Acai Health Benefits: Fiber Rich Superfood

Low in sugar, high in nutrients.

What is it?
These small, reddish-purple berries are similar to a cross between a grape and a blueberry. Pronounced ah-sigh-ee, these berries are harvested from tall palm trees found around the Amazon River basin of South America.

Why is it a superfood?
Acai berries are low in sugar, but contain excellent amounts of iron, calcium, fiber, and vitamin A. They have been shown to help prevent health problems such as arthritis, inflammation, obesity, erectile dysfunction, neurological diseases, and allergies.

What are the other health benefits?
These superfood berries are packed with healthy antioxidants, fiber and heart-healthy fats. They have strong detoxification capabilities and have been known as a quality source of dietary fiber. Research shows that acai berries are extremely high in anthocyanins, a form of plant antioxidant associated with lowering cholesterol levels.

Used by nutritionists as a superfood, acai berries have been recommended to help lose weight, and maintain a healthy weight. A study from the National Institutes of Aging also found that pulp from the berry had the ability to reduce the negative effects of a high-fat diet in laboratory studies on flies. Acai oil is a natural skin-care products that improves and nourishes the skin when used over time. When eaten, it can also give skin a healthy glow. At a cellular level, anthocyanins found in the berries play a role in our cell protection system, helping cells stay strong against free radicals.

Acai is also very high in Vitamin C and ellagic acid, an immune-system-boosting combination that has been shown to suppress the growth of cancer. Extremely high in many forms of plant phytochemicals (antioxidants), the berries may contribute to an ability to slow or reverse typical processes of aging related to oxidative damage. Due its overall health benefits, taking acai extract can lead to an increased overall level of energy and stamina, and may aid to combat fatigue and exhaustion.