The benefits of Acai Berry


Known also as the super fruit and the wonder berry, you may be curious as to what exactly is the Acai Berry, and why does it have such an amazing reputation for being a little nutritional powerhouse? You may also be curious as to if you should consider adding it into your diet. If you’ve wanted to learn more about the Acai Berry, but weren’t sure where to begin, here are some nifty little facts about it — ranging from the relatively mundane to the absolutely marvelous!

It may defeat cancer

This requires far more research before concrete claims can be made, but what has been discovered so far has been utterly remarkable. Current studies indicate that extracts from the antioxidant-rich berry have been shown to kill up to 86% of cancer cells, in as little as 18 hours. Of course, there are many variables that still need to be accounted for before the medical community can start jumping to conclusions (such as dosage, delivery mechanisms, and contraindications), but for the time being? Popping a handful of these little berries into your smoothies may contribute to a healthier and longer life.

Photo: Getty Images

Great for your body

Speaking of antioxidants, did you know that they’re also a vital part of improving your skin’s health? While there are other ways to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function, few are as convenient and delicious as popping a few acai berries into your mouth at mealtime. If this helps with reducing wrinkles, discoloration, and other skin issues, that’s just a perk! Meanwhile, the fiber-rich pulp is great for helping with satiety and improving digestion. This can also help lead to weight loss by combating unexpected hunger pangs, in turn contributing to overall health and improving your self-esteem. Even your mental health may see improvement, since the acai berry is a great source of polyphenols, which can help undo the damaging effects of aging on your brain cells.

A berry a day

Many people know that a glass of wine a day may help with reducing cholesterol and blood clots. This is due to yet another antioxidant which is concentrated by the fermenting process, called anthocyanin. What you may not have known is that acai berries are naturally loaded with this powerful antioxidant. While acai wine is definitely a thing, getting your hands on it can prove to be a challenge. For now, though, you can instead reach for this miracle fruit. It happens to taste great in any dessert, can be added to wholesome meals like oatmeal or pancakes to brighten them up, or can be eaten as-is without guilt. A hundred grams of this delicious fruit is only 70 calories, 10 milligrams of sodium, and just 2 grams of sugar.

While the research is still out on some of the more miraculous qualities of the acai berry, you should definitely add it to your diet for the more provable benefits it provides. Whether you are worried about your skin, your overall health, or even shedding a few vanity pounds, this berry may be the secret ingredient you’ve been looking for. Even if you aren’t concerned about getting more of the polyphenols, antioxidants, dietary fibers, and vitamins it provides, you can still work it into your next dessert just for the unique flavor it adds. There’s tons to love about them, and next to nothing to dislike, so why not swing by the grocery and grab a bag (or two!) today?

Photo: Getty Images

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