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Acai berries have gained popularity over the last few years based on their nutritional content. They’re said to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet, being coined a ‘superfood’ years ago. More specifically, acai berries are gaining interest regarding their potential effects on weight loss and aging.
What is Acai Berry?
Grown in the Amazon River, acai berries are deep purple in color and taste like a combination between chocolate and wild berries. This rich purple color comes from its anthocyanin content. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that can protect you against cancer, diabetes, bacterial infections, inflammation, diabetes, neurological diseases, and more.
For centuries, this berry has been used for its immune-boosting properties. In just one 4-ounce serving of pure acai berry, you will find around 100 calories, offering your body iron, fiber, calcium, and vitamin A. In terms of supplementation, acai berry is sold in powdered form, capsules, and within bottled smoothies.
Origin of the Acai Berry
The acai berry is actually a species of palm tree that originates from South America. More specifically, Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, and Brazil. In these locations, this berry has been enjoyed for several millennia. This tree produces small berries that are regularly consumed from Amazonian tribes.
Traditionally, it was used to treat digestion issues, as well as skin complications. Today, it is used for a wide range of purposes, based on its rich-vitamin concentration, yielding health-boosting properties. In more recent years, it has been combined with other ingredients to create a weight-loss supplement that’s effective and safe.
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Benefits of Acai Berries
Before we focus on weight-loss, let’s examine some of the key health benefits associated with this berry. Based on its high antioxidant content, acai berries are believed to protect cells against free radical damage. In turn, this can protect you against conditions such as heart disease and cancer.
While focusing on heart health, it’s been shown that acai berries have the ability to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, based on their anthocyanin content. They are also rich in plant sterols, providing cardio-protective benefits. Some of these benefits include the prevention of blood clots, improved blood circulation, and the relaxation of blood vessels.
Consuming acai berry has been shown to keep your digestive system clean and functioning at an optimal level. The berries themselves have powerful detoxification properties and are well-known sources of fiber. Like other high-fiber foods, this supports a healthier digestive system.
In terms of cancer, acai berry is extremely high in vitamin C and ellagic acid. This combination is said to suppress the growth of cancer cells. Since free radical damage is one of the leading causes associated with cancer, acai berry can help reduce overall damage. The pigments that provide acai berries with their deep color provide protection against the effects of UV exposure.
In one study, it was found that polyphenolic compounds reduced cancer cell proliferation by up to 86 percent. It’s believed that acai berries can reduce the carcinogenic process at the molecular level, killing off tumor cells. Although it’s not considered a cure for cancer, it does offer potential benefits in the fight against this disease.
Once again, based on the phytochemicals in acai berries, it’s possible that they can slow down or even reverse signs of aging. Since oxidation is responsible for aging and disease, the antioxidants in this berry help to protect those who consume it. In comparison to grapes, acai berries contain up to ten times more antioxidants and two times the amount that blueberries offer.
In terms of overall immunity, acai berries have an effect on oxidative stress reduction. They support immune function, allowing it to function at a higher level. These berries contain a specific carbohydrate that’s been shown to induce T cell activity. In turn, this helps you body fight infections more effectively.
Acai Berries and Weight-Loss
When consuming this berry either in its supplement or natural form, it appears to aid in more rapid calorie burning. When taking this supplement, individuals have experienced increased metabolic rates and other associated health benefits.
When sourcing an acai berry supplement for weight-loss, there are generally other ingredients which further support a healthy weight, such as green tea extract. Green tea has long been used based on its beneficial properties. It’s known to break down fat cells, enhance metabolism, and offer health-boosting antioxidants.
Additional Benefits Associated with Acai Berry
Acai berry protects your health and helps you lose weight, but the benefits don’t stop there. When consuming an acai berry supplement, users can also experience glowing skin and vibrant hair. Since the acai berry is packed with vitamins, they contribute to beauty benefits. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, these support a healthy and glowing complexion.
It also offers antioxidants which block free radicals that cause severe damage to your body and skin. Acai berry not only reduces the sign of aging but based on its anti-inflammatory properties, it also combats the effects of acne. When it comes to your hair, acai berry offers protein, fatty acids, zinc, and folic acid. This combination supports a healthier scalp and shinier hair.
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