The native Brazilian fruit - Acai berry has long been known by the natives for its various Healing and medicinal properties. Currently holding the awe of the science and health fraternity, this berry has more than one benefit to boast about. The long list of its goodness includes;
» Weight loss
» Better skin
» Prevention of cardiovascular problems
» Lowering cholesterol levels
» Vitality, strength and increased libido
Mental clarity with Acai berry
The list above is based on the experience of many and also scientific research. Researchers have found that Acai berry does have the best nutrients combined in one fruit. Now this list has been further extended with mental clarity. The reason for the numerous benefits of acai berry is its constituents which are as follows.
- Antioxidants like anthocyanin
- Phytosterols
- Poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)
- Vitamins like Vitamin A, C and E
- Minerals like copper, zinc, iron potassium
Below we shall see how these chemical constituents of Acai berry affect or rather improve mental clarity.
Anti – oxidants and Mental Clarity
Anti oxidants are those chemical compounds that fight "free radical damage". Free radicals are those chemicals that are unstable and attack other stable compounds thus creating more instability and "chaos" in the cell. The free radicals thus formed eventually attack the cell wall and other cellular organelles.
Anti oxidants prevent this oxidative damage by scavenging those free radicals. Acai berry has the highest amount of anti oxidants compared to any other fruit in the world.
By having a high intake of anti oxidants, anyone can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. But human trials have not been performed so far to determine if free radicals are the real cause of Alzheimer's.
PUFA and Mental Clarity
PUFA are essential in cell membrane formation and maintain cell integrity. They are also required for selective transport of certain molecules. PUFA come under the chemical classification of lipids. They make up to 35% of the solid mass of brain and cenral nervous system.
Researches focusing on PUFA and other psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia have long been conducted.
There have also been associations of disease between psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular disorders. Scientific research reveals that low levels of PUFA result in psychiatric disorders. But the pathophysiology of such diseases is not well studied.
Mental Clarity and Vitamins
The vitamins that are found in Acai berry are A, C and E.
These vitamins themselves are good anti oxidant property and hence support mental clarity as suggested above. They behave as co factors and co enzymes to various signalling processes that are important for the overall health of the brain and CNS. Vitamin C is known to be involved in serotonin production. Serotonin is involved in various mood changes depending on its level, the lack of which is said to cause depression.
Mental Health and Minerals
Trace amounts of minerals are also found in the Acai berry. The role of minerals has to be understood. Minerals or elements are required as Cofactors for various reactions. That is, the chemical or enzymatic reaction requires the presence of these minerals. They might be incorporated in particular sites of the enzyme thus making it active. Minute quantities of such minerals are often enough for the body to function well.
For example,
- Zinc is involved in transmission of nerve impulses, the lack of which leads to depression and anxiety.
- Iron is another important element whose deficient levels lead to anaemia. Anaemia an result in less oxygen uptake by the RBC (Red blood corpuscles) and hence les oxygen to brain. Thus any anaemic individual will feel tired and sluggish throughout the day.
- Copper is involved in Iron metabolism which is again linked to anaemia.
Thus, Acai berry loaded with such minerals and nutrients is sure to improve the mental health of any consumer. Everyday supplements of Acai berry are hence recommended.