These Amazon berries protect the heart, in addition to helping detoxify and regenerate the organism.

He açai (Euterpe oleracea) andIt is a small dark purple berry, similar to a black grape, produced by a palm tree in the Amazon rainforest and widely consumed by some indigenous communities in Brazil.

Properties of açai berries

It is rich in proteins and monounsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic acid. It also contains phytosterols, polyphenols and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron, but especially potassium (930 mg/100 g).

In addition, its content of vitamins E (45 mg/100 g), C (20 mg) and group B stands out. The 247 calories provided by 100 grams make it a first-class energy fruit.

Taking açai regularly helps rebalance the body. The following properties are mainly attributed to it:

• Antioxidant effect. Its high content of anthocyanins, flavonoids and vitamins C and E gives açai a powerful antioxidant action against free radicals, which helps delay aging and improve general health.
• Energizing. Provides resistance and vitality.
• Purifying. Berries taken on an empty stomach promote the elimination of toxins.
• Improves defenses. Its ellagic acid – a polyphenol – strengthens the immune system and helps fight viruses and bacteria.
• Cardiovascular protector. Phytosterols, anthocyanins, fiber and healthy fatty acids reduce the absorption of dietary saturated fats and prevent oxidation. They also lower harmful cholesterol (LDL) without reducing beneficial cholesterol (HDL).
• Regulates intestinal transit. It contains both soluble fiber (in the pulp) and insoluble fiber (in the skin), which affects the proper functioning of the intestine.
• Strengthens the nervous system. Its nutrients are considered beneficial to enhance memory and mental concentration.
• Protein contribution. The proportion of amino acids in açai berries makes them suitable to complement vegetarian diets, as well as for athletes or people who require an extra supply of protein.
• Remineralizing. Due to their richness in vitamins and minerals, they can be helpful in anemia, anorexia and deficiency states.

How do you take açai?

In some areas of the Amazon it is very typical to consume açai as a fruit or in juice; It can also be found in ice cream mixed with guarana, another energizing fruit very common in those latitudes.

In other parts of the world, diet laboratories sell it in concentrated juice or extract due to its multiple properties. The recommended dose is usually 10 ml of juice three times a day or 800 mg of extract daily standardized dry, which is equivalent to 1,600 mg of fresh pulp.