Study found Acai Juice has High Antioxidant Capacity

The results of recent research surrounding a juice containing acai berries and pulp, as well as other nutrient-rich fruits, will be presented in a session entitled "Antioxidants in Fruits and Vegetables and Improving Human Health" at the 2nd International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables. Alexander Schauss, PhD, FACN, will highlight findings of in vitro studies evaluating the antioxidant capacity of this juice, as well as in vivo studies to determine antioxidant absorption and bioactivity.

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Reuters.com: "The berry with punch"

According to a recent article from Reuters.com: "Now the buzz fruit is acai, pronounced "a-sigh-ee". It's the latest trend in an increasingly popular food category: functional foods, defined as those that provide some benefit outside of basic nutrition".

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Center for Science in the Public Interest: making a difference

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is well known and recognized organization that has been a strong advocate for nutrition and health, food safety, alcohol policy, and sound science.

The CSPI is a consumer advocacy organization whose twin missions are to conduct innovative research and advocacy programs in health and nutrition, and to provide consumers with current, useful information about their health and well-being.

For more information visit their website here.

Fruits & Veggies-More Matters

The CDC has updated its fruits and vegetables Web site to reflect the new Fruits & Veggies-More Matters campaign, which takes the place of the 5 A Day program. Visit the new www.FruitsandVeggiesMatter.gov Web site to get tools and information to help you eat more fruits and vegetables each day!

Evidence that Vegetables and Fruit Protect Health

Vegetables and fruit are important sources of several essential nutrients, including vitamin C, folate and other B vitamins, pro-vitamin A and other carotenoids, potassium, calcium, iron and fiber. The recommendation to consume vegetables and fruit for protection from chronic diseases draws primarily upon epidemiologic evidence linking higher consumption of vegetables and fruit to lower rates of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic diseases.
The most extensive review to date has been published by an international interdisciplinary panel convened by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).
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Functional Foods Fact Sheet: Antioxidants

Plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain many components that are beneficial to human health. Research supports that some of these foods, as part of an overall healthful diet, have the potential to delay the onset of many age-related diseases. These observations have led to continuing research aimed at identifying specific bioactive components in foods, such as antioxidants, which may be responsible for improving and maintaining health.

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Source: International Food Information Council Foundation

Phytonutrients for promoting wells

In his article, Phytonutrients and Natural Compounds for Promoting Wellness, Dr. Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD ,LD, explains that chronic inflammation is a major factor in debilitating disease in developed countries. Persistent inflammation is frequently linked with cardiovascular disease; cancer; diabetes; Alzheimer’s disease; aging; autoimmune diseases (asthma, lupus, MS); arthritis; etc. In that respect, phytonutrients are biologically active constituents heavily concentrated in the skins of botanicals and are responsible for their color, flavor and scent. They are powerful antioxidants, but their value extends much beyond free radical protection.
These compounds have been reported in some studies to protect man from cancer, heart disease, diabetes, aging, Alzheimer’s, cataracts, macular degeneration, arthritis and more. Maximum health benefits are derived from consuming a variety of botanicals with a full spectrum of colors/pigments.

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Credits: Dr. Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD ,LD