Acai (pronounced as “ah-sigh-EE”) berries are the fruit of acai palm trees (Euterpe oleracea), which are native to the rainforests of South America. Like grapes, acai berries grow in large sprays on fan-like branches. [1]
The pit of a single acai berry constitutes about 80 percent of the fruit. For centuries, acai berries have been a local dietary staple in the Amazon region. Their taste is often described as a cross between tangy pomegranates and raspberries. [2]
Today, acai berries are widely celebrated for their health benefits. Dubbed by Brazilians as “beauty berries,” this incredible superfood is also known for having high levels of antioxidants and other phytonutrients that support human health in many ways. [3]
What makes acai berries a superfood
There are many things about acai berries that make them truly deserving of the title “superfood.” In particular, their abundance of the following beneficial components makes them a wonderful addition to a well-balanced diet:
Antioxidants
Organic acai berries are one of the best sources of antioxidant polyphenols, which are known for their many health-supporting properties. In fact, studies show that acai berries are superior to other superfruits in terms of antioxidant content, boasting as much as 10x more antioxidants than blueberries. [4] The high antioxidant capacity of acai berries is partly due to their abundance of anthocyanins, which are plant pigments that give many edible plants their attractive red, orange, blue or purple colors. [5] Anthocyanins possess many beneficial properties and are best-known for their ability to protect healthy cells from harmful free radicals. [6]
Another group of antioxidants found in acai berries are the anthocyanidins. These common plant pigments are the sugar-free counterparts of anthocyanins. According to a study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, the anthocyanidins in acai berries, namely, malvidin and cyanidin, are also potent antioxidants that can protect skin cells from oxidative damage caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. [7]
Other powerful antioxidants found in acai berries include resveratrol, which is also found in superfoods like grapes and cocoa; cyanidin-3-galactoside, the major anthocyanin in acai berries that boasts one of the highest free radical-scavenging activities among flavonoids [8]; ferulic acid, which is known for its skin-protective properties [9]; delphinidin, a major anthocyanidin in berries that support bone health [10]; petunidin, a natural derivative of delphinidin; and epicatechins, which are widely studied for their heart and metabolic health. [11]
Omega fatty acids
Aside from antioxidants, acai berries contain high amounts of healthy fats, such as omega-3s and omega-6s, plus the omega-9 fatty acid, oleic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that are good for your heart and brain, while omega-6 fatty acids are crucial for healthy brain function, as well as for normal growth and development. [12][13] Meanwhile, oleic acid, despite being a nonessential fatty acid (i.e., it can be produced by the body), still offers plenty of benefits and can support the healthy functions of your skin, heart and immune system. [14]
Amino acids
Acai berries contain 19 different amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein inside your body. [15] You need protein to build muscles, maintain healthy organs and repair damaged tissue, among other things. [16]
Vitamins and minerals
Acai berries are a great source of vitamin C. In fact, they contain the same amount of this antioxidant vitamin as blueberries. Acai berries also contain vitamin A, providing 1,000 International Units (IU) of vitamin A per 100-gram (g) serving. [17]
In addition, they are an excellent source of B vitamins, such as vitamins B2, (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) and B6 (pyridoxine). These essential vitamins are important for the metabolism of the three main macronutrients found in foods, namely, carbohydrates, fats and protein. [18]
You can also rely on acai berries to boost your intake of important minerals, such as calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium and zinc.
Fiber
Acai berries are well-known for their high fiber content. This is especially beneficial to your digestive system as dietary fiber supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. [19]
Plant sterols
Plant sterols, or phytosterols, are naturally occurring compounds found in the cell membranes of plants. Thanks to their chemical structure, they contribute to the health benefits of many superfoods, including acai berries. According to research, plant sterols are structurally similar to cholesterol, which allows them to compete with the latter for absorption in the intestine. This means that consuming foods that contain phytosterols, such as acai berries, can help you support healthy cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range. [20][21]
Another thing that makes acai berries special is that they contain negligible amounts of sugar, which is why they are often recommended for people who want to control their sugar intake. But because they are rich in healthy fats, acai berries need to be frozen or freeze-dried after harvesting to prevent them from becoming rancid. [22] Freeze-dried acai berries are a great choice if you wish to add this superfood to your diet because the freeze-drying process preserves the freshness of acai berries and increases their shelf life without destroying their valuable nutrient and phytonutrient content.
The science-backed health benefits of organic acai berries*
Thanks to their impressive nutrient and phytonutrient profile, acai berries offer the following health benefits:
They support healthy brain function
According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, acai berries can help you maintain a healthy brain, thanks to their natural abundance of antioxidant polyphenols. [23] By neutralizing harmful free radicals, these potent compounds can protect healthy brain cells from oxidative damage, which has been linked to poor memory and learning.
They support healthy cardiovascular function
In a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that eating acai berries every day as part of a healthy breakfast helped men support the healthy functions of their blood vessels. The researchers attributed this to the antioxidant activities of the polyphenols in acai berries, which helped protect epithelial cells from oxidative stress. [24]
Aside from antioxidants, the healthy fats in acai berries can also support a healthy heart. Studies show that omega-3s and the omega-9 fatty acid, oleic acid, can help you maintain healthy triglyceride and cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range. [25][26]
They support a healthy immune system
Some immune cells are known to produce free radicals as part of their immune activities. But in order to keep these molecules from harming your immune cells, your body requires the help of antioxidants. This is why it’s so important to maintain healthy antioxidant levels, and why eating antioxidant-rich foods like acai berries can benefit your immune system. [27]
In addition to this, a study published in the journal PLoS ONE found that acai berries contain polysaccharides that support the activity of certain innate immune cells. [28] The components of your innate immune system serve as your body’s first line of defense against threats. [29]
They support healthy digestive function
One of the keys to a healthy digestive system is maintaining a balanced composition of gut microflora. The best way to ensure this is to eat foods that contain prebiotics, which can feed the beneficial microbes in your gut. According to a study that appeared in the journal Food Chemistry, the fiber and polyphenols in acai berries can serve as prebiotics, which can help friendly gut bacteria to thrive. [30] Because these microbes can help with your digestion, eating acai berries is an excellent way to support healthy digestive function. [31]
They support healthy, glowing skin
Acai berries contain high amounts of antioxidants, including vitamin C, which is known to protect the skin from oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is linked to many skin problems, including the appearance of signs of aging. [32] By consuming antioxidant-rich acai berries, you can maintain healthy antioxidant levels and support healthy, glowing skin.
They support healthy sleep patterns
Acai berries contain vitamin B6, which plays an important role in your body’s natural production of important brain chemicals, such as serotonin. [33] Serotonin is also known as the sleep hormone and is involved in the modulation of sleep. [34] Acai berries can support healthy sleep patterns by helping you maintain healthy levels of serotonin.
They support sensible weight management plans
Thanks to their high fiber content, acai berries can make you feel full for longer. [35] This can help you avoid unhealthy snacking between meals and reduce your food intake. Acai berries can thus help you achieve reasonable weight management goals, especially when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
They naturally uplift your mood
Aside from serotonin, vitamin B6 is also involved in your body’s natural production of dopamine. [36] This brain chemical is involved in the regulation of mood. [37] By supporting healthy dopamine levels in your brain, acai berries can naturally help uplift your mood.
Where to get lab-verified freeze-dried organic acai powder
The Health Ranger Store recognizes the health-supporting properties of acai berries, which is why we are bringing you Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Acai Powder 4oz.
Our Health Ranger Select Free-Dried Organic Acai Powder 4oz is a dark purple powder that’s rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber and beneficial phytonutrients. Our premium acai powder is made by freeze-drying organic acai berry puree to preserve its freshness while retaining maximum nutrition.
Health Ranger Select Free-Dried Organic Acai Powder 4oz is vegan, non-GMO, non-China and is certified Kosher and organic. It also contains no gluten and is extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
The best ways to enjoy organic acai powder
Optimize your diet with potent phytonutrients and powerful antioxidants using our delicious Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Acai Powder that come in 4oz packs.
Our freeze-dried organic acai powder can be easily added to smoothies, shakes, fruit juices, teas, coffee creamers and other beverages. Alternatively, you can simply add it to water for a refreshing glass of acai berry juice.
Its unique flavor profile is also well-suited for superfruit blends, chocolates, desserts, ice creams, snack bars and sauces.
Enrich your diet with freeze-dried organic acai powder and enjoy the many benefits of this antioxidant-rich superfood!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not recommended to treat, cure or diagnose any disease.
References
[1] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
[2] https://www.masterclass.com
[4] https://www.healthline.com
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[9] https://www.verywellhealth.com
[10] https://journals.plos.org
[11] https://www.europeanpharmaceuticalreview.com
[12] https://my.clevelandclinic.org
[13] https://www.mountsinai.org
[14] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[15] https://www.fruitsinfo.com
[17] https://www.medicinenet.com
[18] https://www.nutrition-and-you.com
[19] https://editorial.victoriahealth.com
[21] https://my.clevelandclinic.org
[23] https://pubs.acs.org
[25] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu
[26] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[27] https://www.cambridge.org
[28] https://journals.plos.org
[30] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[31] https://newsinhealth.nih.gov
[33] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[34] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[36] https://aadcnews.com
[37] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
