Acai Berries: Antioxidant Powerhouse?

Health

The acai berry (pronounced ah-sigh-EE)is one of the more exotic imports thatare currentlytaking North America by storm. Though their popularity has been fairly recent, this fruit has been studied for its medical benefitssince the 1950s. The press extols them as being super fruits, with almost magica

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The acai berry (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is one of the more exotic imports that are currently taking North America by storm. Though their popularity has been fairly recent, this fruit has been studied for its medical benefits since the 1950s.

The press extols them as being super fruits, with almost magical capabilities, including the ability to bestow longer life, extended youthful health, and facilitate easy and dramatic weight loss. The reality would be hard pressed to live up to.

But don't be too disappointed. While acai berries may not be magic, they are full of healthy antioxidants, amino acids, healthy fats, and fiber.

The berry is a reddish-purple fruit that is about an inch long, growing on the acai palm tree that originates from Central and Southern America in the Amazon region. Anthocyanins, which are a type of antioxidant, contribute its deep, reddish-purple color. Anthocyanins may offer protection from aging, bacterial infection, cancer, diabetes, inflammation, and neurological conditions.

Acai berries may contain as many, if not more antioxidants as blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Antioxidants in acai berries may help reduce the risk for cancer and heart disease along with other health conditions.

Flavonoids, another type of antioxidant, participate along with anthocyanins in the cell protection system of the body. Plenty of antioxidants in your diet may reduce the number of free radicals, thus slowing the aging and disease process.

There are many ways to enjoy acai berries. You can drink acai berry juice, energy drinks, and smoothies. You can eat them raw or in foods like ice cream or jelly. You can even get them in frozen pulp. Acai supplements are also available in tablets and in powdered form.

Acai berries are for more than just eating. They are used in beauty products like cosmetics. Acai oil has been even been studied to determine if it would be good in beauty products like anti-aging skin treatments, creams, conditioners, and shampoos.

It's important to note that acai berries may be something you to avoid, given you have an allergy to pollen or other berries. Moreover, you should be aware that the presence of acai berry in a product is not a guarantee of an absence of added sugars. Be sure to check the labels!

An acai berry is 95 percent seed, leaving only 5 percent of the berry to go into acai products, so the price of such products can be high. You may or may not decide that it's worth the price. Other berries may offer similar health benefits at a lower price.

Jody Smith is a freelance writer for Empowher.com

Sources:

Acai berries: Do they have health benefits?

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acai/AN01836

Acai Berries and Acai Berry Juice -- What Are the Health Benefits?

http://www.webmd.com/diet/acai-berries-and-acai-berry-juice-what-are-the-health-benefits

Acai: Weight Loss Wonder Fruit?

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/acai-weight-loss-wonder-fruit

Acai Berries - Origin, History & Health Benefits of Acai Berries

http://www.advancedalternativescenter.com/Origin_History_Health_Benefits_of_Acai_Berries_s/184.htm