They’re small, round, and almost the same color as blueberries. Acai berries offer many health benefits that make this a worldwide superfood. Whether you’re snacking on these berries one by one, or you’re eating a delicious acai bowl, these berries are perfect to include in your diet.
If you’re interested in learning about what this small berry can do for you, keep reading. This article will detail the facts and benefits of acai.
What Are Acai Berries?
Acai berries are small and round black-purple-colored berries that grow on the top of Acai palm trees, which are native to regions in Central and South America. In particular, you can find these acai berries and palm trees in the Amazon rainforest, where native local populations harvest berries either for food or for sale.
For centuries, these berries have been a staple in the diets of native local populations around the Amazon river delta. However, rumors of the health benefits of acai have traveled far beyond the forest.
They may be small, but acai berries pack quite a punch. In the little amount of pulp (equivalent to 20-40% of the fruit) that envelopes the acai seed in the middle, the berry contains high levels of:
- antioxidants
- fiber
- calcium
- omega fatty acids
- anthocyanins
Nature is giving, and these tiny berries are proof of this. They say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well we say, a few of these berries every day, the greater your health.
The health benefits of acai are numerous. In this next section, you’ll learn some of the touted benefits of acai.
Potential Benefits of Acai
These berries live up to their name of being a worldwide superfood. They contain almost all the essential amino acids and minerals that your body needs to support regular body functioning. However, that’s not all the facts about acai that you should know. Here are some acai benefits that may make you want to pick some up for yourself.
Anti Aging Effects
These berries are not only delicious to snack on, but they’re jam-packed with antioxidants, which offer great anti-aging effects.
For this reason, many cosmetics and skincare companies have incorporated a form of acai berries or their extract, into their skincare products. While these products may offer a solution to common skin problems, you can achieve similar anti-aging effects by eating the berries on their own.
Acai berries are great for protecting the skin barrier, nourishing deep within the skin, and treating any fine lines. As a result, you’re left with supple, healthy, and young-looking skin.
Improved Brain Function
Like many berries, acai berries contain loads of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body’s cells against free radical damage. Because the brain is a high-metabolic activity area, it is more susceptible to free radical damage than other parts of the body, and it can result in memory loss.
Consuming foods high in antioxidants, which acai berries are, can help to protect the brain and improve brain functions.
Lower Cholesterol Levels
Acai berries may be able to lower overall cholesterol in the body and in particular, the bad type of cholesterol–LDL.
A study on a group of overweight adults that incorporated acai smoothies into their diet twice a day for a whole month, found that there was an overall reduction in cholesterol levels for these individuals.
While further studies are needed to corroborate these findings, it doesn’t hurt to try incorporating these berries into your diet.
Decreased Risk of Cancer
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, help to decrease your risk of getting cancer. Many berries including strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries help to fight cancer.
While acai berries are not on their list, these berries are rich in anthocyanins, which is an important compound found in the other types of cancer-fighting berries.
Anthocyanins are flavonoids and antioxidants that prevent oxidative stress, which is an important contributor to cancer.
By consuming acai berries along with other types of cancer-fighting berries, these fruits can help to reverse oxidative stress and decrease your risk of cancer.
How To Eat Acai
If you’re trying to learn how to eat healthier, acai berries make the perfect addition to your diet. Not only do these berries offer immense health benefits, but they’re also delicious to pop into any kind of snack.
Here are the two of the most common ways you can start eating healthy with acai berries.
Acai Bowls
Think, a delicious, thick, smoothie served with a variety of frozen berries including acai berries, strawberries, and blueberries. These bowls are perfect for starting your day off right with a combination of nutritious fruits. These acai smoothie recipes will have you reveling in wonder about the natural foods and gifts of the planet.
Acai Chia Pudding
Acai chia puddings are not only delicious–they’re sugar-free. This easy breakfast idea takes about 10 minutes to prep, and they’re ready by the time you wake up in the morning.
Start by whisking together chia seeds, maple syrup, and milk. Store it in a container and let it sit and thicken overnight in the fridge.
In the morning, blend your acai berries, milk, some maple syrup, and other fruits and berries of your choice, and layer that on top of your chia seed pudding. Top it off fresh or frozen fruits, and enjoy!
Acai: A Delicious Superfood
The foods you eat nourish your body from inside out. It’s important to incorporate healthy eating habits into your daily routine to improve your health.
These superfood berries have long fed and sustained local native populations in Brazil. The world is only now figuring out the benefits of acai and how to whip up delicious recipes with these berries.
If you’re looking for ways to spice up your morning routines, try adding acai berries.
For more delicious food ideas, check out our health and lifestyle sections!
