For those who have missed my previous posts about the history of acai berries and why they are so popular today, I recommend that you continue reading this post. For those who have been reading my entries, this one will give you a more detailed background of the history and discovery of acai berries.
What are Acai Berries?
Acai berries are a small (marble-sized) purple fruit from a palm tree (the Acai tree) that is found mainly in Brazil. The Amazon rainforest is home to many of these trees. The berries taste similar to raspberries, but look kind of like grapes. They even have a slight taste of chocolate – making them a great addition to chocolate bars. However, the Acai berry far surpasses other berries when it comes to nutrients and health benefits. Acai berry research has shown what a powerful food the berry is.
How Acai Berries Were Used in the Past
In the past, Acai berries were used by ancient Amazon cultures as a treatment for many different diseases and conditions. Acai berries are packed with beneficial antioxidants as well as essential fatty acids and amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Acai berry research has shows that Acai berries have ten times the antioxidants of grapes and blueberries (both known for their antioxidant properties).
Current Research on Acia Berries
Since the explosion of Acai berry popularity, many experts have been conducting Acai berry research. They have found that the berry is incredibly powerful and potent. Acai berries have become popular around the globe.
Acai berry research has been done to determine what vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients the berries contain. Studies have found that the berries have: fiber (essential for good digestion), antioxidants (good for preventing cancer), vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega 6 fatty acids, omega 9 fatty acids, calcium, iron, potassium, and various amino acids which serve to build protein in the body.
Other benefits of the berry include cholesterol management, decreased bloating, improved digestion, and it’s even an anti-imflammatory.
Because of its high iron content, the berries are often recommended for people with anemia, the elderly, or people who have trouble with the digestive tract (small intestine, stomach, colon). The berry can prevent many ailments, give you energy, boost the immune system, improve your skin, give you keener senses, and a host of other things.
One current issue in Acai berry research is the possibility of Acai berries as a cancer treatment or a way to prevent cancer. There have been studies done on leukemia cells (cancerous cells) that have promising results. The Acai berry’s extracts can actually cause the cells to self destruct.
There are many ways to take Acai berries – you can drink the juice, mix Acai powder into your smoothies or drinks, take pills or tablets, and many more. It’s easy enough to add Acai to your diet, so you might as well try it.
Photo Credit: Muneeb2Good
No related posts.
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 0 comments… add one now }