Acai Berry Health Benefits
full of nutrition
Acai berries have a unique nutritional profile as they are higher in fat and lower in sugar.
The nutritional content of 100 grams of frozen fruit pulp is as follows:
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated fat: 1.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Fiber 2 grams
- Vitamin A: 15% of recommended daily intake
- Calcium: 2% of RDI
According to Venezuelan research, acai berries also contain a number of other trace minerals, including chromium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.
But the most powerful health benefits of acai berries come from plant compounds.
The most notable of these are anthocyanins, which give acai berries their deep purple color and act as antioxidants in the body.
You can also find anthocyanins in other blue, black and purple foods, such as black beans and blueberries.
They are rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are important because they neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals throughout the body.
If free radicals are not neutralized by antioxidants, they can damage cells and lead to many diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Acai berries are incredibly high in antioxidants, surpassing other antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries and cranberries.
The antioxidant content of a food is usually measured by its Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) score.
Taking acai berries as an example, 100 grams of frozen pulp has an ORAC value of 15,405, while the same amount of blueberries has an ORAC value of 4,669.
This antioxidant activity comes from several plant compounds in acai berries, including anthocyanins.
In 2008, researchers gave 12 fasting volunteers acai pulp, acai juice, applesauce or a drink without antioxidants at four different times and then tested their blood for antioxidants.
Both acai pulp and applesauce increased antioxidant levels in participants, meaning the antioxidant compounds in acai berries are well absorbed in the intestines.
It has also been shown that acai pulp is a better source of antioxidants than acai juice.
They can raise cholesterol levels
Animal studies show acai berries can help improve cholesterol levels by lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
It may have similar effects in humans.
A 2011 study had 10 overweight adults eat acai berry smoothies twice a day for a month. Overall, they had lower total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol at the end of the study.
However, this study has some shortcomings. It was small, had no control group, and received funding from a major acai supplier.
While more research is needed, the anthocyanins in acai berries may have a positive impact on cholesterol levels, as research has linked this plant compound to improvements in HDL and LDL cholesterol.
Additionally, acai berries contain plant sterols, which prevent cholesterol from being absorbed by the body.
They may have anti-cancer effects
While no one food is a magic shield against cancer, some foods are known to stop cancer cells from forming and spreading.
Both test-tube and animal studies reveal this anti-cancer effect of acai berries.
In mice, acai pulp reduced the incidence of colon and bladder cancer.
However, a second study in mice found it had no effect on stomach cancer .
The researchers concluded that acai berries may have a role in treating cancer in the future, but more research is needed, including in humans.
They can enhance brain function
Many of the plant compounds in acai berries may also protect your brain from damage as you age.
Several studies have demonstrated this protective effect in laboratory rats.
The antioxidants in acai berries counteract the damaging effects of inflammation and oxidation of brain cells, which can negatively impact memory and learning.
In one study, acai berries even helped improve memory in aging rats.
One of the ways the brain stays healthy is by cleaning out cells that are toxic or no longer working, a process called autophagy. It makes way for the formation of new nerves and enhances communication between brain cells.
As we age, this process becomes less efficient. However, in laboratory tests, acai berry extract helped stimulate this "housekeeping" response in brain cells.
side effect
When taken by mouth: Acai berry is probably safe to use for up to 3 months. Generally well tolerated. But be aware that raw acai juice may be contaminated with parasites. In rare cases, drinking raw juice has been linked to outbreaks of Chagas or Chagas disease.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Acai berry is probably safe to use for up to 3 months. Generally well tolerated. But be aware that raw acai juice may be contaminated with parasites. In rare cases, drinking raw juice has been linked to outbreaks of Chagas or Chagas disease. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information to know whether acai berry is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Stay safe and avoid using.
Diabetes: Acai berry may increase or lower blood sugar in small amounts, but this may not be a big problem for most people.
Diabetes Medications (Anti-Diabetes Medications) Interact with ACAI
Acai berries may lower or raise blood sugar levels. Taking acai berry with diabetes medication may cause your blood sugar to drop too low or make the medication less effective. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
dose
As a food, acai berries can be eaten raw or made into juice. Juice is also used in drinks, ice cream, jellies and liqueurs.
Among supplements, there is not enough reliable information to know the appropriate dosage of acai berry. Keep in mind that natural products are not always safe, and dosage matters. Always follow the instructions on the product label and consult a health care professional before use.
