Acai Berries

South America’s Super Food

Acai berries are native to Brazil and tropical rainforest areas. The acai palm, part of the plant genus Euterpe, provides purple berries the size of blueberries which are harvested and processed before eating. Natives have consumed acai berries for centuries. You may also find Acai referred to as jussara, the local name for the plant and berries.

Because acai berries break down rapidly after harvesting, outside of Brazil you will find acai as frozen berries, freeze-dried powder, or juice. Acai products provide the same healthy properties as fresh acai berries yet preserve the fruit for its journey from rainforest to table.

Health Properties of Acai Berries

Much has been made of recent stories on television and in the news about acai and its health benefits. Preliminary research indicates that acai provides some exciting health benefits, but long-term studies have yet to prove any one miraculous benefit of acai. Consuming acai appears to be safe and healthy, but it should be included as part of an overall healthy lifestyle and diet.

Antioxidant Powerhouse

Acai is an antioxidant powerhouse. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, the natural byproduct of metabolism that can damage cell DNA and eventually cause tumors and cancer. Among all fruits and berries, acai scores the highest ORAC value. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, or the ability for an item to absorb free radicals. The higher the value, the better the food is at mopping up free radicals. Because free radicals contribute to cell damage, foods that neutralize free radicals are thought to inhibit cancer formation. The University of Florida released results of a study in 2006 that presented preliminary evidence suggesting that acai can prevent some types of cancer, including inhibiting leukemia cell growth.

Acai berries also stem the signs of premature aging. The rich purple pigment, which gives the berries their characteristic color, is loaded with anthocyannins, a particular group of polyphenols which include grapes. Anthocyannins act as sunscreen for plants, protecting against UV damage. These properties transfer to any organism that eats the plants or fruits of the plant. Acai contains as much or more anthocyannins as grapes, and is great for encouraging health, radiant skin.

Essential Fatty Acids

Acai is also rich in essential fatty acids, particularly the omega-6 fatty acids. These acids appear in many foods, and the ratio or balance of various types of fatty acids contributes to health and longevity. Evidence suggests that a lack of essential fatty acids or an imbalance among the fatty acids contributes to disease formation. Acai contains a high proportion of omega-6 fatty acid, or linoleic acid.

Acai for Cardiovascular Health

Other benefits attributed to acai berries include cardiovascular benefits. Acai’s monosaturated fats, similar to that found in olives and other plant-based foods, raise HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol. Acai fruit provides a healthy dose of fiber, also useful in lowering cholesterol.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Research published in the print version of the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry in 2006 indicates that freeze-dried acai fruit pulp inhibits Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes. These enzymes are associated with inflammation. Many anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, inhibit Cox enzymes. Acai mimics this action in laboratory studies and anecdotal reports.

Great Nutrition

Acai provides an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. When you consume acai pulp, berries or juice, you are consuming as much Vitamin C as if you ate a cup of blueberries and over 1,000 IU of Vitamin A for every 100 grams of acai. Acai is a rich source of many B vitamins too. Acai also provides plenty of potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc.

How to Enjoy Acai

Consume acai as a frozen pulp, freeze-dried into a powder, Acai_Berry_Supplements or as a juice. Brazilians enjoy acai in everything from smoothies to ice cream. Acai retains its health benefits even after freezing or freeze-drying, so don’t hesitate to purchase it as a processed mix-in and include it with your favorite smoothies, beverages, and snacks. Find acai products at your local health food, whole food supermarket or grocery store.