WHAT IS ACAI?

(Written by: Glenn Taylor & Mike Mastrantuano)

Acai berry is a reddish purple, inch long berry present on Acai palm trees. They’re mainly found in South and Central American regions.

Health Benefits: Acai berries have found to be very beneficial and a high number of individuals consume these berries to treat different health conditions. 

Some of the benefits of Acai berries are presented as below:

• Acai berries contain high amounts of anthocyanins, which are a type of antioxidant found in plants. It has the ability to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and can diminish the risk of heart disease. A Las Vegas-based registered dietitian, Andy Bellatti claims, “It’s also one of the few fruits with oleic acid—the same heart-healthy fat in olive oil,” indicating the best health benefit of Acai berries.

• It is known as a super-food. Hence, it can be very beneficial for reducing weight if you make it a part of your daily diet. It can also reduce the negative factors of a high fat diet and can help you lose weight just simply by including it in your diet. 

• Acai berries contain Acai oil, which is extremely good for your skin as it contains antioxidant properties and can give your skin a healthier glow. 

• Acai berries allow your digestive system to work properly by cleansing it and maintaining the optimal function because of its detoxification capabilities and high fiber content. 

• Acai berries can also reduce respiratory irritation and distress and can relief your allergies problem to some extent. 

• The anthocyanins found in the Acai berries can play a significant role in the enhancement of cellular health and make your cells stronger against infections. 

• Acai berries contain high amounts of ellagic acid and Vitamin C, and can be very helpful in boosting your immune system as well suppressing disease. Acai berries contain phyto-chemicals which can halt the process of illness and disease. 

• Acai berries can reverse or stop the natural process of aging to some extent which occurs as a result of oxidative damage. It contains the antioxidants which have the ability to reverse the process of oxidative damage that occurs in aging. 

• Taking high levels of Acai berries can increase the stamina and energy levels and can help you to fight off fatigue and exhaustion.

Usage in Beauty Products: Acai berry contains oil which has antioxidant properties. This why it is used in beauty and cosmetic products as it can be a safe alternative to the tropical oils that are normally used in beauty products. Acai oil is commonly used in products like shampoos, anti aging skin therapies, body creams, facials, and conditioners. For usage in these products, Acai oil is processed and kept in storage for longer time periods as it increases the antioxidant properties and makes the product more valuable.

Side Effects: Acai berries have no prominent or drastic side effect except perhaps the possible allergic reaction that can occur if an individual is allergic to pollen grapes or certain species of berries. Moreover, if you are consuming Acai berries in high proportion then it can have mild side effects for your body. Therefore, you should first consult with your doctor prior to consuming increased amount of these berries.

For more information about the topic in this article, please visit http://www.phountainmedia.com. The Phountain Lifestyle and all written materials are copyright © 2015 Phountain Franchise Inc. All Rights Reserved.

References

ESPINOSA, D. Acai Berries Health Benefits.

Marcason, W. (2009). What is the acai berry and are there health benefits?. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 109(11), 1968.

McColman, B. (2011). Acai Berry Benefits From Acai Berry Select.

Schauss, A. G., Wu, X., Prior, R. L., Ou, B., Huang, D., Owens, J., ... & Shanbrom, E. (2006). Antioxidant capacity and other bioactivities of the freeze-dried Amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart.(acai). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 54(22), 8604-8610.

YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AND HOW TO BOOST FOR PERFORMANCE

(By: Glenn Taylor)

In order to live healthy and happy lives, all of us share almost similar health goals regardless of gender and age. These goals might include a healthy digestive system, robust mental and physical health, low cholesterol, stable weight, and a strong cardiovascular system. 

Out of all the common health goals, the most important one that everyone strives for is to maintain a strong immune system in order to fend off diseases and infections.

Immune System and Immunity: The immune system is the natural defense mechanism of the body consisting of different cells, tissues, and organs that work simultaneously to provide protection to the body. Leukocytes are divided into phagocytes and lymphocytes that are further divided into other cell types depending upon their function. 

The human body has the ability to get rid of different unwanted invasions, to avoid autoimmune diseases and allergies. This is termed as immunity i.e. the balanced state where biological defense of the body is fully functional and working actively. 

There exist two types of immunity, namely humoral immunity and cell mediated immunity. In humoral immunity, white blood cells kill off any foreign objects that enter into the blood stream of the body. Whereas, in cellular immunity, white blood cells kill off those cells of the body which are already infected or exhibit abnormal behavior.  

Cellular Immunity: This type of immunity does not involves any antibodies, rather it is related to the activation of antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and the production of different cytokines as a result of antigen. 

The antigen specific cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes induce apoptosis among body cells that indicate the presence of foreign objects on their surface like viruses and disease. Macrophages are also activated which kill off these infected cells by destroying pathogens.

Moreover, cellular immunity also triggers other cells to produce various cytokines which stimulates other cells involved in innate and adaptive immune responses. Cellular immunity is also responsible for tissue rejection i.e. it causes severe reactions within the body if any foreign tissue or organ is being transported into the body.

Working of Immune System: When any foreign object enters into the body, various cells work in collaboration to identify this foreign object and produce response accordingly. These cells stimulate B lymphocytes to start producing antibodies so that they can attack the specific antigens.

Antibodies can attach to the antigens but they cannot destroy it and for this purpose T lymphocytes are present. Once these antibodies are produced, they stay within the human body, so that if the same antigens reenter into the body, the immune system will be able to prevent the infection by following the same course. 

In addition to this, the immune system also allows infected organs to restore their functions and regenerate lost cells due to any infection or condition like injury. This way all the organs of the body including kidney, liver, heart, and lungs all keep working properly and effectively. 

 

 

For more information about the topic in this article, please visit http://www.phountainmedia.com. The Phountain Lifestyle and all written materials are copyright © 2015 Phountain Franchise Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

References

Herberman, R. (Ed.). (2012). Natural cell-mediated immunity against tumors. Elsevier.

Janeway, C. A., Travers, P., Walport, M., & Shlomchik, M. J. (2001). T cell-mediated immunity.

Parham, P. (2014). The immune system. Garland Science.