Acai is a new fruit from Brazil that offers vital nutritional benefits for people over 40 years of age. Acai contains 33 times more of the cholesterol fighting compound anthocyanin than a glass of red wine does, a Daily Value (DVS) of calcium, twice the DVS of the antioxidant 'Vitamin E' and a substantial amount of dietary fiber. (2)

Cardiovascular Maintenance, Anthocyanins are cholesterol regulating compounds with well researched data (indicating their value in Cardiovascular support. Elevated blood cholesterol is one of the major modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease (5) and the leading cause of death in the United States. The fact is, 490,000 Americans die of Coronary Heart Diseases each year (3) with an associated cost of over $60 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity. (4) Regulating and reducing cholesterol through dietary means can contribute to prolonging life and reducing medical expenses.

Low cholesterol foods and exercise are only a part of the natural program to prevent and mitigate cardiovascular diseases. The consumption of foods rich in compounds that reduce cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and possess antioxidant protection completes the program. Acai is an excellent example of such a functional food that is now accessible to food, beverage and supplement markets in an economical and convenient form.

According to a research summary by the Just-Food.com editorial team, calcium rich Acai also provides several cardiovascular health benefits. More than maintaining skeletal strength and reducing the impact of osteoporosis, studies have shown that people who suffer from high blood pressure often also have diets low in calcium. When calcium was added to their diet, blood pressure dropped. Some research also suggest that calcium may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Also, in study of 86,000 women, calcium was found to be a factor in lowering the risk of stroke. Diets rich in calcium have also been linked to reduced occurrences of colon and breast cancer in various laboratory studies.

The generous amount of Vitamin E in Acai, twice the D.V., (Daily Value), is essential for regeneration of damaged tissue and as a protective antioxidant. In terms of cancer prevention and Intestinal function "Acai's high fiber content is very favorable to the consumers' proper intestinal function," reports Dr. Herve Rogez , "Fiber accelerates the intestinal processes and has a very important role in avoiding colon cancer. The D.V. is 35g of fibers/adult a day, Acai consumers reach this dose very easily." (2)

References
(1) Claire Madden, VP Marketing at MarketResearch.com.

(2) Biochemical and Technical Studies on Acai" by Dr. Herve Rogez 2, Sofia Pascal 2, Jesus N.S. de Souza, Arlete R. Aquino & Raphaele Buxant Dept. de Engenharia Quimica - Centro Tecnologico, Diaouiweir ria I niinnin, Beligica.

(3) National Center for Health Statistics. Annual summary of births, marriages, divorces, and deaths United States, 1993, Monthly vital statistics report-, vol 42 no 13. Hyattsville, MD: Public Health Service, 1594.

(4) American Heart Association. Heart and stroke facts 1995 statistical supplement. Dallas, TX: American Heart Association, 1994.

(5) National Cholesterol Education Program. Second report of the Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults Adult Treatment Panel II). National Heart, Lung.