Acai berries are known as the Brazilian superfruit and are commonly used to make healthy drinks or supplements. Although botanically classified as drupes, or stone fruits, they are widely called berries due to their small size and shape.
Acai berries look like small grapes but with a thicker, dark purple skin surrounding their yellow flesh. But unlike grapes or popular berries, they have an earthy taste that can be described as a cross between blackberries and dark chocolate. [1][2]
In the Amazon region where acai palm trees (Euterpe oleracea) grow in abundance, acai berries are an important food source for indigenous peoples. [3] Natives soak them to soften their skin before mashing them to form a dark purple paste. Acai berries often accompany their meals and provide them with a variety of nutrition and health benefits.
Acai berries: Nutrient profile of a superfruit
Despite their small size, acai berries are a great source of essential nutrients. But because the fresh berries have a short shelf life, they are most often sold in juice, puree or powder form. Among these, acai powder is the most popular because it delivers the most concentrated amount of nutrients and beneficial phytonutrients. The powder is made by first freeze-drying fresh acai berries so that they retain maximum nutrition.
According to nutritional analysis, a 100-gram (g) serving of freeze-dried acai berry powder can provide you with 8 g of protein and 14 g of dietary fiber. It is also high in healthy fats like omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. In fact, acai berries are almost 50% fat, more than 70% of which is unsaturated fats. [4][5] These nutrients not only support the health of various organs, but they can also serve as your body’s backup source of energy. [6]
Acai berries also contain about 19 different amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. [7] Because your body doesn’t produce all of the amino acids it needs to synthesize proteins, you need to get these essential nutrients from abundant sources like acai berries. [8] Consuming acai berries can also help boost your intake of minerals like calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium and zinc, as well as vitamins A and C.
One of the most notable things about acai berries is that they are rich in antioxidants. Research has found that acai berries contain as much vitamin C as blueberries, which are known to provide 24% of the recommended daily allowance of the vitamin per one cup serving. [9] Studies show that vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals. This action is important for maintaining healthy cells, whose components are susceptible to free radical damage. [10]
In addition, a 100-g serving of acai berries also contains 1000 IU of vitamin A, an indirect antioxidant. According to a study published in the journal Annual Review of Nutrition, vitamin A supports your body’s antioxidant defenses through the actions of its metabolite, all-trans-retinoid acid. [11]
Acai Berries are a rich source of natural antioxidants
Aside from vitamins A and C, the phytosterols in acai berries also contribute to their antioxidant effects. Phytosterols are naturally occurring compounds that resemble human cholesterol. According to studies, this structural similarity enables phytosterols to support healthy blood cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range. [12]
Acai berries contain three phytosterols: B-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol. A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology found that these phytosterols possess antioxidant properties and act as modest free radical scavengers. Of the three, campesterol has the highest antioxidant activity, followed by B-sitosterol and stigmasterol. All three are known to support healthy cardiovascular functions. [13]
On top of phytosterols, acai berries contain a wealth of other antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and other antioxidant flavonoids like resveratrol, homoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, scoparin and taxifolin deoxyhexose. As reported by a study published in the journal Molecules, anthocyanins – the pigments responsible for the fruit’s dark purple skin – are the main antioxidants in acai berries, specifically cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-glycoside. [14]
Thanks to its rich antioxidant content, acai berries have been found to support healthy brain function. In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers reported that the combination of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds in acai berries can protect healthy brain cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by the accumulation of free radicals and has been shown to cause irreparable damage to cells. Numerous studies have linked oxidative stress to the decline in memory, learning and movement observed in older adults. [15]
Besides antioxidants, acai berries also contain powerful polysaccharides that can support healthy immune function. According to a study published in the journal PLoS One, acai polysaccharides can support the activity of certain immune cells involved in innate immunity. [16] Your innate immune system serves as your body’s first line of defense against external threats. [17] This means that adding organic acai berries to your diet is an excellent way to support a healthy immune system and ensure optimal immune responses.
When it comes to your digestive health, acai berries also offer significant benefits, thanks to the insoluble and soluble fiber they contain. [18] Insoluble fiber absorbs water as it travels through your digestive tract, adding bulk to your stool and making them easier to pass. This is important for bowel regularity. Meanwhile, soluble fiber serves as food for the beneficial microbes in your colon. By allowing these good microbes to thrive, the soluble fiber in acai berries can help you maintain a well-balanced gut microflora and a healthy digestive system. [19]
Antioxidants are known for their protective effects against oxidative stress, which is the main culprit for skin aging, according to studies. [20] Acai berries are loaded with potent antioxidants, so incorporating this superfruit into your diet can help you maintain healthy, glowing skin. In a study published in the Journal of Phytochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, researchers reported that the antioxidants in acai berries, particularly malvidin and cyanidin derivatives, can protect against oxidative stress caused by exposure to ultraviolet-A radiation. [21]
The cells comprising your vital organs need a steady supply of energy to perform their functions. Acai berries can provide them with an abundant supply of energy in the form of amino acids and healthy fatty acids. For instance, your kidney, liver and heart muscle cells primarily get energy through the oxidation of fatty acids. Meanwhile, your muscle cells use glucose, fatty acids and amino acids as energy sources. [22]
As a protein- and fiber-rich superfood, acai berries can also help you maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that eating foods rich in protein and fiber can make you feel full for longer, thus naturally helping reduce your food intake. [23][24] This means that following a healthy diet, exercising regularly and boosting your protein and fiber intake by eating acai berries can help you achieve reasonable weight management goals.
To recap, here are the incredible health benefits of antioxidant-rich acai berries:*
- Abundant source of antioxidants
- Support healthy brain function
- Support healthy heart function
- Support healthy immune function
- Support healthy digestive function
- Support healthy, glowing skin
- Support healthy energy levels
- Support sensible weight management plans
Where to get Organic Freeze-Dried Acai Powder
Acai berries are one of the most popular superfoods today. With their wealth of beneficial components and health benefits, it’s not surprising that many consider acai berries a worthy addition to their daily routine. Acai berries not only provide high amounts of protein, fiber and healthy fats, but they also boast an abundance of potent antioxidants.
While some people doubt the bioavailability of antioxidants in acai berries, a study by Texas A&M University, University of Florida and University of Tennessee researchers found that a considerable amount of acai berry anthocyanins does get absorbed into the blood. In fact, they reported a significant increase in antioxidant activity in the blood of study participants 12 and 24 hours after consuming acai berries. [25]
To help you experience the amazing benefits of organic acai berries, the Health Ranger Store is offering Health Ranger Select Freeze -Dried Organic Acai Powder. Boasting a wide variety of powerful antioxidants, including vitamin C and anthocyanins, our premium freeze-dried acai powder can support the health of your heart, brain, skin and other vital organs by protecting your cells from oxidative stress.
Made by carefully freeze drying organic acai berry puree, Health Ranger Select Freeze -Dried Organic Acai Powder contains all of the nutrients found in fresh acai berries, such as dietary fiber, amino acids, healthy fats, calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, zinc and vitamins A and C. This nutritious powder can easily be added to smoothies, shakes, fruit juices, teas and other beverages. You can also add it directly to water to make a refreshing glass of acai berry juice.
Health Ranger Select Freeze -Dried Organic Acai Powder has a unique flavor profile that’s well-suited for superfruit blends, healthy snacks and desserts. It is vegan, non-GMO, non-China, certified Kosher and organic, and lab verified for cleanliness and purity. And like all products at the Health Ranger Store, our premium product is thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Boost your intake of powerful antioxidants, healthy fats and essential nutrients with freeze-dried organic acai powder!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[1] https://www.healthline.com
[2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
[4] https://www.fruitsinfo.com
[5] https://www.healthline.com
[6] https://healthyeating.sfgate.com
[8] https://my.clevelandclinic.org
[9] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
[10] https://www.tandfonline.com
[11] https://www.annualreviews.org
[12] https://lpi.oregonstate.edu
[13] https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp
[14] https://www.mdpi.com
[15] https://pubs.acs.org
[16] https://journals.plos.org
[17] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[20] https://www.mdpi.com
[21] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[25] https://pubs.acs.org
