So it is quite well known that a healthy diet can help reduce heart risk, even if you have inherited risk factors, and it is also know that poor diet promotes heart risk. However lifestyle factors can be changed, and a heart friendly diet can be taken on at any stage in life, which will not only product against heart disease, but also diabetes, cancer and obesity.
One of the key aspects of a heart friendly diet is the inclusion of fruits and vegetables and the replacement of saturated fat in the diet by unsaturated fats.
Many studies and research projects have shown that a diet rich in vegetables and fruit may help reduce disease and stroke by up to 25%! So why is that?
It is believed that it’s the abundance of antioxidants. One way that antioxidants guard against heart disease is by protecting the LDL, or bad cholesterol from oxidizing – which is what forms plaque in the arteries and hence cause atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
Acai is cholesterol-free. It is naturally cholesterol-free since cholesterol only comes from animal products! Why is it good to lower cholesterol? This is because it is linked to heart disease. Acai is not only cholesterol-free, but low in the heart-clogging saturated fat and high in the heart-friendly unsaturated fats and fibre. Together, these nutrients help reduce cholesterol, making Acai a heart-healthy fruit!
So what types of fat are in Acai? Three types of fats are found in food, which are Saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. Poly and Mono unsaturated tend to be liquid at room temperature (vegetable oils).
Acai is relatively low in saturated fats, which tend to increase cholesterol and clog up arteries. Acai also containes unsaturated fats omega 3, 6 and 9, which reduce LDL-cholesterol levels (think they should be L = Low in the bloood) when they replace saturated fats in the diet.
Acai is richer in monounsaturated fats than polyunsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats maintain the good HDL-cholesterol levels (think H = healthy, or you want it to be high) in our blood. Monounsaturated fats are less susceptible to oxidation than polyunsaturated oils. This makes monounsaturated fats a heart-healthy choice. These fatty acids maintain the cell membrane’s fluidity, which allows hormones, neurotransmitters, and insulin receptors to function more efficiently. Other sources of monounsaturated fats include olive oil, macadamia oil and canola oil.
Remember that acai is also a great source of fibre. This helps lower cholesterol and maintain sugar levels in the body. The Acai berry’s synergy of monounsaturated (healthy) fats, dietary fibre, and antioxidants, help promote cardiovascular system and digestive tract health.
You must log in to post a comment.