Nutrition

Superfood Spotlight: Acai

04/04/2018

WHAT IS ACAI?

Acai bowls have risen in popularity, and you might be wondering what exactly is acai? The best part is the pronunciation of this berry, pronounced, a- sae- e. All berries contain high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients and the acai berry is no different. It is a deep purple reddish fruit that originates from the acai palm tree found in Central and South America.

BENEFITS OF ACAI

ANTIOXIDANT
Acai has a very high antioxidant capacity, and it can enter human cells in fully functional form and reactive oxygen species (ROS) usually known as free radicals, to damage the cell .

HEART HEALTH
The anthocyanins in all berries support healthy cholesterol levels and in turn, a healthy heart.

BRAIN HEALTH
The high polyhenolic content of acai has a protective effect on the neurons in the brain and helps to reduce inflammatory signals.

ANTI-TUMOR
Acai has also been found to have anti-tumor effects in breast cancer patients.

Foods with antioxidants have great benefits in the first place and studies continue to find more benefits of acai.

HOW TO EAT
Some of these studies were done using on the berry’s powder which is frozen, some with the extract, and others with the fruit pulp. The best source would be the fresh berry itself. Acai added to smoothie and smoothie bowls is the most way popular to eat it and would be made from the berry powder. Studies did not say what amount one would have to digest to get all of the benefits. Antioxidants are definitely rich in this fruit in every form, but eating fresh berries tops the low dose powder form hands down. If using powder, add 1 tsp to a smoothie bowl for extra berry flavor and an antioxidant hit.