Acai Berry: A Super Food You Must Include in your Diet

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Need antioxidants? Opt for berries. And what could be better than acai that falls within the category of super foods. Let’s first get to know what super foods really are. These refer to foods that contain high levels of vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants that apart from reversing the aging process, contain anti-cancer properties.

Salmon, kiwifruit, beans, kale, acai, blueberries, and whole grains are all super foods. These are also known to contain healthy fats that prevent heart diseases and other related disorders. It’s little wonder then that super foods are gaining a lot of importance these days with people opting for healthier food options.

What is Acai?

Pronounced as “ah-sigh-ee”, acai is a reddish-purple berry that grows on the acai palm tree mainly found in South and Central America. Studies suggest that the acai berry aids in weight loss and possesses anti-aging properties. This fruit contains even higher levels of antioxidants than raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, and even blackberries.

The acai berry is not a recent discovery by man. In fact, it has been in use as an immunity boosting food since ages. Regular consumption of this fruit can exhibit several health benefits because it prevents oxidative damage in the human body. The anthocyanin contained in acai berries prevents the action of free radicals in the body thereby ensuring maximum cellular protection.

Acai Berry as an Agent of Weight Loss: A Myth

There’s little doubt about the nutritional benefits of the acai berry. However, there is no conclusive study that suggests that consuming this fruit helps in shedding the kilos. It can definitely form an integral part of a healthy and a nutritious diet, but touting this fruit as an “agent for weight loss” would not be justified.

However, researchers are constantly striving towards finding out whether or not the acai berry aids in weight loss. There is no such food that helps in shedding weight; the only thing that works is regular physical exercise coupled with a healthy diet. If super foods such as the acai berry are included in healthy meal plans, the entire weight loss program becomes a highly effective one.

In which Form Should the Acai Berry be Consumed?

The essential fatty acids present in acai berries help in burning fat, control food cravings, and as a result, enhance the metabolic rate. Moreover, acai products meant for the detoxification of the body control the build-up of toxins and cleanse the system.

The acai berry, being a rare and exotic fruit is not that easily available. That is why it is generally available in the form of capsules, juices, and even powders. Physicians suggest that one must limit the consumption of acai berry juice, since these are processed and contain high amounts of sugar. One of the best ways of consuming acai is by blending the frozen unsweetened variety with other fruits and vegetables into a healthy smoothie. The powdered and the capsule variety of the acai berry is also effective, but it is always better to consume this fruit in its natural form.

Author Bio:

Sanjana Roy is a content writer with Transparency Market Research, a market intelligence firm based in the U.S. While her job profile entails writing on various global industry segments, her area of interest is food and beverages. She is especially interested in exploring trend-setting ideas that will define the food industry of the future, with a focus on health issues, new consumption trends and patterns, and the “food culture” that prevails today.

Sanjana Roy
Sanjana Roy is a content writer with Transparency Market Research, a market intelligence firm based in the U.S. While her job profile entails writing on various global industry segments, her area of interest is food and beverages. She is especially interested in exploring trend-setting ideas that will define the food industry of the future, with a focus on health issues, new consumption trends and patterns, and the “food culture” that prevails today.