Why Acai Berries are so good for you, and why you should eat more of them!
Acai berries are a relatively new addition to the list of superfoods, and are gaining in popularity all the time as people warm to them and get to grips with their unique nutritional profile. But what are acai berries?
Acai palms grow in Brazil and produce tiny purple berries which look like grapes, but smaller. The powder made from this superfood can be used in smoothies, desserts, chocolate, muffins or simply sprinkled over porridge and granola. Nutritionsits recommend 1-5 teaspoons of the powder daily to harness the maximum benefit.
But why exactly should we be eating these little purple wonder-fruits? Let us walk you through some of the main health benefits of acai berries….
Acai contains Omega-6 and Omega-9, two essential fatty acids that actually reduce your cholesterol levels as well as boosting your general health in a number of ways.
This research paper found that rats fed an acai supplement with a high-cholesterol diet experienced 33% lower total cholesterol levels.
Many skincare products contain acai oil, which has an effectiveness that’s far more long-lasting than many other topical oils for your skin as it doesn’t lose potency as fast when exposed to light or oxygen.
Consuming acai berries is also excellent for your skin. Its essential fatty acids have a tightening effect, preventing sagginess, and its antioxidants help the body repair damaged skin cells faster.
Acai gives your immune system a boost
Eating acai berries boosts the production of human gamma delta T cells in cell cultures – this is essential for your body’s immune system.
Acai also stimulates production of interleukin 12, a key modulator of immune function, as well as myeloid cells, a kind of white blood cell that contributes toward a healthy immune system.
Because of its splendid mix of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, the power of the acai berry has been harnessed for thousands of years as a natural energy booster.
It helps to increase your body’s stamina levels and can prevent the onset of exhaustion and fatigue.
Acai helps in the fight against ageing
Skin tends to dry out the older you get. This is due to a weakening of the layer of skin called the epidermis, which allows more moisture to be lost when we age. Acai contains magnesium, which helps delay this process.
The Vitamin C and A in acai also stimulate the production of collagen, which ensures we look younger, and this report from 2017 found it also helps heal wounds faster.
It's really good for your brain
There’s growing evidence that consuming acai gives a remarkable boost to your cognitive powers. It appears to have a marked effect on the frontal cortex and hippocampus areas of the brain.
The research scientist Dr. Alex Schauss reported that acai appears to mitigate and reverse the effect of ageing in the brain, particularly in areas related to cognition and memory.
It’s the Omega-3 fats and the antioxidants in acai berries which makes them so excellent for the health of your heart. They are very rich in anthocyanins, which are flavonoids also found in blueberries, cherries and red wine. These protect your cells from oxidative damage that can lead to disease.
The plant sterols in acai also help prevent blood clots and improve circulation by relaxing blood vessels.
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