Acai Berry Benefits, Nutritional Value and Uses

Originating in Central and South America, acai berry benefits go beyond those of typical fruits, including weight loss and anti-aging. In turn, many acai-containing products, such as acai juice and acai extracts, have been developed and promoted for these purposes.

Acai palm is widespread throughout South America, along watercourses in Brazil. Due to the acai berry benefits, acai berries also are largely grown for commercial purposes in organic conditions in the wide river outfall of the Amazon.

Nutritional Value of Acai Berry

It contains Vitamins C, A, B1, B2, B3 and E, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, aspartic and glutamic acid, 19 different amino acids, oleic, palmitic and linolenic acid (omega – 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids), plant sterols (beta-sitosterol, campesterol and sigmasterol), polyphenols, anthocyanins, 12 compounds like flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and small amounts of resveratrol.

Anthocyanins and flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that enable the body to fight with everyday stressors and also participate in the protective system of the cells.

Acai Berry Benefits and Uses

Reduces the Cholesterol Levels – The berry has two essential fatty acids: one is known as Omega-6 (linoleic acid), and the other is Omega-9 (Oleic acid). Frequent studies have shown that these fatty acids play a major role in lowering and maintaining of normal cholesterol levels.

Cancer Prevention – Acai is a wonderful source of vitamin-C, which is a well-known immunity booster and can generally improve your ability to fight off many diseases, including cancer. Besides the immunity boosting ability of vitamin-C, the ellagic acid in acai berries also aids in the fight against cancerous cells. Acai is packed with polyphenols, which battle cancerous growth on a molecular level, and prevent small cancerous growths from multiplying and metastasizing into lethal amounts of carcinogenic growth.

One study actually found that acai berry can stop the growth of cancer cells up to 80%, which is one of the most successful rates for alternative medical treatments for that dreaded disease. There has been specific attention placed on acai berry’s effect on prostate cancer in men.

Has Strong Anti-Aging Effect – Extremely high in many forms of plant phytochemicals (antioxidants), acai berries may contribute to an ability to slow or reverse typical processes of aging related to oxidative damage. In fact, the berries are one of the planets highest sources of antioxidants, with one berry holding ten times the amount of antioxidants as grapes, and two times the amount of blueberries.

Promotes Skin Health – Currently, many modern beauty products are carrying acai oil, again due to the oil’s high antioxidant content. What is more, acai oil is a great natural alternative to chemical based skin-care products that harm the skin in the long-run. Taken internally, the berries can also give your skin a healthier glow.

Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases – Similar to red wine, research shows that acai berries are extremely high in anthocyanins, a form of plant antioxidant associated with the ability to lower cholesterol levels in the blood stream. They are also rich in plant sterols that provide cardio-protective benefits to our cells. It does this by preventing blood clots, improving overall blood circulation, and relaxing the blood vessels.

Aids Weight Loss – One of the keys to rapid and healthy weight loss is the body’s ability to quickly eliminate waste. Acai can help you to flush out pounds of unwanted waste and body toxins leaving you thinner, cleaner and happier. Acai berry juice or just the fruit is best for boosting fat-burning metabolism. When you burn fat, you emulsify it thus creating wastes and toxins in the blood stream. Acai berry has fibers that can help in the process of losing weight.

Improves Your Blood Flow – Acai berry contains anthocyanin, a potent antioxidant that promotes proper circulation of the blood. The improved circulation results in feeling better and healthier. It is due to poor blood circulation that many diseases related to blood clotting, premature balding, and heart problems occur.

Enhances Sexual Performance – For some, this may be the best benefit they can get from acai berry. When all of the above benefits are in effect, your sexual libido gets a jump start. Acai berry benefits are truly remarkable! Try it daily for three weeks, and see the results for yourself.

Medical application

• It is used for reduction of body weight in weight loss programs;
• To increase the energy in the body;
• Improves digestion;
• Improves sleep;
• Improves mental health and it is used in depression treatment;
• For stronger immune system;
• For healthier skin;
• It is used to detoxify the body;
• Improves circulation and heart health.

Via: OrganicFacts | GlobalHealingCenter