Facts about Acai Berries
The acai berry grows on the acai palms, in the Amazon across the
floodplains in the tropical rain forests. The actual size of the
berries is almost the same as that of large blueberries or small
grapes, and they hang in huge clusters on slim stalks found at the
apex of the acai trees. Most trees grow more than 50 feet tall.
Natives in these areas have relied upon the nutrition supplied by
the acai palm and berries for centuries. The fruit has produced
around 40% of the foods consumed by the natives in the Amazon
forest.
The acai berry is small fruit which is around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in
diameter. The berries contain a large internal kernel which is
inedible; just 10-20% of each berry contain edible pulp. Many ripe
acai berries feature a color just like the purple of a plum fruit.
However, some species yield green acai fruit. Regardless of what
color the fruit is, they are all similar taste that is usually
described as a mix of ripe, mixed berries and dark chocolate.
Health Benefits of Acai Fruit
Acai berry or juice contains excellent amount of antioxidants,
vitamins and minerals that contain health advantages as well as
disease preventing benefits.
Antioxidants of the Acai Berry
Among the health advantages of the acai fruit, the antioxidants
receive the most attention. This could be due to many of the health
benefits provided by the acai berry is based on its antioxidant
content. Being antioxidant implies that the berry is able to
eliminating toxic compounds in the human body.
Antioxidants in acai berry have been greatly publicized by the
media. Various health professionals have employed the fruit to
improve the overall health of those who need help. Many even consume
them regularly for weight loss.
Workout is essential in a weight loss program. Even so, if a person
has plenty of toxic compounds in his body, which results in energy
loss, he could be reluctant to follow a rigid exercise program.
When consumed without workout, the
acai berry provides the natural
capability to help control cholesterol in your body. This is good
for weight management.
If consumed on a regular basis, the acai berry really helps to delay
the aging process, and can even aid the prevention of cancer.
Other Health Advantages of Acai Fruit
- Compared to other fruits, acai berry offers high calories and fats.
Every 100 g has 80-250 kcal based upon the technique of preparation
and serving. Actually, fresh acai fruit has been the preferred
nutritious diet of indigenous Amazonians for many centuries.
- Acai berry or juice has a great deal of polyphenolic anthocyanin
compounds such as resveratrol, ferulic acid, cyanidin-3-galactoside,
petunidin, delphinidin and pro-anthocyanidin tannins including
epicatechin, ellagic acid and protocatechuic acid. Research on all
these compounds indicates that these useful compounds have been said
to function as anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-cancer due to
their anti-free radical properties. Moreover, tannins have
anti-hemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties.
- Research also shows that ellagic acid contained in acai berry offers
anti-proliferative properties because of its capability of
preventing the DNA binding of some carcinogens, for instance
nitrosamines toxins.
- Acai berry is loaded with medium chain fatty acids including omega-6
and omega-9. All these compounds reduce LDL-cholesterol and increase
HDL-cholesterol in human body and help prevent cardiovascular
disease. Furthermore, they improve skin dryness by retaining enough
moisture within your skin.
- Acai pulp contains substantial amount of fiber. Good dietary fiber
in the diet helps eliminate cholesterol through the stools.
- Acai berry has moderate oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)
value, more than the value of oranges but lower than the value
pomegranate has.
- Acai berries are rich in minerals such as potassium, iron,
copper,
magnesium and manganese. Potassium is an essential for healthy blood
pressure and heart rate. Manganese is needed by human body as a
co-factor for superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme.
- They are abundant with vitamin K and B-complex vitamins such as
vitamin B3, vitamin B6 and vitamin B2. These vitamins work as
co-factors to help the body metabolizes fats, proteins and
carbohydrates.
Calories and Nutrition of Acai Berries
| Nutrition Facts of 100 g Acai Berries |
| Calories |
247 |
| Total Fat |
0 g |
| Cholesterol |
0 mg |
| Sodium |
0 mg |
| Total
Carbohydrates |
0 g |
| Protein |
0 g |
Recipe of Acai Berries
Acai Fruit Breakfast Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 cup acai pulp
- 1/2 cup soy milk
- 1 large banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup corn flakes
- Fresh fruit slices
Preparation:
- Mix acai pulp, soy milk and banana in an electronic mixer. Pour the
mixture into a bowl and top with the fresh fruit slices and corn
flakes.
Side Effects of Acai Berries
Are there side effects from eating acai berries? The simple answer
is no!
Acai berry is simply a fruit similar to various other fruits like
bananas or apples. You do not expect you'll get any negative effects
from consuming bananas or apples, do you? The sole difference,
nevertheless, is that you will not find acai berries at the
supermarket.
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