SUPER FRUITS (antioxidants)

What is Cupuacu?

 

Cupuacu is the newest super fruit gaining popularity here in the United States. This tasty fruit chock full with antioxidants and health benefits is already a part of many popular diets in South America, especially in Brazil. This fruit can be found on trees in the Amazon rain forest and is a part of the Cocoa family (Yes, Chocolate!). Because of that, it has a light cocoa taste to it and is a main ingredient in many South American countries to make gourmet deserts such as ice cream, tarts and fruit preserves. It resembles the shape of a coconut and has a fuzzy shell. There's a growing number of groups who swear by this super fruit, claiming it assists in labor pains and stomach discomfort.

Cupuacu fruit is sometimes compared to the popular Acai berry being that it is rich in nutrients and gives a big boost to the human body's immune system. It contains a special high potency level of phytonutrient polyphenols which is not seen in any other natural fruits. That's not all,

it is also very rich in Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and Vitamin A and C. When tested in various lab settings, Cupuacu was found to contain high levels of amino acids, calcium and selenium. One of the biggest health benefits is that this amazing fruit helps boost the immune system,

helping fight off illness and thus keeping the body running at peak performance. Another benefit of Cupuacu is the way it helps give the body energy without caffeine and does not give you that exhausted feeling afterwords. It's like a shot of B12 just in a delicious fruit form.

There are also many other health benefits such as: increased sex-drive, improved blood circulation, cardiovascular protection, improved mental focus, lower blood pressure, healthier looking skin and even reduced signs of aging. Not only does it give you an endless list of health benefits but it also taste delicious. You can get Cupuacu in it's typical fruit form, drink form, powder form, ice cream form or yogurt form. As it becomes more widely known there are bound to be new products offered here in North America featuring this amazing super food. Best of all, this fruit has so many uses that we're continually discovering new and unique ways for it to help with a serious problem!

The moisture retaining properties of this are making waves in the hair care world as well. Cupuacu is being hailed as an effective and lasting remedy for dry brittle hair.

Commercialization of the product in its various forms is not far behind. Already this is available in 2-4 percent concentrations in creams and lotions and in 10-12 percent concentration in hair care products. From the sound of it, ancillary products like lipstick, deodorants, soaps and yes, even ice cream are on their way. The trans-epidermal loss. Applied for hair products, products with spa appeal, soaps, make-ups.

As if its enriching qualities were not enough, it also provides broad spectrum protection against both UV-B and UV-A radiation. Although an SPF is not yet associated with it, its sun protection prowess is proven.

-Author: Katie Desdon

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"Research is currently underway to determine if Cupuacu, or isolated Theograndins in Cupuacu, will have a place in cancer therapy due to its ability to effectively kill colon cancer cells in laboratory tests!"

Cupuacu is traditionally used by indigenous peoples as a major food source, to alleviate abdominal pain, and to aid in difficult births. Many new health benefits have now been discovered!
Cupuacu helps with:

• Anti-Aging
• Increases Energy & Stamina
• Increases Mental Function and Alertness
• Powerful Immune System Support
• Stabilizes and Neutralizes Free Radicals
• Strengthens the Cardiovascular System
• Cholesterol
• Heart Disease
• Colon Health
• Skin Rejuvenation
• Healthy Hair
• Weight Loss
• Pain Relief
• Digestive System
• High Blood Pressure
• Protects Artery Walls
• Diabetes
• Soothes the Intestinal Tract
• Cataracts
• Age Related Macular Degeneration

What is Camu-Camu?

“The Energizing & Mood Balancing Immunity Booster!”

Camu Camu is a delicious superfood grown organically in the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil boasting high antioxidant levels. Camu Camu is high in Vitamin C complex and has an abundance of Calcium, Protein, Beta-Carotene, Iron, Riboflavin, Niacin, Thiamin, Phosphorus, Valine, Leucine and Serine. This makes Camu Camu invaluable for optimal functioning of all metabolic processes, including the formation of white blood cells, maintaining a strong and healthy immune system, and supporting the brain, lungs, heart, and lymph glands.

Camu Camu is a superfood that has long been used by native peoples for its incredible
nutrient profile and diverse attributes. It is prized in Japan for support of overall health and longevity.

Camu Camu contains 20x more vitamin C than oranges or lemons. The Camu Camu fruit also contains natural rutin and 

bioflavanoids, which increase the effect of vitamin C and provide prime bio-availability. Vitamin C has been shown in many, 

many studies to help in weight reduction.  According to researchers from Arizona State University, individuals consuming 

sufficient amounts of vitamin C oxidize (burn) 30% more fat during moderate exercise than those who consume insufficient 

amounts. In addition, too little vitamin C in the bloodstream has been shown to correlate with increased body fat and waist 

measurements.  This is the best source of whole food, all natural vitamin C anywhere. Camu Camu is also rich in all natural 

Limonene, a phytochemical which has shown the ability to reduce the appetite and aid in weight loss.

Camu Camu has a broad range of health benefits.

• Aids in Pain and migraine headache relief
• Supports brain function
• Supports the lymphatic system
• Supports the heart and improves circulation
• Supports the lungs and relieves Asthma symptoms
• Supports a health immune system, arming the body against colds, flus and viruses
• Aids in Reducing Inflammation
• Increases Energy and stamina
• Aids in Slowing down the aging process
• Boost immunity against Colds, Flus and Viruses
• Helps decrease feelings of Depression
• Helps fight Gingivitis/Periodontal disease
• Cataracts
• Aids in Increasing Fertility

What is ACAI?

Acai Berry helps Increase Energy Levels

Many soccer players will drink a large cup of acai berry pulp before a competition, because acai extract has lots of antioxidants, therefore, it increases energy levels.

Acai Berry Extract Aids in the Fight against Disease

Free radicals attack the cells in our body, and that is the reason why we sometimes get sick. Antioxidants can strengthen our cells and fight off free radicals. So doctors often suggest their patient to eat some food with more antioxidant, such as grape. In fact, pure acai extract contains more antioxidant than grape, so it’s even a better choice.

Acai Berry Boosts the Immune System

Scientist found in last century that anthocyanins are very important in keeping immune system healthy. If our immune system is spoiled, we cannot protect ourselves from the attack of virus. This particular benefit is more helpful to those who often appear in an environment where all other people around them are not health. For example, nurses and doctors.

                                                                                 

Acai Berry Helps affect Cancer Cells

Medical research shows that many diseases, including cancer, are caused by a little molecule named free radical. It does this by attacking our cells. Our body then fights back to protect ourselves. In this process, we need much more antioxidants than regular because it is antioxidants that fight with free radical. Acai berry is one of the best resource of getting antioxidant.

Acai Berry Helps You Lose Weight

While acai berry is not a magic food that makes you lose 20 pounds in a short time, it does help in your weight loss. The reason is still not very clear, but researchers believe that it does this by increasing digestion, metabolism and energy.

-http://www.acaiextractstudies.com/content/acai-health-benefits
 

 Some other Benefits of Raw Acai include:

• Anti-Aging
• Fat Burner
• Incredibly Healthy Skin, Hair & Nails
• Anti-Inflammatory
• Mental Clarity
• Increased Energy
• Immune Booster
• Loads of Fiber
• 10 times the Anti-Oxidants of Blueberries
• Vegan Source of Protein
• Omega Fatty Acids 3, 6 & 9
• Amino Acids
• Hormonal Balance
• Plant Sterols
• Cardiovascular System
• Vitamins and Minerals

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WHAT are Antioxidants and WHY do we need them?

I have heard the word Antioxidants many, many times.  I know people have said they are good for me and that I need to eat my fruits and vegetables to make sure I get the daily amount that I need but I have never really understood the true meaning of why I need to consume them and what they really do for my innards. 
While I was out searching the web for why I need antioxidants and what they really do for me - I came across a great article that helped me understand why Antioxidants are SO Extremely important in our daily diet and I would like to share it with you.

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The Antioxidants Benefits We Need

The antioxidants benefits include strengthening your immune system, slowing down the aging process and most importantly fighting off free radicals. This is big because free radicals are damaging to the body... causing an increase in inflammation & can lead to many degenerative diseases (e.g. cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, etc).  Adequate amounts of antioxidants are needed to fight off damaging free radicals and to keep your immune system strong. Fortunately your bodies have its own antioxidant defenses against free radicals... mostly using oxygen.
Disease cannot live in an oxygen-rich environment. However, our world has an oxygen shortage. As a result our bodies are working overtime in order to keep free radicals in check. And this is causing extra stress & strain on the body.
I related free radicals to cracks on a freeway. But how much damage can free radicals really do?
Well, have you ever cut an apple and let it sit out for a bit? I would say go ahead and give it a try but I’ve already done the painful (and smelly) part of this experiment for you.
Here is a freshly cut apple for you (it's so cute, isn't it?)...



Now look what happens when you leave it out for a while (not so cute anymore)...

The rotting taking place in these pictures is free radicals at work (“oxidation” is the technical term). Now picture this type of rotting taking place inside your body.
Imagine it affecting your brain, immune system, heart and other major organs. This type of excessive free radical activity in your body is the start to a slippery slope of bad health and disease.
Doctor’s are recognizing that many acute and chronic illnesses are related to the excess of free radicals in our bodies. There is also a lot of research being done in discovering the antioxidants benefits.
Now for the 2nd experiment... cut open another apple but this time dip it in some lemon juice and watch what happens. The browning/rotting will either slow down significantly or stop altogether. The reason is because lemon juice has an important antioxidant, Vitamin C.
Which brings us to the next topic at hand...

So how are Antioxidants and the Immune System related?

There are 2 prevailing theories on why we get sick: The Holistic Theory and the Disease Theory.The older of the two, the Disease Theory, states that a particular bacteria or virus will get “inside” your body and can cause you to be sick.

The Holistic Theory states that your body is already full of foreign bodies and free radicals but is able to function normally because antioxidants will “disarm” the harmful stuff... thus keeping your body “in balance.”

And the reason we get sick is because the amount of free radicals is greater than the antioxidants fighting them, causing an “imbalance” in the body. This imbalance, if nothing is done about it, can go from you feeling a little under the weather to potentially causing cancer. I first read the Holistic Theory of disease in the book The Super Anti-Oxidants by Dr. James Balch. The antioxidants benefits help to prevent free radicals from tipping the scales to the wrong side of things. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals so they go from very harmful to practically harmless (kind of like pulling the trigger of an unloaded rifle).

As a result, building a healthy immune system from the aid of antioxidants benefits will keep your body and immune system healthy and working well!

What’s The Best Solution?

The best solution to combating imbalance in your body is through proper exercise, nutrition and the right amount of antioxidants. Keep in mind that the benefits of antioxidants alone can’t make you invincible to everything but adding them definitely gives you a greater advantage.Now that we know the benefits of antioxidants you might want to know what source(s) you can find them. Click here to find out the best sources of antioxidants and how to easily add them to your diet. Or feel free to click on any of the left tabs to find out more info on the various antioxidant sources discussed.
The best thing to do to start is by either adding an antioxidant supplement (e.g. a multi-vitamin w/ Vitamin A, C, D, E & selenium) or by including antioxidant-rich foods to your diet today!

http://www.antioxidantsdetective.com/antioxidants-benefits.html

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Kyle and I are horrible at consuming our fruits and vegetables.  For one they take time to wash, prepare, slice and dice.  Now that my little girl is getting out of the stage where she consumes baby food that is already prepared for her in little bottles I know I have to start eating better because I am in charge of making sure my own daughter consumes foods that are good for her and high in antioxidants.  This can be challenging at times but I am determined to become better at it.  Having access to the Amazon PowrBlend that 1ViZN produces has put my mind at ease.  Knowing that Kyle and I [and soon my daughter] are consuming the PowrBlend where we are able to get the Antioxidants that we need to help fight off free radicals and that we are doing what we can to stay healthy and free of sickness.  There is nothing worse then being a sick mom having to care for a sick child as well.  Now I know that this powrblend is no replacement of the powerful fruits and vegetables that we purchase and consume from our local store but it definitely helps a great deal.

I put out the challenge that we all try to consume more antioxidants and become more healthy each day.