Acai, also known as “super berry” or “the miracle berry of the Amazon,” is powerful antioxidant-filled fruit w
hose qualities are worth a second look. Its high level of antioxidants alone render it an important health food, but there is much more to this little berry than just that. While studies are still being done on this wildly popular berry, research shows it to have contain a number of healthy and beneficial nutrients, such as vitamins, fatty acids, fiber, protein, and more.
Why is Acai So Healthy For You?
The acai berry is a good source of protein and fiber. One of the reasons for such a high protein content is the amount of amino acids (the building block of protein) it contains within. In fact, it contains a whopping 19 different amino acids. In case you don’t know why protein is good for you, let me explain; Proteins are the basic building blocks for our body. They allow our body to grow, heal, fight off sickness, and maintain good health. Fiber is important because it aids in digestion and even helps in lowering bad cholesterol. This healthy makeup of protein and fiber is just one of the reasons why adding the acai berry into your eating habits its a good idea.
Lets talk about another benefit offered by the acai berry – the rich content of antioxidants, and believe me the acai berry has plenty of them. Recent studies have shown it to have nearly ten times the antioxidant content of a grape. These antioxidants are beneficial to your health when consumed, because they fight off cell damaging free radicals.There are a number of different antioxidants contained in acai fruit, but one of the most important ones are anthocyanins. These anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that gives acai berries its natural purple color. Now thats something to think about!
In addition to the many benefits we’ve already mentioned, the acai berry is a great source of vitamins A, E, and B6. Its phytosterol content enhances immune function and reduces blood cholesterol levels, and its high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids may also contribute to its usefulness in the battle against heart disease. Besides all that, its flavor is often described as a cross between berries and chocolate. It doesn’t get much better than that!
If you want to get the benefits from acai berries, there are more than just one way to consume them. You can find them in the following forms:
- Juices – Probably one of the most common methods on consuming acai is by drinking the juice. This allows you to get the benefits while enjoying its unique and delicious flavor. You can usually find acai juice available at the grocery store, health store, or online.
- Berries – You could just keep it simple and eat the berries plain. However, it can oftentimes be difficult to locate plan acai berries, because they spoil quickly after being harvested.
- Pulp – The pulp of the acai fruit is said to be the most nutritious parts of it. Many people eat the pulp or mix it with other foods, such as granola, for a quick and tasty snack.
- Supplements – A new and effective way of getting the benefits of acai is by taking acai supplements. These are fairly new to the market and its important to make sure you know what exactly is in the supplement before taking it.
- Others – People are always discovering new ways to enjoy the acai berry. Keep an eye out at the grocery store to see what acai foods you can find.
North American blueberries and black raspberries will now have to share the limelight with the acai berry as a valuable tool in the quest for optimal well-being, as medical professionals and the general public learn to employ simple drinks and supplements as powerful boosts to their health.
Tags: healthy acai berry, Healthy Eating, healthy eating acai
Love your blog, For your next post, perhaps you can address the issue of eating healthy.