22 Amazing Benefits of Acai Berries
Acai berries are delicious fruit berries that provide several health and beauty benefits due to the presence of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and polyphenols, etc in them. The first known use of these round reddish-purple berries is by natives of amazon tribes for curing several ailments. These berries are mainly found in the rain forests of South America
What Are The Nutritional Values Of Acai Berries
Eating 100 grams of pure acai berries provides
- 70 calories of energy
- 5 grams of fat
- 1 gram of protein
- 1 gram of dietary fiber
- 4 grams of carbohydrates
- 750 IU of vitamin A
- 20 milligrams of calcium
Because of the essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, etc in the acai berries, they provide several health and beauty benefits like improved cardiovascular system, better immunity, reduced cholesterol risk, etc.
Source-Pixabay.comHealth Benefits Of Acai Berries
(1) Helps In Removing Toxins From Our System
The detoxifying properties of acai berries aids in the elimination of toxins, pollutants, impurities, and other unwanted substances from our bodies.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the acai berries protect our cell and tissues from the free radical damage, and also helps with the efficient elimination of toxins from our system.
Dietary fibers in the acai berries also help with detoxification.
By helping with the detoxification, acai berries reduce the level of toxins and other unwanted substances from our bodies. When there are fewer toxins in our system, it reduces the burden of detoxification from our vital organs like the liver and kidneys to some extent and promotes other functions they need to perform.
(2) Aids In Weight Loss
Consuming acai berries in moderation helps with weight loss because of the various nutritional compounds in them.
The fatty acid in acai berries speeds up metabolism and helps in getting rid of stubborn fat(excessive calories).
The dietary fibers in the acai berries provide satiety which means it keeps our stomach fuller for a longer duration, decreases our urge to eat again and again, and thus helps in controlling overeating which is a prime cause of obesity.
Eating 100 grams of acai berries provides 70 calories of energy which is neither too high nor too low.
As long as a person consumes acai berries in moderation, one can safely enjoy the amazing benefits provided by these delicious berries without worrying about weight gain.
(3) Regulates Blood Sugar Level
Moderate consumption of acai berries is good for diabetic patients and also for individuals who are at the risk of developing diabetes.
Acai berries have a low glycemic index which means they slowly release sugar into the bloodstream, prevent a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, and thus aids in managing diabetes.
Dietary fibers in the acai berries slow down the absorption of sugar by the bloodstream, and thus regulates blood sugar level.
(4) Improves Neurological Health
Acai berries are good for our brain and improve our neurological health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the acai berries protect our brain cells aka neurons from free radical damage, and thus reduces the risk of various neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia, and dementia, etc.
Iron, potassium and magnesium, etc present in the acai berries provide cognitive benefits like a sharper memory, better concentration, reduced brain fog or confusion, increased alertness, etc.
Iron in the acai berries improves blood circulation in our brain and allows it to function at an optimal level.
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(5) Improves Cardiovascular Health
Vitamins, minerals, and other essential compounds in acai berries strengthen our heart and improves our cardiovascular health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the acai berries protect our heart and overall cardiovascular system from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals, and thus reduces the risk of various cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, etc.
The dietary fibers in the acai berries aids in managing cholesterol levels, and thus reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in them and is a leading cause of various cardiovascular issues like heart attack, heart stroke and coronary artery diseases.
Potassium in the acai berries provides relief from high blood pressure, and thus improves our cardiovascular health.
Other nutrients like iron, magnesium, and zinc, etc also play a significant role in improving our cardiovascular health.
(6) Promotes Digestive Health
Consuming acai berries improves our digestive health due to the abundance of essential nutrients in them.
The laxative properties of the dietary fibers in acai berries improve bowel movement and provides relief from constipation, and other gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating and flatulence, etc.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the acai berries protect our digestive system from free radical damage, and thus reduces the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.
Other nutrients like iron, potassium, and magnesium, etc. also play a significant role in improving our digestive health.
(7) Provides Relief From Hypertension
Potassium, a vital mineral in the acai berries provides vasodilating benefits.
It relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is the silent killer that affects millions of people around the globe and is a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease, etc.
(8) Protection Against Several Types Of Cancers
Vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds in the acai berries protect our cells and tissues from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals, and thus reduces the risk of various cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.
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(9) Improves Cellular Health
Nutrients like vitamins and minerals present in acai berries improve our health at the cellular level.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the acai berries protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of cancers.
Dietary fibers in acai berries aids with cellular detoxification.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, copper, and magnesium, etc also play an important role in keeping us healthy.
(10) Boosts Energy Level
Acai berries are a natural energy booster that enhances our stamina and provides us the required energy boost without worrying about excessive calories or sugar.
These berries are a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
Iron in acai berries also plays a significant role in boosting energy level as it enhances the production of red blood cells that carries oxygenated blood to every cell and tissue of the body.
Potassium improves blood circulation because of its vasodilating properties.
(11) Strengthens Immune System
The immune system of our body is a sophisticated defense mechanism that protects us from microbial infections and also aids in the treatment of diseases and injuries.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the acai berries protect our immune cells aka white blood cells from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals, and thus strengthens our immune system.
When our immune system is stronger, we are less likely to be at the risk of getting a cough, cold, fever, and flu, etc.
Vitamin C also enhances the production of white blood cells in our body, which is an added advantage for our immune health.
Other nutrients like vitamins and minerals etc. also play a significant role in making our immune system stronger.
(12) Heals Wounds And Injuries
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound present in the acai berries eases pain and inflammation and is thus beneficial for the quick healing of wounds and injuries.
The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of acai berries reduce the risk of microbial infections associated with wounds and injuries.
As per studies, topical application of acai berry water extract aids in healing a scratch wound within 24 hours of application.
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(13) Promotes Sound Sleep
Enjoying a sound sleep is important for our well-being as it is during sleep when our body performs several important functions like repairing damaged cells and tissues, generation of new cells and tissues, strengthening immunity, and so on.
Some people find it difficult to enjoy quality sleep, and acai berries can help them to a great extent.
Drinking a quarter cup of acai berry juice before bedtime provides relief from stress and anxiety which are the prime reason for causing sleep disorders and disturbances.
Beauty Benefits Of Acai Berries For Skin And Hair
(1) Improves Skin Pigmentation
Consuming acai berries and as well as topical application of the acai berry juice aids in improving our skin pigmentation due to the presence of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals etc in them.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds in the acai berries protect our skin cells and tissues from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals, and thus reduces the risk of various signs of premature aging like fine lines, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc.
Other nutrients like vitamins and minerals etc. also play an important role in improving skin pigmentation.
(2) Keeps Premature Ageing At Bay
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the acai berries protect our skin cells from the free radical damage, and thus minimizes the various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc.
Protecting our skin cells from oxidative damage also reduces the risk of skin cancer.
Vitamin C also enhances the production of collagen, an important amino acid that aids in maintaining skin elasticity.
(3) Helps In Controlling Acne
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is primarily caused by the clogging up of our skin pores by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substances.
The detoxifying properties of the dietary fibers in the acai berry aids in the elimination of toxins, pollutants, impurities, and other unwanted substances which could otherwise accumulate in our skin pores, and thus increases the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples.
Acai berries are also used in some formulations used for the treatment of acne.
Other nutrients like vitamins and minerals etc. also play an important role in making our skin soft, supple, and radiant.
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(4) Lightens Scars
As per anecdotal evidence, topical application of acai berries mask can aids in lightening scars.
For this, take a ripe avocado and few acai berries, and crush them together to form a paste. Apply this paste on your face as a face mask, and let it dry for 10-15 minutes, and then wash it off with water.
This will make your skin, supple and radiant.
(5) Soften Our Lips
Regular application of acai berry pulp or juice has been known to keep our lips soft, hydrated, and luscious.
(6) Keeps Our Skin Hydrated
The high water content in the acai berries aids in keeping our skin well moisturized and hydrated, and thus keeps it soft and supple.
Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, etc in the acai berries also improve our skin health.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds in the acai berries protect our skin cells from free radical damage, and thus minimizes various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc.
(7) Strengthens Our Hair Follicles
Consuming acai berries and as well as topical application of acai berry juice or paste is very effective for strengthening our hair follicles due to the abundance of healthy nutrients in them.
Antioxidants in the acai berries protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage, strengthens it, and thus minimizes the risk of hair fall and hair loss.
Nutrients like potassium, zinc, iron, and magnesium, etc in the acai berries also aids in keeping our hair follicles and scalp healthy. They make our hair strong and lustrous.
(8) Promotes Scalp Health
Nutrients like zinc, potassium, iron, and magnesium, etc in the acai berries play an important role in keeping our scalp healthy.
Potassium improves blood circulation and aids in the proper nourishment of our hair follicles and scalp.
Zinc is an important trace mineral for our scalp health as it minimizes the risk of hair fall.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the acai berries protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and minimizes signs of premature aging at bay.
The dietary fibers in the acai berries help with detoxification. When there are fewer toxins in our system, they don’t accumulate in the pores of our scalp, and this minimizes the risk of scalp acne and other scalp problems.
Folic acid in acai berries also plays an important role in improving blood circulation of the scalp and contributes to the growth of new hair follicles.
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(9) Promotes Hair Growth
The folic acid in acai berries aids in promoting the growth of new hair follicles.
Potassium and iron present in the acai berries improves blood circulation, provides nourishment to our hair follicles and scalp.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenol in the acai berries protect our scalp from free radical damage and thus contributes to the growth of new hair follicles.
Acai Berry Vs. Goji Berry – Which Is Better?
Both acai berries and goji berries provide several health and beauty benefits to us because of their rich nutritious profile. Both these berries are loaded with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fiber, etc.
However, they also differ from each other in many ways.
Some of the major differences between acai berries and goji berries are as follows:-
- In comparison to goji berries, acai berries have a higher number of antioxidants. However, when it comes to fat content, goji berries win over acai berries.
- Goji berries have a slightly higher number of nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and calcium, etc in comparison to acai berries.
- Acai berries have less sugar and carbohydrates as compared to goji berries, and are thus beneficial for people with diabetes.
These berries complement each other and it is best to consume them together.
How To Use Acai Berries
There are several ways to enjoy acai berries like:-
- By blending acai berries with milk and enjoying them in the form of a healthy smoothie or shake.
- Using acai berry extract as the main ingredient of several beauty creams makes our skin soft, supple, and radiant, and also minimizes various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and dark spots, etc.
- If fresh acai berries are not available in your country, then you can look out for acai berries extract in the form of tablets and capsules.
- Acai berries can also be enjoyed in the form of juice. Adding a couple of chia seeds or hemp seeds will enhance the nutritious profile of the juice.
How To Select And Store Acai Berries
As we learned from the article, acai berries provide several health and beauty benefits because of their rich nutritious profile. They can be consumed as fruit and juice, and also in the form of tablets and capsules.
Before consuming acai berries for their amazing benefits, it is important to ensure that you are not allergic to them. Also, consume them in moderation to avoid the risk of possible side effects.
Acai berries supplements mostly have a shelf life of one year but it may vary according to brand and the product. Acai berries supplements should be kept in a cool and dry place that’s away from direct sunlight.
In their natural form, acai berries should be kept in the refrigerator and should be consumed within one week.
However, acai berry juice should be consumed immediately after juicing.
Facts About Acai Berries
- Acai berry is a wonderful weight cutter that improves our metabolism and aids in the quick burning of the stored calories. Dietary fibers in acai berries control overeating and thus helps with weight loss.
- Acai berries grow on the acai palm which is found in the rainforests of South America.
- Acai berries are a powerhouse of antioxidants. They contain twice as many antioxidants as blueberries and ten times as grapes.
- The antioxidantal power of acai berries is 33 times more than red grapes and red wines.
- Anthocyanin is an important flavonoid that provides amazing benefits such as regulates blood sugar level, strengthens immunity, helps in weight loss, reduces the risk of cancer(s), etc., and also prevents the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Acai berries are an excellent source of these anthocyanins, and in comparison to red wine, acai berries have 10 to 30 times more anthocyanins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Acai Berries Taste Like?
Acai berries are tropical and bitter and leave an after-task similar to that of dark chocolate.
How Much Acai Berry Juice Can One Drink?
The safe proportion to consume acai berries is juice is about quarter-cup of juice per day. It is suggested to consume acai berries as soon as you juice the berries. Higher consumption of acai berry juice is not good because of the higher concentration of sugar.
How To Use Acai Berry Powder?
Acai berry powder is obtained by crushing the dried acai berries. They can be easily blended into juices or smoothies, and as well as sprinkled over oatmeal or yogurt. Acai berry powder is best suited for people who find it difficult to get fresh acai berries in their region.
If you would like to consume acai berry powder in smoothies or juice, it is suggested to limit the quantity of added sugar.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Acai Berry Tea?
Acai berry tea is as beneficial as acai berry fruit or juice. It provides amazing benefits such as boosts energy, improves stamina, helps with weight loss, fights cancer, provides anti-aging benefits, helps with detoxification, and strengthens the immune system.
However, it should be noted that there is still a lot of research that needs to be done in this regard.
Disclaimer
The information contained in the post is for general purposes only and shouldn’t be considered as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice. Although I’ve tried my best to keep the information contained in this post as accurate and updated as possible, I make no guarantee of the accurateness of the same.
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