Acai Berry and Its Benefits
Acai palm is a species of palm tree that is native to South American. Its fruit, the acai berry is prized for its taste and its many health benefits. The acai tree usually grows among the large palm trees in the thick rainforests of South America. The berries grow in bunches similar to the way bananas grow. The word Acai is derived from a Tupian word which translated means the fruit that cries. Acai berries are round and small in shape and are harvested as food. It has a purplish black color and its physical features are similar to the grape. There’s one difference between the acai fruit and the grape and that is grapes have more pulp than acai berries. Also, the acai only has one large seed inside it. When fully ripened or grown, the berry turns into green or deep purple in color depending on how mature the fruit is and the palm. It really is believed to be a miraculous fruit of nature.
The Amazon people of Brazil depend very much on the acai berry for their daily nourishment. It is believed that this fruit make up of 42 % of their food intake. It has rich amounts of a compound known as anthocyanin. The berry is used in a variety of ways: as fruit or juices or the berry is mixed with other drinks such as soda. This fruit gives these people strength and energizes them. The berry taken from the acai is replete with an amazing array of healthy rich nutrients as well as monounsaturated fats, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. After the berries are harvested, they degrade very quickly due to their high fatty content.
These days, several companies are offering a variety of juices and energy drinks made from the fruit of the acai tree. The acai berries can be used for flavoring in tequila or as food; besides that, the palm can be used for other commercial uses as well. In terms of health benefits, the fruit has many to offer the human body. Some of those benefits are enumerated below:
- The acai berry is packed with nutrition. A hundred grams of berries yield about 44.2 grams of fiber, 32.5 grams of fat, 8.1 grams of protein, and 52.2 grams of carbohydrates.
- Aside from being used for food, acai berries can be used for several other purposes. It can be used as manure for plants or as feed for livestock.
- Other than fats and carbohydrates, the berry is rich with antioxidants and has also properties that can help boost energy levels.
- Besides fats, the berry also high contains linoleic acid, plasmatic acid, and oleic acid.
- The acai berry is known to enhance mental clarity.
- In terms of medicinal value, the beverages produced from acai juice help boost the function of the digestive system.
- The berries contain vitamins A, B1 & E.
- It helps improve sleep
- The berries are known to enhance and develop sexual desires
- It helps cleanse and eliminate harmful toxins from the body.
- It plays an essential role in slowing down the aging process.
- The berries are known to help combat and kill cancer cells.
- It is used to relieve the damaging effects of diabetes and is even known to cure diabetes itself.
- It is known to enhance the health and appearance of the skin.
- It is good for the health and function of the heart.
- It helps regulate cholesterol level
- The berries are known to help alleviate soreness, swelling, and irritation.
- It enhances vision.
- It helps improve the function of the cardiovascular system.
- The berries help improve blood flow.
- It enhances body alertness.
- Aids greatly in the loss of weight
- Offsets the effects of free radicals
- Provides the body with much needed essential minerals.
- The berry is rich in electrolytes, vitamins, protein, and amino acid which is why it is deemed to be a miracle drink.
- It is rich with fiber.
- It strengthens the immune system.
Based on those very many benefits, the acai berry provides practically everything that can help us recover from every health issue we encounter. However, you just cannot pluck the berries from the tree and eat them right away. The berry needs to be processed first before they are eaten.
They also contain high amounts of omega fat, a healthy form of fat that is good for the circulation of blood and the health of the heart. Eating the berry will not lead to any side effects which means it is totally safe to eat. The acai berry is no doubt one of nature’s most healthy foods, and is definitely an excellent addition to any healthy diet.
