Superfood: Açaí Berries

Açaí is a superfood fruit from South America. The people of Brazil have been using them for many years to gain nutritional benefits. They are very high in a variety of vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, B1, and vitamin E. Also, they have a high protein content and are a great source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats! In the U.S. the berries won't last the shipment from South America, so normally they are dried into a powder form and then shipped. Read below for some of the wonderful benefits that Acai has to offer!

~Benefits~

1. Good for the heart: These berries have anthocyanins which is similar to a chemical in red wine which helps lower cholesterol levels. They also contain plant sterols which protect our cells by preventing blood clots, and also help to improve circulation. 

2. Healthy Skin: Due to the high antioxidant level of açaí berries, they help to make your skin naturally glow. Take them as a supplement for this benefit. 

3. Anti-Aging: These berries can reverse aging effects and reduce inflammation in the body. This is because of the high antioxidant levels. They also have around ten times the antioxidants as grapes! They have one of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) to reduce free radical damage in the body and promote the death of unhealthy cells. 

4. Anti-Viral & Anti-Bacterial: Consuming acai berry extract can help to fight anti viral and parasitic infections. This means that it can help  you be less susceptible to acquiring a cold during flu season!

5. Vasodilator: These berries help to increase the size of blood vessels and improve the flow of blood in the body. This can be especially helpful for men with a low sex drive.

6. Weight Loss: Acai helps to suppress the hunger and apetite of the body because of it's high fiber content. This can mean a decrease in the accumulation of body fat and an increase in metabolism resulting in weight loss. 

7. Improved Vision: Since anthyocyanins and Vitamin A are superstars of this fruit, it can help to improve your overall vision. 

If you can acquire the berries in their natural state then that would be awesome! If you can't, then supplementing your diet with the powdered form of the berries can also be beneficial :)

This post is written by Michael
Adapted from: 
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