Acai: its properties and health and beauty benefits

Published: 08/02/2014 - Updated: 11/12/2018

Acai is a berry native to Para, Brasil.  It grows on “acaizero” trees; tall and thin palm tress that small children the the region learn to climb from early ages.  It is one of the antioxidant fruits that is gaining popularity because of it several health and beauty benefits.  It is rejuvenating (prevents premature skin aging), among other things.

What is the fruit like?

Its scientific name is Euterpe oleracea, but is commonly known as Acai.  It is a small fruit, similar to blueberries or grapes.  It is small, and has a deep, dark purple color, and grows in the Amazons.

Acai properties

• ANTIOXIDANT: This fruit is primarily an antioxidant.  It contains a calculated 33 times more antioxidants than a black grape.
• ENERGETIC: This fruit provides lots of energy, lots of vitality and endurance, which is useful for athletes and active people.
• REJUVENATING: Because of its high antioxidant content, they rejuvenate the body, helping fight free radicals.
• CLEANSING: When eaten before breakfast, this tiny fruit is good for helping cleans the body.
• STRENGTHENS IMMUNITY: Its high content of Ellagic Acid (a polyphenol) helps fight bacteria and viruses.
• CHOLESTEROL: It is very good at fighting and preventing cardiovascular disease.  Its fiber content, antioxidant effect, and high fatty acid content make fat absorption more difficult, which prevents them from oxidizing and turning into cholesterol. Needless to say, this helps lower harmful cholesterol levels.
• CONSTIPATION: The high content of natural fiber helps fight constipation.
• NERVOUS SYSTEM: Fatty acids help strengthen and maintain a healthy nervous system.  This is recommended for people who suffer from nervous conditions.
• NUTRITION (protein content): Contains 16 amino acids, making it recommendable for vegetarians and high performance athletes searching for quality proteins.
• REINVESTMENT OF MINERALS: Contains several minerals, like calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, and above all, has high amounts of potassium (930 mg. per 10 grams).  It is also rich in vitamin E (45 mg per 100 grams), vitamin C (20 mg), and B group vitamins.
• RICH IN FATTY ACIDS: Contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 (Oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid, etc.).

Acai can be eaten like grapes, or drank as a juice.  In the Amazons, it is eaten as ice cream.

References

1. Schauss, A. G., Wu, X., Prior, R. L., Ou, B., Huang, D., Owens, J., … Shanbrom, E. (2006). Antioxidant Capacity and Other Bioactivities of the Freeze-Dried Amazonian Palm Berry, Euterpe oleraceae Mart. (Acai). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 54(22), 8604–8610.
2. Costa, A. G. V., Garcia-Diaz, D. F., Jimenez, P., & Silva, P. I. (2013). Bioactive compounds and health benefits of exotic tropical red–black berries. Journal of Functional Foods, 5(2), 539–549.
3. Yamaguchi, K. K. de L., Pereira, L. F. R., Lamarao, C. V., Lima, E. S., & da Veiga-Junior, V. F. (2015). Amazon acai: chemistry and biological activities: a review. Food Chemistry, 179, 137–151.
4. de Moura, R. S., & Resende, A. C. (2016). Cardiovascular and Metabolic Effects of Acai, an Amazon Plant. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 68(1), 19–26.

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