Açaí is the fruit of açaí palm tree or manaca (Euterpe olaracea), a native palm tree widely cultivated in the Amazon. It looks like a blueberry, but it is larger and has stones.
He medicinal and strengthening use Açaí dates back to the first indigenous tribes, for whom it was a basic food: it constituted 25% of their daily diet.
Antioxidant properties and exceptional nutritional composition
açaí is rich in antioxidantsespecially in phenols and anthocyanins, the latter responsible for its dark color. This gives it an ORAC value – which measures the antioxidant activity of a food – of 185, much higher even than that of blueberries (32) and black grapes (11).
Furthermore, it contributes omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acidsand contains large amounts of betasisterols – plant sterols – which reduce the absorption of cholesterol and regulate its levels in the blood.
The Euterpe oleracea berry is also abundant in amino acids, minerals such as calcium, iron and phosphorus, provitamin A and vitamins C and E. It completes its nutritional value with a good fiber content and the presence of few sugars.
Açaí, endless benefits
The great variety and concentration of nutrients in açaí make this Amazonian berry provide outstanding health benefits:
Benefits for the heart
The anthocyanins in açaí reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, while plant sterols act as vasodilators and relax the veins, which helps to lower blood pressure and improve circulation, and therefore, blood oxygenation.
Benefits for skin and eyes
He açaí oil It is used in cosmetics: it hydrates the skin and calms irritation. Furthermore, nutrition is from the inside out: the consumption of açaí is reflected in glowing skin.
The antioxidants in açaí slow down the cellular oxidation that accompanies aging. Drinking its juice or applying its oil helps combat hair loss, premature wrinkles, macular degeneration and cataract formation.
Benefits for defenses
Fresh is a good source of vitamin C, known for strengthen immunity and improve the body’s ability to fight any disease, including cancer. Furthermore, due to its high content of ellagic acid and polyphenols, it prevents the growth of cancer cells at a molecular level and, to a certain extent, metastasis.
A study published by the American Cancer Society in 1989 found that it slows growth in vitro of prostate cancer cells by up to 80%.
Sexual health benefits
This fruit is often used, along with maca, to combat erectile dysfunction wave lack of sexual desire without apparent cause. Açaí works by improving the general fluidity of blood in the body. In this way, it strengthens and vivifies all the organs.
How to take açaí
Açaí is usually sold powderedwhich allows it to be easily added to smoothies, juices, desserts and bars, although it is also found in juice or oil to apply on the skin and it is becoming easier to find it frozen or in envelopes or jars of the pulp.
You can also opt for fresh berries if you have access, such as blueberries, blackberries or raspberries. As their nutrients are less concentrated, they have less antioxidant power, but they are still very healthy.