Acai

Discover the Benefits of Acai Berry Supplements

Açai berries come from the açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea), which is a species of palm tree that is native to Central and South America, especially Brazil where they grow in parts of the Amazonian rain forest. Given the sharp rise in popularity, acai palms today are cultivated specifically for their fruit (berries)and used in recipes and supplements and hearts, and to a lesser extent, for their leaves, and trunk. There are believed to be seven distinct types of açai berries, all considered SuperStars among SuperFruits and offering similar health benefits.

acai berries and supplements are extremely rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, procyanidins, epicatechin, protocatechuic acid, as well as polyphenols, and vitamins A, C, and E, and boast an enviable ORAC score (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), a measure of the antioxidant capacity of foods. To put it into context, an intake of 3000 to 5000 ORAC units daily is considered healthy and protective. Blueberries, which are considered one of the most antioxidant foods, supplies roughly 2400 ORAC units per serving. In contrast, one serving of açai berries supplies a whopping ORAC 5500 units. antioxidants aside, acai berries are also incredibly nutrient-dense, supplying considerable quantities of dietary fibre, omega fatty acids (including omega-3, 6 & 9 fatty acids like linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid), amino acids, plant sterols (B-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol), B vitamins, trace minerals, as well as electrolytes.

Comprehensive Health Advantages of Acai Berries

• Balances Blood Sugar
• Enhances Cognitive Function & Protects Brain Health
• Improves Lipid Profiles/Lowers Cholesterol
• Prevents & Repairs Free Radical Damage

Ideal Candidates for Acai Berry Supplementation

Açai berries may be recommended for a number of reasons, but above and beyond everything else, they are prized as antioxidants to help prevent oxidative damage inside the body, a process that is associated with the development of most age-related degenerative conditions. Beyond prevention, açai berries may also be recommended in the presence of oxidative-stress induced health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Obesity, and many more, to help slow down disease progression, and in many cases, even reverse oxidative tissue damage. Acai berries and supplements are also considered brain food, so are frequently recommended to help protect brain health, as well as maintain and sharpen memory and concentration. This is an especially important application for the berries because it’s a well-known fact that inflammation and oxidative stress are two of the primary causes of cognitive decline, including memory loss, dementia, and other age-related neurocognitive deficits. Acai has also been demonstrated to help control blood sugar levels, and in turn help prolong satiety and stave off hunger, so they may be an interesting addition to those hoping to support weight loss or optimize body composition. Finally, practitioners may also choose to recommend açai to help block cholesterol absorption from food, as well as lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol, thus protecting cardiovascular health.

Different Forms and Uses of Acai Supplements

Fresh acai berries, like other berries, have a short shelf life (starting to spoil a mere 24 hours after being picked) and aren't available outside of where they are grown, so must be imported. They are typically sold in freeze-dried powders, dried pulps, frozen juices and purees, teas, and supplements, all of which preserve the bulk of its nutrient content. Powdered acai is also frequently added to superfood blends to enhance antioxidant potential, as well as to foods, beverages, capsule supplements and even cosmetics. While the powder form is more concentrated and thus, more nutrient-dense, the purée form is ideal for those looking to incorporate this SuperFood into their shakes, smoothies, or smoothie bowls while fully benefitting from the delightful and complex flavor of the açai berry that’s somewhat of a cross between blackberries or raspberries and intense dark chocolate.