Sambazon Acai Part of a Low Glycemic Diet

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., July 27 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent scientific evaluation of Sambazon's Original™ Acai Berry Juice concluded that it is a low glycemic index (GI) beverage, lower than most fruit-based beverages, including orange juice, and many whole fruits.

The evaluation, conducted by Glycemic Index Laboratories through a study of glycemic levels in 10 human participants, found that Sambazon Original™ Acai Berry Juice scored a GI of 24.2 (out of 100), which meets the criteria for a low GI food. This is almost half that of orange juice, which has a GI of 46 according to the Glycemic Index database.

Sambazon's Original™ Acai Berry Juice is made with more than 120 acai berries per 10.5 ounces and contains powerful antioxidants, healthy omega fats, fiber, protein and less sugar than many juices. This unique nutritional profile helps the body digest nutrients and contributes to the food's low GI.

"Our clinical trial results show that Sambazon's Original™ Acai Berry Juice has a low glycemic index," says Alexandra Jenkins, Director of Research at Glycemic Index Laboratories. "We recommend that low GI foods be included in the diet because they minimize fluctuations in glucose and insulin levels. Low GI diets have also been shown to reduce the risk of some chronic diseases."

According to experts, low GI foods are digested more slowly and release carbohydrates and energy benefits over time instead of a rush of energy and subsequent drop in blood sugar levels that can occur with higher glycemic foods.

A low GI diet has also been shown to help protect against chronic diseases. Research by the Harvard School of Public Health indicates that the risks of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease are strongly related to GI levels. Additionally, the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization recognize the glycemic index and cite various studies that suggest low GI foods may help prevent heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

"Our Original™ Acai Berry Juice has a low GI because it contains naturally occurring nutrients that work together to provide sustained energy and health benefits to the body," says Jeremy Black, co-founder of Sambazon. "Brazilians have been eating acai for centuries because of the health benefits it provides and we're proud to deliver high quality acai products to consumers."

A review of the Glycemic Index database did not reveal any other fruit-based juices that have a lower GI than Sambazon's Original™ Acai Berry Juice. It is about half the GI level of orange juice and even has a lower GI than many prominent whole fruits, including blueberries, grapes, oranges, apples and bananas.

About Sambazon:

Sambazon is the global leader in acai. Founded in 2000 as the first company to bring the antioxidant-rich acai berry from the Amazon to North America, Sambazon's mission is to deliver high quality, organic acai products to the planet. Sambazon's product line of Organic Acai Juice and Smoothies, Frozen Acai Smoothie Packs and Sorbets and Acai Supplements are enjoyed by world-class athletes and health-conscious consumers everywhere. Products are available at major retail stores and juice bars across North America including Whole Foods, Publix, Kroger, HEB, Albertsons and Vitamin Shoppe. Sambazon is also a leader among organic foods and sustainable agriculture. In November of 2006, Sambazon was named a winner of the Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence for helping to create worldwide awareness and demand for the acai fruit. Sambazon pioneered the first of its kind Fair Trade and Certified Organic supply chain of acai which benefits thousands of local families and protects the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest through sustainable agriculture. Sambazon is the largest vertically integrated supplier and marketer of acai products, controlling every step of the manufacturing process to ensure sustainable and organic origin of the fruit as well as the highest level quality, nutrition, taste. To learn more about Sambazon Acai and creating positive change in the Amazon and beyond please visit us at www.sambazon.com.

SOURCE Sambazon