Acai
has been a staple of the diets of Brazilians for centuries, who
discovered long ago the little berry is a healthy snack. Picked fresh
from the tree and eaten immediately, Brazilians have used the berries
to treat a multitude of digestive issues and skin problems, as well.
Acai berries are extremely high in anthocyanins and flavonoids, both
powerful antioxidants. Studies have proven that antioxidants neutralize
free radials, which contribute to disease and the aging process. Acai
has more antioxidants than cranberries, raspberries or even
blueberries. With all of the data discovered, there seems to be no
limit to the acai health benefits.
Acai
Health Benefits Exposed
This
is a lot to accomplish for a little berry whose flesh totals only about
10% of the whole fruit. The Brazilians have concluded that the effort
is worth it. The reason is that skin and pulp of the fruit are packed
full of nutrients, like calcium, iron and Vitamin A, as well as the
beneficial antioxidants. Acai health benefits include: Low-calorie
(three and a half ounces of acai puree contains 90 calories); low-fat
(2 grams of unsaturated fat, like the fat in olive oil) and no
cholesterol. It also packs in 3.5 grams of fiber and provides
anthocyanins in amounts that exceed those in red wine.
What
You Need to Know About Acai Health Benefits
Scientists
are still discovering all of acai’s health benefits. Studies
strongly support the use of antioxidants in defense of disease and ill
health. Studies reveal that acai contains substantial amounts of plant
sterols, which have been shown to lower cholesterol and boost immune
function. Brazil’s Federal University of Rio de Janeiro has
conducted research that suggests acai has infection-fighting
capabilities against staphylococcus aureus and from the schistosomisis
parasite. The University of Florida discovered that the antioxidants in
the berry actually killed cancer cells! More studies are needed, but
this bodes well for this little black berry.
