Around 60% of Americans want to feel healthier, and a great place to start is with their diet. Acai berries have boomed in popularity recently, thanks to the rise of acai bowls and achieving its superfood status. Perhaps you’ve heard about this wonderful fruit, but you’re not sure whether they’re worth the hype.
Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are eight benefits of acai berries you need to know.
Table of Contents
1. Increases Energy Levels
Before we jump into acai benefits, it’s important to know what they are. These berries come from the acai palm, originating from the Amazon Basin in Brazil.
Acai berries have been a staple food for many indigenous tribes as they’re packed with nutrients. Note, different types of acai berries have differing benefits. For instance, white acai berries aren’t as potent as the darker varieties.
Want to know acai nutrition facts?
Acai berries are loaded with amino acids, vitamin A, and calcium. There are also traces of zinc, iron, and manganese which are essential for good health.
A major reason you should add this superfood into your diet is that it boosts your energy levels. This is beneficial for fitness junkies as you don’t feel exhausted despite working out. And if you’re prone to the afternoon slump at work, eat a handful and you’re good to go!
2. Boost Cognitive Function
“Can you eat acai every day?” The answer is yes, especially if you want brainpower!
Acai berries are packed with polyphenolic compounds which reduce the risk of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Plus, these berries improve memory and make your mind sharp, making them the perfect snack for work.
3. Improves Heart Health
Another benefit of acai berry is how it promotes good heart health. Acai berries reduce bad cholesterol, thanks to plant sterols which prevent your body from absorbing it.
Further, acai berries are perfect for regulating your blood pressure. This is because the polyphenols, inside the berry, relax the arteries so there’s less strain on your heart.
4. Loaded With Antioxidants
Acai berries are packed with high levels of antioxidants which slows down the aging process. This is because antioxidants remove the free radicals that affect your skin, hair, and eye health. If you want to delay premature aging, then treat yourself to an acai sorbet or apply acai oil to the affected area.
5. Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
These nutrient-rich berries also have anti-inflammatory effects. This is a life-saver if you suffer from arthritis or muscle inflammation. And because of this, acai berries also accelerate wound healing so drink several glasses of acai berry a day.
Although acai berries aren’t completely an aphrodisiac, they do increase blood flow around the body which boosts sex drive, especially for men.
6. Great for Your Skin
If you’re a fanatic about skincare, then add acai berries to your diet.
The antioxidants in these berries protect our skin which is often damaged because of pollution, stress, and other environmental toxins. Acai berries also have anthocyanin content which boosts skin collagen so it’s less tight.
Aside from sprinkling acai berries over your morning oatmeal, you could also add acai oil to your skincare routine.
7. Promotes Weight Loss
Another reason you should try acai berries is that it promotes weight loss.
They are renowned for their appetite suppression qualities and are rich in fiber which helps your digestion system. Because of this, acai berries help your body process food better and burn fat more efficiently.
You should also eat acai berries if you’ve got diabetes as they’re low on the glycemic index. So sip on an acai juice so you maintain steady glucose levels throughout the day.
8. Contain Anti-Cancer Properties
Acai berries are packed with anthocyanins, pigments that give berries a purplish color. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, these antioxidants reduce the risk of cancer and slow disease progression.
Further, acai berries strengthen your immune system because they boost gamma delta T cells which our body heavily relies on.
How to Enjoy Acai Berries
Unless you have an acai berry palm in your backyard, you will need it frozen or powdered as they spoil so quickly. To avoid this, store powdered acai in an airtight container and consume it within a year. You’ll notice many cafes serve acai bowls which are layered with pureed banana, frozen acai, and topped with granola.
You could also make refreshing drinks with acai berries. For instance, blend ginger ale and acai berries for a cooling drink on a sweltering day.
Further, if you’re always in the rush in the morning, but want a healthy breakfast, then whip up raspberry, chia, and acai berry overnight oats. To do this, combine chia seeds, oats, acai berries, and cinnamon in a mason jar. Shake and then add milk and raspberries before refrigerating them overnight.
Not sure how to store your acai? Simply keep packs in the freezer until you’re ready to use them. But avoid refreezing these as it will deplete a large amount of the nutrients and has an unpleasant texture.
Benefits of Acai Berries
Hopefully, after reading this article, you now know the main benefits of acai berries.
This magical fruit is famous as it boosts heart health, promises clear skin, and aids with weight loss. You should also enjoy acai to improve your libido and enjoy its anti-inflammatory properties. Happy eating!
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