Acai Berry 5 Facts

Acai berry is a fruit which is small, round in shape and blackish purple in color. The frozen 100 gm dried fruit pulp contains 533.9 calories, and it contains good amount of proteins and carbohydrates, vitamin C, calcium, iron, vitamin A, aspartic acid, amino acid and glutamic acid. Acai berry also known as Brazilian palm berry is recommended by doctors for reducing weight. The fruit acai berry is mostly found in South America but it can be found in other parts of the world in dried and frozen form. It contains complex plant based components which helps in controlling cholesterol, fighting leukemia, increasing the energy of body, reducing weight and improving the health of reproductive organs. It helps in improving skin textures and is considered to be a super food by famous Dr. Nicholas Perricone. It is promoted as a dietary supplement and the five facts about acai which makes it a good nutritional supplement are:

1. Polyphenols

Raw acai contains polyphenols which are antioxidants. The frozen acai juice restores more polyphenols antioxidants as compared to fruits juice of mango, grapes, strawberry or acerola. The powered preparation of the acai berries also contains anthocyanin which is an antioxidant which helps in improving the functioning of body organs. Polyphenols are very beneficial for human body because it helps in reducing the risk of coronary artery diseases and it inhibits growth of certain tumors.

2.  Antioxidants In Acai Juice Has Significant Absorption Properties

Acai juice is promoted as metabolism booster which helps in enhancing energy level of athletes and reducing weight. In clinical trials, the blood and urine of volunteers was tested after the consumption of acai juice and pulp, and it was observed the antioxidant anthcyanin in acai juice and acai pulp had significant absorption properties. Acai juice can provide antioxidants in the body in two hours of consumption and the level of antioxidant produced by the acai berries is more than orange, apple juice or cranberries, although, it is not more than black cherry juice, blueberry and concord grape juice. Since it possesses high absorption properties, it is more accessible to the human system and it is considered to be a better choice.

3. Reduces Proliferation Of Leukemia Cells

Acai is recommended by doctors for inhibiting leukemia. Researchers have found free end dried acai powder can inhibit the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase which helps in reducing proliferation of leukemia cells which prevents leukemia.

4. Reduces Blood Cholesterol Level

It contains good amount of vitamin B, minerals, proteins, fiber and fatty acids (such as omega – 3 fatty acids, omega – 9 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids).  In laboratory tests (vitro tests) on rats, it was observed that acai pulp reduces the level of blood cholesterol in rats fed with high fat diet. Acai pulp reduces the level of non high density lipoproteins cholesterol and activity of superoxide dismutase.

5. Natural Food Coloring Agent

The dark color of acai berry tastes like a blend of chocolate and berries and therefore, it is used to color food, ice creams, and cakes. It contains anthocyanins which are used as natural food coloring agents.

Source: http://health.learninginfo.org/herbs/acai-berry.htm