Berries are an excellent healthy supplement for your mind and your body. There are so many types of berries that are filled with antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals. However, the acai (pronounced: ah-sigh-ee) berry is one of the healthiest that you can add to your diet. This superfood boasts pulp that has a combination of all sorts of vitamins and antioxidants that have quite an array of incredible medicinal properties. The acai berry can be eaten on its own, or it can be enjoyed in smoothies, shakes, yogurts, or any number of delicious varieties. There are a number of ways this berry can fit into any meal, and with all its health benefits, you almost can’t afford not to include this healthy fruit in your diet.
How acai berry looks like
The acai berry is a one-inch, purplish-red berry that’s found in the rainforests of Brazil. It comes from the slender, tall acai palm tree, and while these berries are perishable, there’s a multitude of health benefits when they are eaten fresh. In South America, they have nicknamed this healthy fruit the “beauty berry” as it has so many elements that cause the body to look and feel better from the inside out.
The combination of amino acids, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids found in the fruit’s pulp remove dangerous free radicals and help slow down the aging process, making it the perfect treat for a healthy body and smooth skin. This berry is a rich source of protein, boasting more protein than an egg, and with its omega-fatty acids, the acai berry will boost your mood as well as improve the look and texture of your nails and hair, too.
Acai Berry, healthier than you imagine
Decades ago, this berry was traditionally used in Brazil to aid with digestion and to prevent ulcers. Today there is research that shows that the acai berry not only helps with these health problems, but also is a must-have in a heart-healthy diet. It is well-known that a glass of red wine can be good for the heart. This is due to the anthocyanins, a form of plant antioxidant, found in red wine. The same anthocyanins are also found in the acai berry. This plant antioxidant has the ability to lower cholesterol in the bloodstream. However, that’s not everything when it comes to the acai berry. This berry also is rich in plant sterols that gives cardio-protective benefits to our cells. This helps the body improve circulation, prevent blood clots, and keep the blood vessels running smoothly.
In the Amazon, this fruit is often mixed with manioc (a starchy root vegetable) and served as porridge. Outside of South America, this berry can be found in supermarkets and health food stores, usually in teas, juices, and smoothies, as transporting fresh acai berries is a difficult and complex process. While we’ve talked about all the health benefits of this berry, the great news is that it tastes scrumptious as well! The acai berry tastes like a mix of wild berries and chocolate, making it a decadent, velvety fruit flavor, perfect to add to any number of drinks, meals, or desserts.