The acai berry has gained widespread popularity as a powerful antioxidant with an ORAC number much higher than other fruits and vegetables, also considered valuable antioxidants.So what gives this dark blue, black Brazilian berry such amazing powers of slowing the aging process, acting against a host of chronic diseases like inflammation, helping reduce the risks of cancer and supporting the healing process after injury?Firstly, what is an antioxidant? A normal part of body metabolism involves the death of old and damaged cells and their replacement by new cells.  When these processes take place the body forms Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which are free radicals containing oxygen, including a superoxide, a hydroxyl radical (containing an oxygen and hydrogen atom) and hydrogen peroxide.These molecules are very unstable because they have lost an electron, and this is not the normal state for atoms in nature.  All atoms try to find a stable state, which means the electrons – which   orbit the core nucleus like planets – try either to lose or gain an electron to get this balance back.When it achieves this, an unstable molecule becomes stable once more, after a series of chain reactions started by the free radicals during normal body activity. This is where the antioxidants, and specifically the acai berry given its very high ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) number, play their key role.As a polyphenol the acai berry has a very high capacity to act as an antioxidant to mop up those free radicals which can be so destructive to cells in our bodies. As an anthocyanin the acai berry belongs to the sub-group of over 4,000 flavonoids identified in nature and considered to be a very important for health and wellness. But what is it about acai berries that make them such a strong antioxidant, with anecdotal evidence of amazing recoveries from conditions like strokes, rheumatoid arthritis and help reduce the risk of cancer and atherosclerosis?All the berries which record high ORAC values, such as strawberries, raspberries, bilberries, cranberries and blueberries and more,  have the polyphenol structure containing a key area which acts as a mop to soak up these damaging free radicals.The water soluble anthocyanins pelargonidin, peonidin, cyanidin, delphinidin and malvidin occur in all or some of the common berries which we eat for their health enhancing benefits. For example, raspberries and cranberries are rich in pelargonidin, while cherries are rich in peonidin and cyanidin. Only blueberries and bilberries seem to have all the above anthocyanins, while acai berries have these and more.These berries get their intense colour from cyanidin, a special version of the anthocyanin, after it is formed from the colourless leucocyanidin during a key process called the Kreb’s cycle.The double bond is the keyMany commentators highlight the benefits of mono- or polyunsaturated fats when it comes to a healthy diet, and this is linked to the greater stability of the structure of these fats compared to saturated fats, as in butter.They are ideal for absorbing the highly reactive free radicals produced as part of our normal body functions, because they possess what are called double bonds, which is why they are called unsaturated. The polyphenolic anthocyanins in the acai berry also have these double bonds which are available to help soak up the dangerous free radicals which hunt for the nearest electron to satisfy their need for stability. In clinical terms, the free radicals cause long term damage to our body tissues and organs, with aging being one of the more common symptoms. So when you consider that around 50 per cent of the acai berry consists of fat, of which three quarters is mono- and polyunsaturated essential fatty acids in the form of Omega 3, 6 and 9 oils, and add this to the potent effect of the anthocyanins, it helps to explain why this berry is such a powerful  antioxidant. With so many double bonds from the anthocyanins and the omega fatty acids in the fruit, the acai berry is an antioxidant reservoir ready and available to protect your body from a continual attack from these reactive species.   Mervyn Phillips is editor and owner of Health Content Helper, a quality health article writing service for internet marketing entrepreneurs. We use a special “magnetic” technique for our health article writing service which could can help your business, see http://www.health-content-helper.com/health-content-faq.htmlFree WordPress Plugins

In the beginning, the word antioxidants was used to refer to chemicals that where used to prevent oxygen consumption. These antioxidants can be thought as molecules which have the ability to prevent other molecules from undergoing oxidation (which is the process of losing hydrogen or gaining oxygen).In the past studies in antioxidants were majored on their use in the prevention of oxidation which was carried out on unsaturated fat and was seen as causing rancidity. Rancidity is a condition whereby there is fat decomposition through oxidation or hydrolysis. The consumption rate was measured by placing the fat in sealed container. However, there was an overturn in the field of antioxidants which was seen as a result of the discovery of vitamin C, A and E. This discovery increased the knowledge in biochemistry of living things and how antioxidants affect their functioning.Antioxidants perform the duty of terminating chain reactions which tend to damage the cells. The said reactions are as a result of free radicals (atoms, ions or molecules that have unpaired electrons) which are brought about by oxidation reactions.Detailed studies were performed in late 19th century and start of the 20th century and their focus was on the use of antioxidants in performing industrial processes. The pursed uses were:Preventing mental corrosion: The reaction of metal with water and oxygen makes the metal to loose its electrons therefore one of the functions of antioxidants is to prevent this reactions. This is what is commonly known as rusting.Vulcanization of Rubber: This is a specific curing procedure involving rubber in which high heat and other curatives are used. The end result is a cross-link of rubber that is lees or more springy. The material is made harder hence increasing its durability. Its smoothness is also increased so as to avoid sticking to metal and it also resists chemical attacks more.Fuel Polymerization: This is the process through which three-dimensional networks are formed through chemical reactions involving the reaction of monomer molecules (small molecules which are linked chemically or connected with monomers to form polymers). In fuel industries, polymerization is the process by which olefin gases are converted into liquid condensed products which are thought suitable for liquid fuels. This is done under controlled process. Two categories of monomers exist:Synthetic Monomers: These include hydrocarbons such as alkenes. Some of the commercial monomers include methyl methacrylate, acrylamide and also acrylic acid.Natural Monomers: Amino acids are found under this category and they are normally polymerized to create proteins. Nucleic acids are formed after the polymerization of nucleotides monomers which are found in the cell nucleus. Dehydration can be termed as the polymerization reaction which follows the formations of water amidst the products. Terry Rossi is an internet marketer and good at car racing and healthy living. He owns the website http://www.FreeAcaiBerryScams.com where he helps to avoid Acai berry scam and recommends buying the best product “Ultra Prime”. WP Autoblog Plugin

To understand the value and importance of antioxidants, you must first understand the destructive results of free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally as a result of normal, daily reactions within your body. Essentially, when a molecule is a free radical, it is an unstable molecule which contains a free electron which is seeking a connection. These molecules seek to complete this unstable existence by latching on to tissues such as blood vessel linings or cell membranes, creating a chronic state of inflammation within the body. This on-going inflammation eventually results in damage to various tissues of the body. Antioxidants bind to the free radicals, thus preventing the damage they would normally cause. The damage caused by free radicals has been linked to heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and many other conditions and illnesses. Free radical damage is also believed to contribute to many other degenerative aspects of aging, such as wrinkles, hardening of arteries, and some of the loss of mental acuity that sometimes occurs with age. Antioxidants are available in many different forms and substances. Vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene (a form of vitamin A) are antioxidants in addition to their other benefits to your health and well-being. Selenium and zinc are two minerals which are also antioxidants. Other compounds; cysteine, glutamic acid, and glutathione, for example, are also antioxidants, as are natural and herbal products such as ginkgo, hawthorn, rosemary, green tea extract, and grape seed extract. Vitamin A, in the form of beta carotene, is water soluble and can be found in vegetables such as spinach. Vitamin A is important for skin health, helps growth in children and protects against night blindness in addition to other benefits. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is crucial to the body’s ability to produce collagen, an important protein that keeps skin damage minimal. Collagen can delay the development of wrinkles and saggy skin by helping skin hold onto its elasticity. Vitamin C also expedites the body’s ability to repair tissues so wounds heal more quickly. It is also important in the body’s ability to absorb and use several other nutrients. Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol), like vitamin C, is not produced or stored in the body, so it must be constantly replenished through diet or supplementation. It encourages the proper development of muscles. It can help boost the effectiveness of the immune system, primarily by making it more resistant to bacterial and viral infections. Working with other nutrients, vitamin E can help prevent development of cataracts. Selenium is a trace mineral, that is, the body does not need a large quantity for health. However, even in small quantities, in addition to its role as an antioxidant, selenium helps keep cell membranes healthy, helps the thyroid gland and pancreas function properly, and can help prevent dandruff in some people. A link between low selenium levels and HIV/AIDs victims is being explored. Zinc is also a trace mineral. Zinc helps in the healing of wounds, helps maintain the senses of taste and smell, aids in normal growth, helps the reproductive system develop properly, and helps in the transport of Vitamin A from the liver. Cysteine is found in poultry, oats, wheat germ, egg yolks, garlic and onions, and broccoli. It can protect against toxicity from smoking or pollution. Glutamic Acid may reduce cravings for sugar and alcohol. It aids gastrointestinal healing and helps neurological and mental disorders. It is found in animal and vegetable proteins. Pregnant women and children should probably not take supplements of glutamic acid. Glutathione protects against damage from chemicals, smoke and other toxins. It is valuable against cancer, skin problems, and cataracts. Grape Seed Extract is often sold as a supplement for its antioxidant qualities. While the extract is often made from seeds taken from grapes made into juice, for example, you can actually get the same benefits by enduring the taste and crunching the seeds in grapes you can buy in the produce department of your local grocery. Green Tea and Green Tea Extract can both provide antioxidant benefits, but green tea extract may be easier to deal with, say, when traveling or on a visit, than trying to brew a cup or pot of green tea. Green tea extract may also provide a more standard and dependable dose than the cup of tea you just brewed. Donovan Baldwin is a Dallas area writer and webmaster. A graduate of the university of West Florida, Pensacola (1973), he is a member of Mensa and is retired from the U. S. Army after 21 years of service. You may find more of his articles at http://www.donovanbaldwin.freearticles. For more information on the health effects of vitamins and minerals, please visit http://online-vitamin-info.com.WordPress Autoblog Plugin

Normally, there is little free Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) circulating in your body, unless you consume supplements or take it by injection. Foods contain only tiny amounts of ALA.
Your body manufactures enough ALA for the basic metabolic functions of energy production and dissolving some liver by-products.
At the levels produced by your body ALA acts as an essential coenzyme for carbohydrate metabolism for energy.
It also has been shown, at normal body production levels to increase production of glutathione, which helps dissolve substances in the liver. Additional supplementation with alpha lipoic acid may provide benefits beyond its involvement in carbohydrate metabolism.
At supplemented levels, alpha lipoic acid acts as a powerful and versatile antioxidant. However, for this action to occur, there must be an excess amount available. ALA must be available in the “free” state within the cells. Only then will it perform its antioxidant and rejuvenating actions.
An antioxidant helps neutralize free radicals in our bodies and protects our cells from damage. A free radical is an unstable molecule that tries to steal electrons from other molecules thus causing damage. Smoking, pollution, car exhaust, stress, and fried foods are common sources of free radicals.
Cells are continuously under oxidative stress, and when the antioxidant defenses are not fully efficient, there is an accumulation of oxidative damage over time.
Alpha lipoic acid may provide three advantages when used as a supplement:
1) it is easily absorbed into the blood stream
2) it can also cross the blood brain barrier to perform as an effective
brain antioxidant, clearing blood vessels and enhancing brain cell activity
3) it deactivates both fat and water soluble free radicals, protecting both
lipoproteins and cellular membranes.
These advantages and its usefulness as a broad-spectrum cellular protector cause many health experts to believe alpha lipoic acid is emerging as the premier anti-aging antioxidant.
The widely accepted theory today asserts that accumulated cellular damage, caused by free radicals generated by on-going normal metabolism and environmental sources, is the basis of aging. As we age, mitochondria function is impaired, and this impairment is theorized to cause the adverse effects of aging.
Alpha lipoic acid is by its self a powerful antioxidant , but it works synergistically with vitamin C, E and other antioxidants, “recycling” them and making them much more available. It also helps protect the mitochondria and the DNA genetic material.
Recent research studies on alpha lipoic acid demonstrate 4 activities:
1) Functions as an antioxidant and assists the B-vitamins in producing energy
from proteins, carbohydrates, and fats consumed from foods.
2) Supports brain function in aging adults by improving memory.
3) Helps increase blood flow to the nerves.
4) Assists the liver in flushing by-products from the body. Tom Nuckels is <a href="http://www.lpvitamins.com/anti-aging-natural-supplements.htm” rel=”nofollow”>health article author and owner of the LpVitamins.com website. His customers range from children to the elderly and from carpenters to doctors. To learn what <a href="http://www.lpvitamins.com/Liquid-Vitamins-Are-Better-For-Your-Health.htm” rel=”nofollow”>liquid vitamins and phytonutrients can do for you, visit www.lpvitamins.com .get back with girlfriend

We all know that our diet has the amazing ability to make us really healthy or make us really sick. It’s no secret that medical researchers have linked poor diet to everything from obesity and heart disease to all forms of cancer. Those interested in adopting a healthier lifestyle understand the need to adopt a healthier diet. A diet focused on whole, natural foods does much in the way of delivering the body with the appropriate nutrients, as well an important source of antioxidants.
Antioxidants work on behalf of the body’s cells to fight off free radicals – unstable molecules in the body that wage attacks on healthy neighbors. Arming our body with appropriate levels of antioxidants is tantamount to providing weapons to an army. When you understand how antioxidants can protect the body from many forms of illness and disease – and even slow the aging process – you begin to realize how important it is to provide your body a consistent source of antioxidants.
Medical professionals agree that particular fruits and vegetables provide a significant source of antioxidants. So increasing your intake of these essential foods will go a long way to providing your body with important resources. But there is another source of antioxidants of which many may not be aware – red wine.
Obviously red wine has many benefits including its delicious taste and happy-inducing properties. But it is also considered a very significant source of antioxidants. Red wine – as we all know – is made from grapes. The skins of these grapes contain powerful antioxidants that have been shown to have positive effects on everything from heart disease to cancer.
It seems that the people in Europe seem to know what they’re doing. Europeans – who commonly enjoy red wine with meals, have been doing more than just enjoying a cocktail with dinner. Red wine that is responsibility integrated into your lifestyle – in moderation – can have tremendous impact on protecting your health. So go ahead and have a glass – it’s for your health! Linkvana Review