Acai Berry: Potential Superfood

Most people have been talking about the acai berry. They’re actually berries considered to be a superfood, exhibiting weight loss and anti-aging properties. The berries can apparently also be used for cosmetic purposes. Let’s take a look at its scientific background.

The acai berry is about an inch long. Its color is a mixture of red and purple. It comes from the tree Euterpe oleracea or the acai palm tree, a native tree found in Central and South America. According to research, the berry does have antioxidant potentials. As a result, it may, as a matter of fact, pose a good fight against oxidative problems such as cancer and heart disease.

Regarding its health value, the berry has lots of anthocyanins and flavonoids. Anthocyanins are responsible for the blue and red hues in flowers, vegetables and plants. Food that are rich in this substance range from red grapes to blueberries and to ultimately, the acai berry. Anthocyanins are proven to be such powerful antioxidants that help the body exhibit defense mechanisms against stressors. Antioxidants protect cells as well, by being guards against harm free radicals. Diets that are rich in antioxidants pave way to slower aging and less likelihood to get most diseases.

We know some things for sure about the acai berries. For instance, its pulp, because of its antioxidant properties, are used in addressing lots of health conditions. These health conditions are the same conditions addressed to by fruits similar to the acai – blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries and raspberries.

As for weight loss, its properties regarding this are still currently being studied. A few studies, though, suggest that it does promote weight loss – as do diets rich in antioxidants. Berries and other antioxidants are, without argue, promoters of detoxified and healthy lives. As for being especially effective in getting off unnecessary weight though, the acai berry has still not been proven super.

The berries are also used in cosmetics because it contains acai oil – the powerhouse of antioxidants and is a very effective ingredient in creams, therapies, shampoos, anti-aging ointments and several other products.

As for side effects, the acai berry has been considered not advisable to those who have pollen allergies. Over-eating the berries, of course, is also not recommended.

Overall, the acai berry has so much potential, though as cautious health junkies, we still should wait for further studies before officially indulging in them! It doesn’t hurt to try the berries though; after all, we’re sure they’re antioxidizing, and we’re sure they’re tasty!

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