The Acai berry is a small, round purplish fruit similar to a grape with a large seed and lesser pulp and is one of the secrets of the Amazon. With a formidable antioxidant property (that helps prevent cancer), compared to grapes and blueberries, its benefits are manifold.
Apart from the antioxidant properties, it also helps reduce cholesterol levels, fight infections and boost energy. Produced twice a year from palms, it has only a day's lifespan in its natural form
This wonder-fruit is high in proteins, fiber, Vitamin-E, minerals and cholesterol-reducing Omega oils along with a favourable fatty acid ratio a la Olive oil with heart-friendly properties. It also a natural fat-controller, an answer to the weight-conscious millions in the world. Acai Berry has now become yet another commercially viable product in the Americas and the Mediterranean, being used in ice-creams, juices, wines and the like.
The Main Constituents
The primary constituents in the Acai Berry are anthocyanins, a type of flavonoids known for their anti-oxidant activities. The pulp contains between 10-30 times more anthocyanins than red wine. The main components of anthocyanins are cyaniding-3 glucosides. These have been found effective in treating fibrocystic diseases of the breast and in diabetic retinopathy.
The fatty acid proportion Açaí of oleic acid (56.2% of total), palmitic acid (24.1% of total), and linoleic acid (12.5% of total), and also beta-sitosterol (78-91% of total sterols) which are just suited to promote a healthy heart. Linoleic Acid has the unique capacity to decrease both HL and LDL types of cholesterol thus maintaining a balance in the cholesterol levels. The acids also help in the absorption of Vitamin-A, E, D and K. The Phytosterols, a group of Steroid alcohols mainly found in plants and also present in the berry contribute towards lowering the cholesterol levels of blood plasma.
Claimed benefits
- Better energy levels,
- Better digestive function ,
- Better mental clarity/focus
- Sound sleep
- Lesser free radical content
- Very high levels of fibers
- Cleansing and Detoxifying the body of infectious toxins
- Strengthening the immune system
- Enhancing sexual desire and performance
- Slowing down the aging process
- Promoting healthier and younger-looking skin
- Alleviating diabetes
- Lesser inflammation
- Better circulation
- Preventing arthrosclerosis
- Enhancing visual acuity
What more?
Calcium: Having a sufficient calcium level, Acai Berry can play a significant role in preventing osteoporosis. Apart from this, it helps to strengthen the bones and prevent fractures, mainly around the hip, spine, and wrist. It also helps alleviate Menstrual Pain and promote healthy teeth and gums.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The fiber in the Acai berry helps to the flow of nutrients through the arteries and digestive track. They contain Omega-3 fatty acids that can also contribute to a healthy skin through better circulation and protein content.
Macro minerals: Macro minerals are commonly found minerals that are required for the overall functioning of a healthy body. Acai juice is one of the richest sources of these minerals. phosphorous, magnesium, sulfur and Potassium are the main macro minerals that are essential and usually deficient in people. Sulfur helps reduce acne, magnesium helps women with menopausal complications, and potassium promotes a healthy heart.
Low glycemic index: The glycemic index is a relative ranking of carbohydrates based on their effect on blood glucose or blood sugar levels. The faster the carbohydrates breakdown during digestion, the higher is their glycemic index. Food with a low index is digested and absorbed slowly causing an increase in the blood sugar and insulin levels thus helping diabetics. This also helps control weight because as hunger is delayed. The side benefits include prolonged fitness levels and physical endurance.
High celadrin levels: How much ever one exercises and keeps fit, ageing gradually happens. Yet even this natural process can be slowed down by the Acai berry due to it is stress-countering effects that help repair the body.
Acai berry contains celadrin, which is a natural anti-inflammatory compound of fatty acids derived from bovine tallow oil. It is lubricates the membrane at the joints and the bones and advance the joint function. The berry also contains Glucosamine, a supplement to celadrin that helps to build healthy cartilage in the body.
This wonder-fruit seems to be twenty-first century's age-old answer to most of its problems provided one keeps oneself healthy with the right kind of food and exercise.