Acai health benefits support brain function, digestion and diminish the signs of aging. Learn ways acai supports your nutrition and healthy lifestyle.
In 2016, over 300,000 tons of acai berry products were sold. That number is expected to rise to 1 million by the end of 2026.
The berries have gained popularity around the world and in the United States, and are also believed to have exceptional health benefits. People have begun to flock to smoothie bowls with acai in the morning as a health-packed kickstart to their day.
Before a few years ago, however, not many people had ever heard of acai. Now, it’s a staple in many freezers.
Whether you’ve never heard of acai, or are curious to learn more, read on for 5 acai health benefits.
What is Acai?
To understand acai and its health benefits, you must first understand what the fruit is.
Acai is a small, blueish-purplish berry grown primarily in Brazil, though you can find it almost anywhere throughout the Amazon Rainforest. It’s harvested primarily by natives that live off the banks of the Amazon River.
The fruit itself is 90% seed. The fleshy part on the outside is the fruit. It tends to deteriorate quickly after harvesting but gets frozen at the peak of freshness to maintain its health benefits. Before freezing, the fruit gets washed, softened, and de-pulped.
Though it can be consumed in a variety of ways, it’s most commonly seen in smoothies and smoothie bowls.
It’s known to be higher in fat than other fruits and to contain less sugar.
1. High in Antioxidants
Acai is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants, according to the Mayo Clinic, fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals are the molecules produced when the body breaks down food, or when the body becomes exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation.
Other high sources of antioxidants can include strawberries, pomegranate, and blueberries. Antioxidants are measured by their Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) score.
According to Healthline, 100 grams of frozen blueberries produces an ORAC score of 4,669. The same amount of frozen acai pulp produces a score of 15,405.
They’ve also been found to contain just as much Vitamin C as blueberries, and are also a great source of Vitamins A and B, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper.
2. They Can Aid in Keeping Your Skin Healthy
Our skin deals with a lot in a given day. Pollen, UV rays, oils, stress, germs, even poor nutrition. Because it’s high in antioxidants, acai can help repair our skin’s cells. It’s the largest organ our body possesses, so we need to take care of it.
A study published in 2017 also shows that acai can even help heal our physical wounds.
3. Acai is an Aphrodisiac
Move over clams, because acai is also considered an aphrodisiac — a substance that increases sexual desire and behavior.
Not only that, but it’s also an immunity booster, and may even help prevent cancer and aging.
4. Balances Cholesterol Levels
Animal studies suggest that acai berries could even be capable of lowering cholesterol levels in humans.
One study conducted in 2011 had 10 overweight adults consume 100 grams of acai pulp (smoothies) every day for 30 days. The end of the study showed lower total cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein and is often considered the “bad” cholesterol.
Acai also contains plant sterols, which prevent cholesterol from being absorbed by your body.
Organic smoothie packs are a great way to find these nutrients.
5. Aids in Digestion
That same 2011 study also found that acai helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, creating a more balanced environment for overall gut health.
Put it this way. Insulin signals the liver to take glucose from your bloodstream. From there, it’s stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Glycogen is the stored form of glucose, which acts as the “fuel” for our cells. Without glucose, we wouldn’t be able to sustain our energy for as long as we do.
That’s why you shake and feel weak when your blood sugar is low. Glucose is the sugar, or fuel, in our bloodstream.
Acai is also a great source of fiber.
This berry also contains omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. All three of these fatty acids aid in hair growth, cell sustainment, and the functioning of the brain and reproductive system.
Omega-3 and omega-6 are “essential fatty acids” that are not produced by the body and must be ingested. Omega-9 fatty acids can be produced by the body, but only in limited quantities.
Sustainably-Sourced Acai
Nativo’s organic acai berries are sustainably sourced and are only harvested once they reach peak maturity. They’re grown in the wild and no trees are cut down in the process.
This helps prevent deforestation and keeps the integrity of the Amazon rainforest, the planet’s largest source of oxygen. There are over 121 natural remedies found in the rainforest, and acai has proven to be one of them with all of its natural health benefits.
Acai Health Benefits, and the Impact It Has On Our Bodies
Whether this was your first time hearing and learning about acai, or you’ve eaten it for years and knew all of this information, there’s no doubt that organic acai can have a positive impact on your body.
Acai health benefits come inside a small package and bring lots of flavor with them. They grow on tall, thin palm trees and get harvested only a few times a year. They’ve been eaten and enjoyed by natives for centuries, and Nativo Acai brings that flavor to your bowl.
Read our blog for more information on acai, or peruse our products to get your very own packets.