Acai Drinks

There aren’t many diseases that are more painful and debilitating than the arthritic diseases. These diseases include Gout, Osteoarthritis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia and literally hundreds more. They are classified as the arthritis-rheumatic diseases. At this time, these diseases have no known cure. However, existing medications can help diminish inflammation in the joints which cause pain and by lessening swelling, further joint damage is slowed down.

Hate to Pop Pills?

Nutrition is vital for those suffering from arthritis or related illnesses. A balanced diet can help the body to heal itself organically and relieve symptoms associated with many conditions. Arthritis sufferers can reduce their pain considerably by following some simple dietary advice, like eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3′s help to relieve inflammation brought on by the disease. Studies demonstrate that omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and in diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis could lower the chance of acquiring them.

How Acai Fits In

Acai superfood is rightfully named. Not only is it the epitome for all sorts of health benefits, it contains Omega-3 fatty acids. Acai drinks also contains Omega-6 and Omega-9. More benefits of omega-3s include reducing the risk of stroke while helping to decrease symptoms of hypertension, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), joint pain and additional rheumatoid problems, as well as a variety of skin problems.

Need Proof of Acai Superfood?

Natural and Medicinal Products Research, AIMBR Life Sciences, in Puyallup, Washington performed a study that definitively related anti-inflammatory functions to acai pulp (the foundation of acai drinks). The research established acai to be a potential cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 inhibitor. The restraining of Cox can offer reduction of symptoms such as pain and inflammation. Aspirin and ibuprofen, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), exercise their effects through inhibition of COX. Why is this significant? Aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen both are medications. These NSAIDs can have life-threatening side effects and are the leading cause of stomach ulcers as well as being linked to stomach upset and stomach bleeding. Still not convinced,in the United States alone, NSAIDs are the cause of more than 100,000 hospitalizations and over 16,000 deaths annually.

So instead of popping that aspirin consider this; acai berry, acai superfood, acai drinks have no known side effects. Not only will it help to relieve inflammation, it might help to save your stomach. Ask your health care provider, most agree that getting relief naturally through a good diet is better for your health than popping pills. Isn’t that more reason than ever to drink your acai smoothie today or have an cool acai drink on the rocks?

Acai “purists” who claim drinking acai drinks make them healthier and ache less may have some scientific data to back up their claims. A study by Natural and Medicinal Products Research, AIMBR Life Sciences, in Puyallup, Washington linked anti-inflammatory functions and immune functions to acai pulp.

Immune Booster

The researchers found that acai pulp powder had exceptional activity against superoxide.  “the highest of any food reported to date against the peroxyl radical as measured by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay with fluorescein as the fluorescent probe“.   Why do we care about superoxides?  Superoxides may contribute to the production and development of disease and possibly, to aging through the oxidative damage they exact upon cells.

Anti-inflammatory

The study also looked at the bioactivities related to anti-inflammatory of Acai as well.   In other words, does Acai have the ability to lessen certain signs of inflammation, like swelling, tenderness, fever, and pain, the reasons many people take aspirin and ibuprofen.   Acai was found to be a potential cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 inhibitor.  The inhibition of the Cox’s can offer easing from symptoms of inflammation and pain.   Wow, that acai smoothie is looking better all the time.  So there you go, keep in mind that there is a lot of research still ahead for acai drinks.   However, in looking at the science, those purists who call acai, the acai superfood, might not be as radical as people think.