Acai
According to WebMD, acai berry is a 2.5cm-long reddish, purple fruit which comes from the acai palm tree (Euterpe oleracea) from Central and South America. (1)
Like many other antioxidant-rich fruits, acai contains vitamin A, C and E. It also contains calcium, iron, potassium, and sodium.
Acai may help
- Maintain skin health
- Protect brain cells
- Reduce cholesterol
- Constrict tissues
- Support digestive health
Benefits
1) Maintains skin health
Acai berries have antioxidant properties and could help to protect the body from free radicals from eating a poor diet, pollution, chemicals, smoking and UV rays.
Free-radicals can age us prematurely. Slowing down and preventing oxidative stress can help prevent premature ageing and maintain skin health.
2) Protects brain cells
Acai may help protect brain cells and support cognitive functions which can deteriorate as we get older. Oxidative stress and inflammation can cause our brain cells to degrade, resulting in memory and cognitive problems that may lead to certain diseases. According to the US National Library of Medicine, research shows that acai pulp fractions help protect brain cells. (2)
3) Reduces cholesterol
According to the US National Library of Medicine, acai may help to reduce total cholesterol and harmful LDL cholesterol. In one study, ten overweight adults took 100g of acai pulp twice daily for four weeks. The study found that acai reduced LDL and overall cholesterol and therefore, acai may help prevent heart disease. (3)
4) Constricts tissues
Acai may have astringent effects and shrink or tighten body tissues which may benefit individuals with diarrhoea.
5) Supports digestive health
Acai berry may speed up bowel movements and help the liver and kidneys to process and dispose of waste and toxins from the body. It may even clean out the colon by preventing a build-up of undigested food and other substances that harm the digestive system.
Acai works well with
- Green tea for protecting the body from toxins
- Aloe vera Juice IBS symptoms such as diarrhoea and bloating
Resources
last accessed online 18/05/2020
- https://www.webmd.boots.com/healthy-eating/guide/acai-berries-health-benefits
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22224493
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21569436
