What is the Acai Berry?

The Acai berry is the leading fruit, by weight, in MonaVie. The Acai has been harvested and consumed for centuries and consumed by theYanomami Indians who, as NBC Today reported (5/13/2003), “have believed for centuries that the Acai holds unique power…and is believed to help women after birth and to give anyone who drinks it a burst of energy.”

Brazilian folklore has made the Acai berry a legendary treatment for numerous ailments, and the natives often refer to it as the “Amazon Viagra” or “the Wine of the Amazon.” But it is only in the last 3-5 years that the benefits of the Acai were discovered by the Brazilian elite and North Americans who ate the imported and highly perishable berry primarily as a frozen slush.

The astounding properties of the Acai are quickly gaining recognition worldwide. Dr.Nicolas Perricone in his book, The Perricone Promise as featured on The Oprah Winfrey show, lists the Acai as the world’s number one “superfood for age-defying beauty.” Vogue magazine calls it “the next big workout cocktail.” (6/03) The Washington Post writes, the Acai “has a beguiling berry-like flavor with intense chocolate overtones.” (8/11/02) The US Health Sciences Institute describes Acai as “nature’s perfect food”.

Scientifically, the Acai berry stands up to the praise and the scrutiny. This little, dark purple berry that dangles in clusters from the 25 foot Acai palm, nutritionally, has the ingredients of an ideal food:

• the protein profile of an egg


• essential fatty acids (omega 3,6, and 9) similar to olive oil


• a low glycemic index


• a leading source of anthocyanins, often reported as 30 times that of the protective potential of red wine. (Of the many attributes of anthocyanins is its anti-inflammatory qualities)
  
• high in fiber


• more than 16 phytonutrients and anti-oxidants


• copious amounts of trace (i.e. Co, Cr, Cu, Mo) and macro minerals (i.e. Ca, Fe)
  packed with vitamins, including natural vitamin E (mixed tocopherols andtocotrienols)


• an excellent source of plant sterols, particularly Beta-Sitosterol which is associated with cholesterol lowering capabilities

Click here for more information about the Acai Berry.

Nineteen Fruits in a Bottle

What is Mona Vie?
Simply put, Mona Vie is comprised of nineteen different fruits. In addition to the Acai berry, there are 18 fruits: White grape, Nashipear,Acerola, Pear,Aronia, Grape, Cranberry, Passionfruit, Banana,Apricot, Prune, Kiwi, Blueberry, Bilberry, Wolfberry, Pomegranate,Lychee, and Camu berry.

Only 17% of the population consumes the recommended 2 to 3 servings of a variety of fruits each day. By not getting our recommended intake of fruits, we are missing out on the health benefits of vitamins, antioxidants, phytonutrients and fiber, needed for optimal health and disease prevention. Hence, the development of MonaVie, the perfect blend of nineteen rare and lesser-consumed fruits from around the world. One serving of MonaVie each day contains a variety of the most nutritionally dense fruits available for families on the go and picky-eating children.

But how does it taste?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions. It is unlike any fruit juice commercially available. The following are the key ingredients of this exotic blend:

Acai Berry
The Acai Berry is truly a wonderful plant. Acai Berries grow on an Amazon Palm Tree and have been prized for hundreds of years by Brazilian natives for their ability to provide a sense of strength, energy, and a high nutritional content. Acai Berries are high in essential fatty acids & omegas -- 60% Oleic (omega 9) - a monounsaturated essential fatty acid which helps to lower LDL (harmful cholesterol), while maintaining HDL ( beneficial cholesterol). 12% Linoleic (omega 6) - a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid which has also been found to lower LDL, while maintaining HDL. Acai also contains many valuable Phytosterols. Sterols are compounds of plant cell membranes providing numerous benefits to the Human body, namely the reduction of blood plasma cholesterol.

Acerola
Acerola juice is as common and popular in Brazil as orange juice is in North America. As a natural remedy in Brazil, a handful of fresh fruit is eaten for fever and dysentery. It is also used there as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, stimulant for the liver and renal systems, diuretic, and to support heart function as well as to heal wounds. It is employed as a nutritive aid for anemia, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, liver problems, rheumatism, tuberculosis, and during convalescence. In North America, the use of acerola is mostly based on its high content of vitamin C, which has long been thought in conventional and alternative health practices as a powerful antioxidant.

Apricot
The unique mix of compounds found in apricots also makes this fruit a good choice for helping to fight heart disease. Along with beta-carotene, apricots contain the other powerful anti-oxidants, Vitamin C and lycopene. Combined, these compounds help protect against cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Aronia Berry
Aronia (also known as chokeberry) berries contains very high levels of anthocyanins (source of red color) and flavonoids. Levels of anthocyanins and flavonoids are over five times greater than those found in cranberries. Aronia also has been reported to contain antioxidants, polyphenols, minerals and vitamins. It has been alleged that some of these chemicals specifically reduce the potential for cancer, stimulating circulation, protecting the urinary tract, and strengthening the heart.

Banana
Bananas Contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Bilberry
Bilberry's strong antioxidant composition makes it an excellent free radical scavenger, which helps counteract cell damage that leads to premature aging and disease. It's most noted benefit, however, is its ability to treat a myriad of problems related to eye health. For example, it supports and protects collagen structures in the blood vessels of the eyes, promoting healthy capillaries that carry vital nutrients -- such as oxygen-rich blood -- to eye muscles and nerves. Studies have shown it to be useful for protecting against macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, night blindness, and just generally poor or fading vision. Clinical studies have even confirmed that if given orally it improves visual accuracy in healthy people.

Blueberry
Blueberries are not only a powerful antioxidant but also have been proved to preserve vision. Blueberry extract, high in compounds called anthocyanosides, has been found in clinical studies to slow down visual loss. If you don't have them available in your area fresh then purchase the frozen blueberries in the bag in your grocery.

Camu Camu
Camu-camu is a great source of natural vitamin C. In addition, it comes with many other naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that may well help with the absorption and efficient uptake of vitamin C. This is thought to be superior to just taking an ascorbic acid tablet alone. Don't believe some of the more far-reaching and far-fetched marketing claims that are in the marketplace today, however. The only studied and verified health benefit today regarding camu-camu is based upon its vitamin C content-and not other "mysterious" chemicals that surround it.

Cranberry
While cranberry is perhaps best known for its effect on urinary tract health, newer research indicates that it may act elsewhere in the body against other bacteria as well. The adhesion of the different types of bacteria that cause both stomach ulcers, and periodontal gum disease, have been shown to be inhibited in the presence of cranberry, and it is likely that others susceptible bacteria will be found as well.

Kiwi
In the world of phytonutrient research, kiwifruit has fascinated researchers for its ability to protect DNA in the nucleus of human cells from oxygen-related damage. Researchers are not yet certain which compounds in kiwi give it this protective antioxidant capacity, but they are sure that this healing property is not limited to those nutrients most commonly associated with kiwi fruit, including its vitamin C or beta-carotene content. Since kiwi contains a variety of flavonoids and carotenoids that have demonstrated antioxidant activity, these phytonutrients in kiwi may be responsible for this DNA protection.

Lychee

The lychee fruit is about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size, oval to rounded heart shaped and the bumpy skin is red in color. Once you peel the skin off, the crisp juicy flesh of a lychee fruit is white or pinkish, translucent and glossy like the consistency of a grape, but the taste is sweeter. Lychees have a sub acid sweet taste and have a wonderful freshness to them that is hard to describe. Lychee fruit is high in the antioxidant Vitamin C and the essential mineral Potassium.

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.

Pear
Pears offer a good source of vitamin C, folate, and dietary fiber. One medium-sized Pear contains less than 100 calories. Most of the vitamin C in Pears is in the skin, so they should be eaten unpeeled. Providing some iron and potassium, Pears contain pectin, a soluble fiber that helps control cholesterol levels, and cellulose, an insoluble fiber that promotes normal bowel function.
Pear are packed not only with flavor, but fiber.

Passion Fruit
Passion fruit is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and iron. One passion fruit has only 16 calories. When eaten with the seeds, a serving is an excellent source of fiber.

Pomegranate
The health benefits of pomegranate juice are becoming more widely known. Because of this, in turn, there is currently a great deal of research being conducted on it. The current info on pomegranate juice is that it is very beneficial for us becauseof the antioxidants it contains. We may soon seen pomegranate supplement extracts manufactured and sold because the extract is being studied for posssible anti-cancer properties.

Prunes
Prunes are a great source of fiber, which has been documents to possibly reduce the risk of certain cancers. Prunes are also good sources of Vitamin A - important for healthy skin and hair and proper bone development; Potassium - a necessary electrolyte; Iron - for health red blood cells; Vitamin C - important for development of bones, muscles, blood vessels, teeth and helps in the adsorption of iron. Foods that contribute small amounts of Vitamin C, like prunes, can add up when eaten often; Folic Acid - necessary for metabolism regulation, helps protect against heart disease and stroke. Especially important for seniors who usually have reduced blood folic acid levels; Phytochemicals - Scientists are now just discovering the amazing healing powers naturally occurring in many different plant foods. Prunes are especially high in antioxidant activity - chemicals that protect against cellular damage and are believed to protect the body by quenching up free radicals and thus protecting against heart disease, cancer, eye disorders like cataracts and macular degeneration, and other chronic health problems.

Purple Grapes
In a study in which blood samples were drawn from 20 healthy volunteers both before and after they drank grape juice, researchers found several beneficial effects from their juice consumption. First, an increase occured in levels of nitric oxide, a compound produced in the body that helps reduce the formation of clots in blood vessels. Second, a decrease occured in platelet aggregation, or blood clotting, by red blood cells. Lastly, researchers saw an increase in levels of alpha-tocopherol, an antioxidant compound that is a member of the same family to which vitamin E belongs, and this increase was accompanied by a 50% increase in plasma antioxidant activity.

Wolfberry
Wolfberry fruits are used in many herbal formulas to maintain overall health when suffering from chronic conditions, such as weariness of the loins and legs, dizziness and ringing in the ear, visual degeneration, headaches, insomnia, chronic liver diseases, diabetes, tuberculosis, and hypertension. Ancient people used wolfberry fruit to make tea, soup, stew and wine or chewed them like raisins. Scientists in modern China have extensively studied wolfberry fruits, their nutrients and their medical benefits. They have further substantiated the ancient medical applications such as: maintain healthy immune system (including specific and non-specific immune response), improving eye conditions, support healthy liver function, maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar. Wolfberry is also an excellent herb for anti-oxidant and anti-aging.

White Grapes
In addition to being a tasty nutritional food, grapes can provide wonderful therapeutic benefits. Grapes are rich in phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A and C. They contain polyphenol, a heart protective chemical. Grapes provide a source of carbohydrate with added benefit of being sodium free. Grapes are fat-, sodium-, and cholesterol-free, and are a good source of vitamin C. Grapes also contain phytonutrients that are thought to prevent heart disease, inhibit tumor growth, and prevent cell damage from everyday wear and tear. About 85 calories are in 1 1/2 cups. Eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables lowers the chances of cancer.