You may have noticed in grocery stores and health food stores acai berries are popping up in the form of dried fruit, juice, tea, smoothies, chocolate, and powders. They are at the moment gaining traction as they have become synonymous with anti-aging and a healthy lifestyle. These berries are also linked to appetite suppression, increased energy and heart disease prevention. These trending berries are high in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber. In fact, studies have show acai has a higher antioxidant content than cranberries, blueberries, goji berries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries.
Acai berries hail from the Amazon rainforest and other tropical regions where they are harvested from tropical palms called Euterpe. There are seven known species of Acai berry. While little is known about the differences in health benefits between the species it is important to ensure as a consumer that you are buying the most pure version of the berry to ensure maximum health benefits.
Acai berries have various health benefits which include:
Fostering Heart Health
Acai berries supports the balancing of cholesterol levels through it’s high anthocyanin content. Acai berries also contain high concentrations of plant sterols that support circulation, improve blood composition and relax blood vessels. Overall acai is an excellent source of cardioprotective benefits.
Weight Loss
When consumed consistently acai may help you loose weight and help with weight maintenance. Research suggests that consuming 200 grams of acai pulp can increase insulin sensitivity and reduce total body fat and skinfolds. In addition, it has been found to redistribute body fat with increased visceral fat but reduced subcutaneous body fat.
Digestive Support
Acai berries contain detoxifying properties that help keep your digestive system cleansed and functioning habitually. It prevents the accumulation of undigested material and harmful substances in the colon. It naturally cleanses the colon and prevents constipation and other digestive issues. In addition, acai berries are responsible for increased metabolism, which prevents foods from inflaming the intestines reducing bloat and gas. Acai berries also help the liver and kidneys remove waste and toxins from the body. Acai seeds can also be ground into flour which is an excellent source of dietary fiber helping you stay regular.
Reduction of free radical damage and prevention of bad cell growth
Studies have found that Acai berries hold the record over an other vegetable or fruit in preventing the development of free radicals and superoxides, which would cause cell damage in the body. It plays a vital role in your body’s cellular defense system.
Not only do acai berries prevent free radicals from entering your cells but they stop bad cells from developing further. Studies have found that the anthocyanins and polyphenols found in acai berries can interrupt the cell mutation process killing affected cells before they proliferate. Research suggests that acai can inhibit up to 95% of bad cell growth.
Altering the Affects of Aging
Acai berries are high in phytochemicals and contain the highest level of antioxidants out of all berries. Free radicals, introduced into our systems through poor diets, environmental pollution, UV light exposure, and chemical contaminants, contribute to skin damage and aging. Antioxidants and phytochemicals slow and reverse oxidative damage caused by free radicals and the aging process.
Immune System Boost
Acai, when consumed consistently, boosts the production of human gamma delta T cells, interleukin 12 (IL-12), and myeloid cells all of which contribute to a healthy immune system.
Heightens libido
Libido is linked to blood circulation in the body. Acai berries improve vascular function, which in turn can boost one’s sex drive, especially for men.
Improves energy levels
Researchers have discovered that taking acai extract or consuming an acai beverage can reduce metabolic strain from exercise. Consumption of acai leads to increased stamina and energy while combating exhaustion and fatigue.
Increased Mental Functions
Acai berries contain high levels of phytochemicals and anthocyanins which research suggests promote healthy brain aging through the improvement of focus and long and short-term memory. Studies indicate that acai can protect against loss of memory, dementia, and other age-related neurological diseases. Acai also turns off inflammatory pathways that damage nerve signals in the brain. This suggests that it can help individuals think more clearly and stimulate mental function.
Acai pulp appears to have protective effects over brain cells and is considered to be an adaptogen. This means that acai berries can maintain your hormonal equilibrium and cortisol levels when you encounter high levels of stress.
Quick Recipe: Blueberry Acai Cornbread Loaf
Ingredients:
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1-2 heaping tablespoon acai powder
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line two small loaf pans with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, acai powder, 1/2 cup honey, and the lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat while mashing the blueberries Allow to thicken (the mixture should stick to the back of a spoon). Mash the blueberries. Set aside.
- In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt and cornmeal.
- In a separate bowl combine melted coconut oil, eggs, milk, vanilla, and remaining honey.
- Make a well in the cornmeal mixture and add the liquids. Stir until combined.
- Divide batter between the loaf pans. Remove air bubbles by tapping the pans on the counter. Dollop spoonfuls of the blueberry-acai mixture on top of each loaf and use the sharp end of a knife to swirl the mixture for a marble effect.
- Place in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the middle of the loaf comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool before serving.