Friday, June 13, 2008

Acai (Ah-sigh-ee) not (ah-sigh)



I drove to work drinking one of my favorite drinks, Acai with Mangoteen made by Bom Dia: Bolthouuse do Brazil. http://www.bomdia.com/ It is one of the few 100% authentic versions of acai in the U.S.



In Brazil, I have it like a smoothie or sorbet as the image shows. It's one of the most common ways its served. Nothing like the recent Tropicana commercials of Raspberry Acai. Every time I see that commercial, I cringe. They incorrectly pronounce the word. It must be a sign of how little acai is in it compared to Bom Dia.



Hold Up! First, let me explain acai. Then, why companies like Tropicana and Haagen Dazs are into the ACAI BUSINESS.

Why Acai? Well it has 7 times more antioxidants than blueberries and pomegranates. Its extremely nutrient rich and in many places, it is served with guarana. Guarana is a natural source of energy, but be careful with the caffeine levels. It contains a fatty acid that resembles olive oil, and is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid is important for a number of reasons. It helps omega-3 fish oils penetrate the cell membrane; together they help make cell membranes more supple. By keeping the cell membrane supple, all hormones, neurotransmitter and insulin receptors function more efficiently. This is particularly important because high insulin levels create an inflammatory state, and we know, inflammation causes aging. It has a remarkable concentration of antioxidants that help combat premature aging, with 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes and 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins of red wine. (Another benefit of staying way from alcohol).


So if you want to be healthy, repair damaged cells, and minimize aging Acai is your thing.

If you can't enjoy a daily cup of acai at a local juice bar in Brazil, try my recommendation: Bom Dia in your local supermarket.

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