Nutritional Content of MonaVie and Acai Berry

Read More About Health.

Variety is the spice of life and also the key to good health. Hippocrates is best known for the Hippocratic oath First, do no harm which is recited by every medical doctor in the US. Less well known is Hippocrates other axiom Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.

Let's put a modern spin on that statement. We now know that good health and proper body function requires a lot more that just fats, carbs, proteins, vitamins. and minerals. There are tens of thousands of other substances in the foods we eat that we are just beginning to understand. These don't fit into the five well-known categories of fats, carbs, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Most people think of their foods only in these terms. But, there is much, much more in our food.

Think about this for a moment What is the difference between a strawberry, a kiwi and a blueberry at the nutrient level?

Most people will understand that they each are made of carbohydrates (sugars) and contain vitamins and minerals. (Fruits don't generally have a lot of protein or fat.) So all three fruits are made of water, sugars, vitamins and minerals. So why do they LOOK so different? And why do they TASTE so different? Its the phytonutrients! Phyto means plant. Phytonutrient is the summary word that describes all the other stuff in the fruits that make them distinct in color and taste.

Phytonutrients are the sixth class of critcally important nutrients. Some phytonutrients are well known to consumers. Beta-carotene is a word most people recognize. It is a phytonutrient in the subcategory of carotenoids. Lycopene is another carotenoid-class phytonutrient that many people have heard of. Consumer awareness of specific phytonutrient names beyond these two drops very rapidly. Ask yourself how many of the following ten phytonutrients you have heard of. A score of 2 is very good. Zero is normal. Oleic Acid, Beta-sitosterol, Epicatechin, Luteolin, Kaempferol, Quercetin, Fistein, Tannins, Ellagic Acid, Campesterol

They have difficult, chemical sounding names that make them sound like substances conjured up in a laboratory. Not so. You’ve been eating them in your fresh fruits, veggies and herbs that you grow in your gardens or buy in the produce section all your life. They are not fats, carbs, protein, vitamins or minerals. They are the tens of thousands of nutrients that distinguish a broccoli from a cucumber from a cabbage.

Modern food science is attempting to reveal the roles that specific phytonutrients play in the body. The list below is only an introduction summarized from a couple key sources. The reality is that this is an evolving discipline. The takeaway message from this article isn’t for you to recall the detail below. The takeaway message is for you to appreciate the huge variety of phytonutrients and their varied roles in the body. Then you need to figure out how you will ensure that you and your family get daily variety in thier foods.

The list below is the reason why a product like MonaVie which is based on a VARIETY OF WHOLE FOODS delivers such excellent results. In makes it convenient to get a broad spectrum of nutrients in our hectic, busy days.

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1. Nutritional Content of Acai Berry, the Crown Jewel of Monavie
Vitamins
All the fat soluble vitamins:

A- Vision, Gene Transcription, Immune Function, Embryonic Development and Reproduction, Bone Metabolism, Skin Health, Antioxidant Activity

D- Vitamin D regulates the calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood by promoting their absorption from food in the intestines, and by promoting re-absorption of calcium in the kidneys. Vitamin D affects the immune system by promoting phagocytosis, anti-tumor activity, and immunomodulatory functions.

E- Tocopherols and tocotrienols are fat-soluble antioxidants.

K- mostly required for blood coagulation.

All water soluble vitamins:

B1-Thiamine- It is essential for neural function and carbohydrate metabolism.

B2-Riboflavin- It plays a key role in energy metabolism, and is required for the metabolism of fats, ketone bodies, carbohydrates, and proteins.

B3-Niacin- Crucial in DNA repair, and the production of steroid hormones in the adrenal gland.

B5-Pantothenic Acid- Critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

B6-Pyridoxine- Pyridoxine assists in the balancing of sodium and potassium as well as promoting red blood cell production.

B7-Biotin- Biotin is necessary for cell growth, the production of fatty acids, and the metabolism of fats and amino acids.

B9-Folic Acid- Folate is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells. This is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy.

B12-Cyanocobalamin- Important for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood. Involved in the metabolism of every cell of the body, especially affecting DNA synthesis and regulation.

Vitamin C- is an essential nutrient and is an antioxidant, since it protects the body against oxidative stress. Is essential to the development and maintenance of scar tissue, blood vessels, and cartilage as it’s crucial in the production of collagen. Without vitamin C we would not be able to produce ATP, out body’s main source for fuel.

Minerals
Calcium- Crucial in the function of our cells and is the major mineral used in the mineralization of bone. It is essential for all living organisms.

Magnesium- Magnesium ions are essential to all living cells. Needed in production of RNA and DNA.

Copper- Copper is an essential trace nutrient to all high plants and animals. Found in the bloodstream, in certain enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Chromium- is required in trace amounts for sugar metabolism in humans.

Zinc- Zinc is an essential mineral, necessary for sustaining all life. It is a key factor in prostate gland function and reproductive organ growth. Also critical in immune and digestive system function.

Iron- Iron is essential to nearly all known organisms. Essential component of oxygen carrier proteins such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, and leghemoglobin.

Sodium- Sodium is necessary for regulation of blood and body fluids, transmission of nerve impulses, heart activity, and certain metabolic functions.

Manganese- Manganese is an essential trace nutrient in all forms of life. Acts as a cofactor in dozens of critical biological enzymes.

Selenium- Selenium is an essential micronutrient for animals. Proper levels of selenium keeps glutathione (our body's main antioxidant) at normal levels. Therefore it is known as an antioxidant itself.

Boron- required primarily for maintaining the integrity of cell walls.

Potassium- Potassium ion is a nutrient necessary for human life, as without it our cells would die.

Molybdenum- critical in the function of several important enzymes.

Iodine- Iodine is an essential trace element and its main role in animal biology is as constituents of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Cobalt- Cobalt in small amounts is essential to many living organisms, including humans. Cobalt is a central component of the vitamin cobalamin, or vitamin B12.

Phytonutrients
Resveratrol- The strongest evidence of anti-cancer action of resveratrol exists for tumors it can come into direct contact with, such as skin and gastrointestinal tract tumors. Resveratrol interferes with all three stages of carcinogenesis initiation, promotion and progression. Supports your cardiovascular system by helping protect healthy blood vessels.

Beta Carotene- is an organic compound a terpenoid, a red-orange pigment abundant in plants and fruits. Found in mangoes, papayas, pears, and yams and in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, sweet potato leaves, and sweet gourd leaves. Plant carotenoids are the primary dietary source of vitamin A worldwide.

Lycopene- Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits like red grapes, cherries, red apples, and strawberries. Lycopene has been considered a potential agent for prevention of some types of cancers, particularly prostate cancer. Lycopene may be the most powerful carotenoid quencher of singlet oxygen. Singlet oxygen produced during exposure to ultraviolet light is a primary cause of skin aging.

Lutein- A powerful carotenoid found in kiwi fruit, lutein acts as a antioxidant, most likely protecting the eye from macular degeneration as it tends to accumulate in the macula of the eye.

Allicin- Allicin may: reduce atherosclerosis and fat deposition, normalize the lipoprotein balance, decrease blood pressure, have anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory activities, and function as an antioxidant to some extent. Commonly found in bananas.

Polyphenols- Act as antioxidants in the body and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Divided into into tannins, lignins, and flavonoids.

Flavonoids- The largest and best studied polyphenols are the flavonoids, which include several thousand compounds, among them the flavonols, flavones, catechins, flavanones, anthocyanins, and isoflavonoids. Flavonoids are most commonly known for their antioxidant activity. However, it is now known that the health benefits they provide against cancer and heart disease are the result of other mechanisms. Flavonoids are also commonly referred to as bioflavonoids in the media the terms are largely equivalent and interchangeable, for most flavonoids are biological in origin.

Flavanones- include Fisetin, Isorhamnetin, Kaempferol, Myricetin, Pachypodol, Quercetin, and Rhamnazin.

Kaempferol- Kaempferol consumption in tea and broccoli has been associated with reduced risk of heart disease. Also isolated in onions, scallions, kale, and berries. The compound also has antidepressant properties.

Quercetin- found in citrus fruit, buckwheat, tea, berries, cherries, fennel seed, nettle, St. Johns Wort, elderflower, eucalyptus, tea tree leaves and onions. Quercetin has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity and inhibits both the manufacture and release of histamine. Quercetin also shows anti-tumor properties. Quercetin may have positive effects in combating or helping to prevent cancer, prostatitis, heart disease, cataracts, allergies/inflammations, and respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma.

Flavones- Flavones are a class of flavonoids.

Apigenin- Apigenin is one of the flavonoids more precisely one of the citrus bioflavonoids. Apigenin, just like most flavonoids, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties… perhaps apigenin can even block the formation of uric acid leading to beneficial effects in gout. Apigenin is found in high amounts in parsley, thyme, and peppermint. Apigenin is also found in a number of herbs, including chamomile.

Luteolin- is thought to play an important role in the human body as an antioxidant, a free radical scavenger, an agent in the prevention of inflammation, a promoter of carbohydrate metabolism, and an immune system modulator. These characteristics of luteolin are also believed to play an important part in the prevention of cancer. Multiple research experiments describe luteolin as a biochemical agent that can dramatically reduce inflammation and the symptoms of septic shock. Dietary sources include celery, green pepper, perilla and camomile tea.

Flavanols- These compounds include the Catechins and the catechin gallates. Flavanols are building blocks for proanthocyanins.

Anthocyanins- Richly concentrated as pigments in berries. Anthocyanins also act as powerful antioxidants by scavenging free radicals therby acting as a natural anti-inflammatory. One Anthocyanin, cyanidin-3-glucoside improves the production of nitric oxide (NO) in endothelial cells. NO allows blood vessel walls to relax and expand, resulting in less stress on the heart, decreased risk of vessel blockage and increase blood flow.

Proanthocyanins- Proanthocyanins are the principal vasoactive polyphenols in red wine which is linked to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and to lower overall mortality. Found in many plants, most notably apples, pine bark, cinnamon, grape seed, cocoa, grape skin, and red wines of Vitis vinifera. However, bilberry, cranberry, black currant, green tea, black tea, and other plants also contain these flavonoids. Apples contain on average per serving about eight times the amount of proanthocyanin found in wine.

Catechin and epicatechin - are polyphenolic antioxidant plant metabolites. These compounds are abundant in teas derived from the tea-plant Camellia sinensis as well as in some cocoas and chocolates. Green tea catechins have also been shown to possess antibiotic properties due to their role in disrupting a specific stage of the bacterial DNA replication process. White tea typically contains higher level of catechins. Oxidative stress was lowered in cell mitochondria.

Eriodictyol- is a bitter-masking flavanone, a flavonoid extracted from Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum), a plant native to North America. Also in citrus fruits. Acts as an antioxidant by protecting the skin from UV damage.

Gallocatechins- Polyphenolic compound found in green tea. Possesses free radical scavenging ability making it an effective antioxidant.

Phytosterols (also called plant sterols) are a group of steroid alcohols, phytochemicals naturally occurring in plants.

β-sitosterol and campesterol are two of several phytosterols with chemical structures similar to that of cholesterol. Alone and in combination with similar phytosterols, β-sitosterol reduces blood levels of cholesterol, and is sometimes used in treating hypercholesterolemia. It is also used in Europe for the treatment of prostatic carcinoma and breast cancer.

Stigmasterol- is an unsaturated plant sterol occurring in the plant fats or oils of soybean, and in a number of medicinal herbs, including the Chinese herbs Ophiopogon japonicus, or Mai men dong, and American Ginseng. Also found in vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds. Research has indicated that stigmasterol may be useful in prevention of certain cancers, including ovarian, prostate, breast and colon cancers.

Tannins- are astringent, bitter plant polyphenols. Found in tea, wine, pomegranates, persimmons, most berries, such as cranberries, strawberries and blueberries, hops, citrus fruits, legumes, chocolate, as well as cloves, tarragon, cumin, thyme, vanilla, and cinnamon. The anti-inflammatory effect of tannins help control all indications of gastritis, esophagitis, enteritis, and irritating bowel disorders. Tannins not only heal burns and stop bleeding, but they also stop infection while they continue to heal the wound internally. Tannins can also be effective in protecting the kidneys. Tannins have been used for immediate relief of sore throats, and diarrhea

Ellagic acid is a polyphenol antioxidant found in numerous fruits and vegetables including raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, walnuts, pecans, pomegranates and other plant foods. The antiproliferative and antioxidant properties of ellagic acid have spurred preliminary research into the potential health benefits of ellagic acid consumption.

Palmitic acid- is one of the most common saturated fatty acids found in animals and plants. Acts as an antioxidant.

Essential Fatty Acids
α-linolenic acid (ALA)- Together with EPA and DHA comprise the omega-3 fatty acid

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)- Together with ALA and DHA comprise the omega-3 Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)- Together with ALA and EPA comprise the omega-3

Linoleic acid (LA) is an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid.

Oleic acid- is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid found in various animal and vegetable sources. It helps Omega 3 oils penetrate the cell membrane thereby making it more supple. By keeping the membrane supple, all hormones, neurotransmitter and insulin receptors function more efficiently.

Every Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acid (20)
Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine.

The Other 18 Fruits in Monavie Original and Active
2. Apricot- Good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamins B1 and B6, Beta Carotene, and Iron.

3. Aronia- Also known as chokeberries. Very high content of anthocyanin (1480 mg per 100 g) and proanthocyanidin (664 mg per 100 g). Both values are among the highest measured in plants to date. Chokeberries’ rich antioxidant content may be beneficial as a dietary preventative for reducing the risk of diseases caused by oxidative stress, such as colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation, peptic ulcers, and liver failure.

4. Acerola- A detailed nutrition facts analysis shows Acerola juice contains 32 times the amount of vitamin C in orange juice (over 3000% as much). Contains as much vitamin A as carrots. Also good source of vitamins B1, B3, B5, and B6 as well as calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, malic acid and bioflavonoids. Wonderful antioxidant to fight cellular aging and coronary artery disease.

5./6. Purple Grape/White Grape- Good source of Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and C. Also good source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Grape phytochemicals such as resveratrol, a polyphenol antioxidant, have been positively linked to inhibiting cancer, heart disease, degenerative nerve disease, viral infections and mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease. Also high in Anthocyanins.

7. Passion Fruit- contains harmala alkaloids which are Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's). They can stimulate the central nervous system by inhibiting the metabolism of monoamines compounds- such as serotonin.

8. Camu Camu- Comes from the Amazon Rainforest. The extraordinarily high Vitamin C content (in the order of 2-3% of fresh weight) is the most important property of the camu camu fruit. In addition to the high vitamin C content it contains the amino acids valine, leucine and serine, and is also rich in flavonoids.

9. Banana- Bananas are a valuable source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.

10. Lychee Fruit- At 72mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of flesh, lychees are a very good source for this essential vitamin. Three lychee fruits would meet a third of an adult's daily vitamin C requirement. Lychees are also a good source of riboflavin, potassium and copper. Lychee fruit helps prevent blood clots, severe cell damage, reduces strokes, and decrease risk of sudden cardiac death.

11. Nashi Pear- Nashi pears are a great source of dietary fiber, and they're also very high in potassium and other essential minerals. They contain nearly 10% of the USRDA for Vitamin C, and a high concentration of folates, which make up the Vitamin B complex group. These vitamins are essential for metabolic activity and red blood cell production.

12. Kiwi Fruit- Kiwifruit is a rich source of vitamin C, 1.5 times the DRI scale in the US. Its potassium content by weight is slightly less than that of a banana. It also contains vitamins A and E. The skin is a good source of flavonoid antioxidants. The kiwifruit seed oil contains on average 62% alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Usually a medium size kiwifruit contains about 46 kilocalories, 0.3 g fats, 1 g proteins, 11 g carbohydrates, 75 mg vitamins and 2.6 g dietary fiber. Kiwifruit is often reported to have mild laxative effects, possibly because of the high level of dietary fiber.

13. Pomegranate- Good source of all B vitamins except B12. Also a good source of vitamin C. Contains the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Pomegranate aril juice provides about 16% of an adult's daily vitamin C requirement per 100 ml serving, and is a good source of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), potassium and antioxidant polyphenols. The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranate juice are the hydrolyzable tannins called punicalagins which have free-radical scavenging properties in laboratory experiments.

14. Prune- Prunes and their juice contain the natural laxative dihydrophenylisatin. Prunes and prune juice are thus common home remedies for constipation. Prunes also have a high antioxidant content. Very good source of vitamin A, dietary fiber, potassium and copper. High polyphenol content accounts for antioxidant properties. They have also been shown to help prevent oxygen-based damage to fats. Since our cell membranes, brain cells and molecules such as cholesterol are largely composed of fats, preventing free radical damage to fats is no small benefit.

15. Wolfberry- Also known as Goji berry. Wolfberries have long played important roles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) where they are believed to enhance immune system function, improve eyesight, protect the liver, boost sperm production and improve circulation, among other effects. They act on the liver, lungs, and kidneys. Wolfberry fruits also contain zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering roles. Contain 11 essential and 22 trace dietary minerals, 18 amino acids, 6 essential vitamins, 8 polysaccharides and 6 monosaccharides, the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols, 5 carotenoids, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin (below), lutein, lycopene and cryptoxanthin, a xanthophyll, numerous phenolic pigments (phenols) associated with antioxidant properties.

16. Pear- Good source of all B vitamins except B12. Good source of vitamin C. Contain the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Pears can be useful in treating inflamation of mucous membranes, colitis, chronic gallbladder disorders, arthritis, and gout. Pears can also be beneficial in lowering high blood pressure, controlling blood cholesterol levels, and increasing urine acidity. They are good for the lungs and the stomach. Most of the fiber is insoluble, making pears a good laxative.

17. Bilberry- As a deep blue fruit, bilberries contain dense levels of anthocyanin pigments linked experimentally to lowered risk for several diseases, such as those of the heart and cardiovascular system, eyes and cancer. Closely related to blueberries. May slow progress of macular degeneration, night blindness, diabetes related eye disorders and cataracts. Consist of up to 10% tannins, mostly catechol tannins. They are also a good source of flavonoids.

18. Cranberry- High in vitamins C, A, and K. Also good source of calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. Also contains beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Cranberries are a source of polyphenol antioxidants, phytochemicals under active research for possible benefits to the cardiovascular system, immune system and as anti-cancer agents. Raw cranberries and cranberry juice are abundant food sources of the anthocyanin flavonoids, cyanidin, peonidin, catechin, and quercetin. Cranberry tannins have anti-clotting properties and may reduce urinary tract infections and the amount of dental plaque-causing oral bacteria, thus being a prophylaxis for gingivitis.

19. Blueberry- Blueberries have a diverse range of micronutrients, with notably high levels of the essential dietary mineral manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber. Researchers have shown that blueberry anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, flavonols, and tannins inhibit mechanisms of cancer cell development and inflammation in vitro. Similar to red grape, some blueberry species contain in their skins significant levels of resveratrol, a phytochemical with increasing evidence as an anti-cancer compound.

Monavie Pulse, has a different blend of fruits, still 19 fruits in total. The fruits that have been added are as follows:

Concord grape, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, elderberry, yumberry, and tart cherry were identified for their antioxidant content, especially polyphenols. Diets rich in fruits that provide a variety of polyphenol antioxidants have been shown to benefit overall health as well as the maintenance of cardiovascular health. Cupuaçu and yumberry help keep MonaVie on the cutting-edge of nutritional trends. Native to the Amazon Rainforest, cupuaçu has been praised as one of the next great superfruits for its nutritional properties. Pineapple and prickly pear have been added to enhance MonaVie Pulse’s flavor and nutritional profile.

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Are you overwhelmed yet? I’m impressed that you are still reading. Remember that the takeaway message is that optimal health is attained througha VARIETY of WHOLE FOODS. Do not try concern yourself with the details of each food. Just appreciate the complexity that is in your food and make sure you are getting proper variety.

MonaVie products are a rock solid way to get that variety daily no matter how hectic your life becomes!

Order MonaVie Online from this link if you enjoyed this article.

References: Various works by Dr. Alexander Schauss, the world’s leading authority on the Acai berry, Breakthroughs in Health Magazine, Vol. 1, issue 4, Wikipedia online encyclopedia, Success from Home magazine, Vol. 4, issue 11.

This post written by MonaVie Independent Distributor #1573640

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

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