What are the Benefits of the Acai Berry?
The Acai berry is an amazing superfood native to South America. This fruit of the acai palm, which grows in Brazil and Peru is 90% seed and 10% pulp; they also have a very high fat content, meaning they do not last long in their fresh state and are generally unavailable fresh outside of the areas where grown. However, the pulp can be frozen or freeze dried and powdered for export.
Both in powdered and frozen forms, the aci berry is packed with fiber, protein, calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. Acai berry powder is a good source of antioxidants, having more antioxidant compounds than tea, orange juice or red wine. The antioxidant present in the acai berry (Anthocynanin) provides a number of health benefits - this fruit is the most nutritious edible berry in the world, according to the ORAC.
Consuming Acai berry in most of its forms improves the functioning of the digestive system and helps stimulate brain responses. The fiber content of the berry detoxifies the body effectively. This leads to healthier and more radiant looking skin.
Acai berries also fights cancer, has a higher protein content than eggs and is beneficial to circulatory function and some say it even increases libido. There are also powerful anti-inflammatory properties possessed by this berry and it is helpful for managing the symptoms of diabetes.
Oprah Winfrey says about the Acai berry: “This little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world. It can often be found in juice form in health food and gourmet stores.” No wonder it is considered to be the new age power food.
The high protein content of the acai berry can keep cholesterol levels under control and stimulate the digestive system. Acai is a heart healthy food too; the omega 3 fatty acids it contains are as effective for your health as the ones found in olive oil! The fatty acids and vitamin E found in the acai helps keep your skin looking youthful.
You can enjoy acai in a number of ways. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to find fresh acai berries, they can be eaten as they are. However, the frozen pulp and acai powder can be mixed into smoothies and milkshakes, stirred into yogurt or made into desserts.
The acai berry is high on energy and antioxidants due to which athletes swear by this berry. Another positive side of having this fruit is that it is economical instead of spending loads of cash on expensive protein shakes, energy supplement capsules and drinks you can easily opt for this natural power food instead. It is also more easily available than it was before.