Tag Archives: potassium

Seven+ Superfoods, Part 4: Acai

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This is Part 4 in a series of Seven+ Superfoods. Previously, we have learned about Gac, Fucoidan, and Mangosteen.

This post is dedicated to Acai (ah-SIGH-ee), also known as “Amazon’s Healing Fruit” or Euterpe oleracea.

Why is Acai a Superfood?

Acai contains the highest free-radical-fighting power of any known fruit with 16 different antioxidants.

Acai contains 33 times the amount of anticianine, a potent antioxidant, than grapes do.

Anthocyanins, the reason many people drink red wine, are 30X more potent in Acai. Benefits without the buzz :)

A near-perfect essential amino acid complex, Acai’s most abundant mineral is potassium. Potassium helps to regulate the body’s water balance to prevent swelling and high blood pressure, and keeps the body’s acidity in check.

The second most abundant mineral in Acai is calcium, which promotes bone growth and density.

Acai is rich in iron, as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, E, and K, which help promote collagen production, energy, restores tissue damage, protects cellular membranes, regulates the thickness of the blood, and regulates dopamine and serotonin production in the brain.

Acai contains beneficial fatty acids (omega-6 and -9) which reduce bad cholesterol and maintain good cholesterol levels. Continue reading →

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds - and a challenge

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Did you know one tablespoon of chia seeds contains 2,375mg’s of omega-3′s? Chia seeds are the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Chia seeds contain the highest known proportion of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) at over 60%. The omega-3 to omega-6 ratio is 3:1. They also contain 19-23% complete protein, providing all essential amino acids in appropriate balance.

Chia seeds are the superfood.

Unlike flax seed, another high source of omega-3′s, they don’t need to be ground before consuming. You can toss them on salads or in your yogurt, add to banana bread, or make a fruit pudding (recipes below).

Due to the strong antioxidant activity, the omega-3′s (DHA, EPA) are not easily oxidized like they are in flax seeds which don’t contain antioxidants.

Here is a breakdown of nutrients that you will find in one serving (2 TBSP) of chia seeds… Continue reading →