symptoms are so severe that these can be debilitating. Women have been known to resort to various treatments just to feel better their monthly periods. The beneficial effects of Brazilian ginseng are getting around the female circuit. Comparing notes, women have found that Brazilian ginseng has worked wonders.

A woman has PMS when her symptoms happen during the two weeks before her menstrual cycle. If a doctor has excluded other serious conditions that produce similar symptoms like headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue then PMS is the cause. There is no exact cause of PMS but it is connected to the variable levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones that are mobilized before the monthly period.

Taken as a food supplement, Brazilian ginseng will ease or rid women of breast tenderness during their periods. The soothing effect on the nerves calms even the most irritable of women. Aside from easing PMS, the root is used to treat respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, asthma, and TB. Men can also benefit from Suma. Taking the root as a supplement, they can cope under severe physical and mental strain.

The Brazilian ginseng has an effect on the monthly period; hence, it influences the pituitary glands. Therefore, it can also be considered as an aphrodisiac. Germanium which is a trace mineral is also found in Suma. Since this mineral has favorable effects on conditions like food allergies, leukemia, cardiovascular problems, and some chronic viral infections, the root has become valuable in medical and herbal treatments.

Brazilian ginseng or Suma can be taken in capsules, and as a tea beverage. It is also used to flavor foods. There are instructions to be followed carefully as this cannot be taken together with some medications. Before taking this root, ask a doctor’s advice. It is best to have the advantages not the disadvantages when it comes to one’s health.

Brazilian ginseng has its roots in South American culture. It is a herbal supplement known to help the body overcome stress and diseases. Sums has been used for hundreds of years as a “womens tonic” for treatment of menstrual cramps. It is becoming famous worldwide.

Wanda Dixon asked:


Use Volume To Feel Full With Less Calories

As we all know, obesity is rampant in this country. People have to finally admit this and begin to make a conscious effort to change their lives and circumstances. Until you make that life changing decision and stick to it, you will never improve the quality or length of your life. This statement in itself should be enough to help you make this decision.

I take this personally because my entire family has always struggled with weight problems including myself.

So you ask: What does this mean? Volume vs. Calories?

It’s very simple.

Your food choices play a major roll in using energy density (volume) to feel full. This is not a diet gimmick but sounds like it could be. The fact is; the concept of energy density will help you feel satisfied with a lot less calories. By consuming fewer calories you CAN and WILL lose weight over time and will be able to keep it off for the long term.

All foods contain calories along with a certain amount of volume. Foods such as processed foods, desserts and candy have a high energy density. So a small amount of these foods have a large amount of volume.

Other foods such as fruits and vegetables have low energy density. So you can consume a larger quantity of these and get a lot less calories. Now that makes sense.

The two (2) major factors that play an important role in what makes food less calorie packed and more filling are:

1. WATER:

Most fruits and vegetables contain a high content of water, which provides volume instead of calories. One example is grapefruit. It is about 90% water with only 39 calories in a half-fruit serving. Another example is carrots that are about 88% water with only 52 calories per cup.

2. FIBER:

Foods high in fiber such as; fruits, vegetables and whole grains; not only provide volume, but take longer to digest which makes you feel full longer.

What Are The Best Food Choices?

1. Protein/Dairy:

This group includes foods from both animal and plant sources. The best choices are those high in protein but low in calories and fat; such as; Lentils, Peas, beans and Legumes. Foods that are high in protein and also contain a high amount of fiber are; skinned white-meat poultry, fat-free dairy, egg whites and fish.

2. Vegetables:

Vegetables such as; Zucchini, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad Greens, and Asparagus are very low in calories but have a larger volume. Each serving is approximately 25 calories, and the average serving size is; 1 cup raw, one half cup of cooked, and 2 cups of leafy.

Starchy vegetables like; Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Winter Squash and Corn are a little bit higher at approximately 70 calories for a half cup serving.

3. Fruits:

Just about all kinds of fruits are considered part of a healthy diet. Some are better choices than others. They are; All whole fresh, frozen, and canned fruits are the best choices as long as they don’t have added sugar. They average about 60 calories per serving.

Fruit juices and dried fruits contain concentrated sources of natural sugars making them higher in calories.

4. Carbohydrates:

Most of the foods in this group come from either whole grains or are made from grains. They are cereals, breads, pasta and rice. The best choices are whole grains because they are high in fiber and other important nutrients. Some examples are: Whole-Wheat Bread, Whole-Wheat Pasta, Brown Rice, Whole-Grain Cereal and Oatmeal.

If you choose to eat sweets; eat them in moderation. They are high in fat and calories and are very low in volume.

HOW CAN I MAKE THIS WORK FOR ME?

When you finally make this life changing decision to get healthy, Please basic common sense. Incorporating an increase in vegetables, fruits and whole grains in your diet; You always need to leave a little space for a few of your favorite foods such as a scoop of ice cream or a small portion of chocolate. If you plan it correctly, you will not feel deprived or become desperately hungry. So it’s OK to treat yourself on occasions in moderation and not feel guilty about it.

A Few Ideas To Make This Work For You:

A. Always begin with a salad or soup with Lunch and Dinner: Soups should have a broth-base or be filled with vegetables. Salads should be large with a small amount of fat free or low fat dressing. These types of foods take a lot longer to eat and will help to curb your appetite. Your main course should consist of an extra portion of at least 2 vegetables with a small serving of lean protein.

B. Increase the ratio of vegetables and fruits with each meal: You can always add fresh berries in your morning cereal; or you may try to add peach or mango slices to whole wheat toast with a little honey or peanut butter. That sounds delicious.

C. Experiment: This does not have to boring. You can try new combinations such as; fresh fruit slices or grapes on salads, sautéed vegetables in some tomato sauce placed over pasta or rice. Use your imagination but stay within reason.

Now you have the basics; Let’s see what you do with it. Just remember; by eating larger portions of foods with less calories, you kill all the hunger pangs which will give you a better feeling about the meal and yourself all the way round.

Steven A Johnson asked:


The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of the Brazilian Açaí berry has taken the nutrition world by storm! The health benefits of Açaí are astounding, with twice the antioxidants of blueberries, the Brazilian Açaí berry is considered to have one of the best nutritional values of any fruit on earth! Additional benefits include ten times the antioxidant power of grapes, and four times the antioxidant protection of red raspberries!

The Açaí fruit tastes a bit like a fusion between a wild raspberry and a grape. The fruit possesses the symmetry of a grape and is roughly the size of a large blueberry. Most people have trouble putting their finger on the taste because it’s so different and wonderfully unique!

The Açaí palm is a tall slender South American palm, found mostly in Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname, and grown for its fruit as well as for the “cabbage” it produces, which is a cluster of new leaves also referred to as the “heart of palm”. The Acai plant is found in the equatorial region and predominantly grows in the 1.2 billion acre tropical rainforests of the Amazon jungle. This exclusive area of the world is home to the largest and most exotic collection of plant and animal species, many of which only grow there.

Açaí berries which form on the Amazon Palm have been highly coveted for hundreds of years by Brazilian natives, because of their natural ability to provide a sense of strength and energy, while also delivering an especially high nutritional content. These berries also posses a unique ratio of essential fatty acids, and omega oils 3, 6, & 9, which resembles the same combination of olive oil.

The Açaí berry is considered to have possibly the best nutritional value of any fruit on earth, and it is currently thought to be among the elite group of top antioxidant foods available to the public at this time. One of the reasons for this is because of the many valuable Phytosterols that are contained in Açaí berries. Phytosterols are compounds of plant cell membranes capable of providing numerous benefits to the Human body, one of the most important being the reduction of blood plasma cholesterol. The Açaí berry is also a prime source of a particular antioxidant called Anthocyanins which is a class of Flavonoids. Acai Anthocyanins yield a higher composition of antioxidants or what is also called the ORAC value, higher, in fact, than any other edible berry on the planet. Anthocyanins have the ability to neutralize free radicals, and also prevent oxidation of the cells. This makes them very useful in the fight against arteriosclerosis, which is common problem in the human body’s large and small blood-vessels.

A recent study conducted by the University of Florida , stated that extracts from Açaí berries produced “a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested.” This study was an important step toward learning what people may gain from using beverages, dietary supplements or other products made with the berries, says Stephen Talcott, who is currently an assistant professor with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The whole article containing more information about the potential of Acai berries by Stephen Talcott was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

One such product that contains these substances and more is VitaXan by Promedx. It is packed with vital nutrients that are needed for a healthy body.

Rocky James asked:


The benefits from eating healthy are endless. And, according to Dr. Nicholas Perricone, some foods can be eaten to help you look and age better! At the top of the list is the acai fruit from the Amazon forest. This little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world. It can often be found in juice form in health food and gourmet stores.

A previously little-known fruit harvested from the Brazilian rainforest is now gaining recognition for its high levels of the cholesterol-fighting fatty acids, Omega 6 and Omega 9, and its strong concentration — up to 33 times that found in red wine grapes — of anthocyanin, a powerful anti-oxidant.

The acai berry is especially noteworthy for the antioxidant properties afforded by its concentration of anthocyanin — which is also present in red wine — that prevents oxidants from harming connective tissue while repairing damaged proteins in blood vessel walls. This helps explain the “French Paradox.” The French, who are noted wine drinkers, have one of the lowest incidences of heart disease of any westernized society despite a diet high in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Monavie Inc., a network marketing company started in 2004, is gearing up for launch on January 8, 2005. The company was formed to market a wellness product, the Acai Amazon Berry, in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Singapore and Australia. With 10 times the antioxidants of grapes and twice the antioxidants of blueberries, the Brazilian Acai berry is considered to have the best nutritional value of any fruit on earth.