The super berry that everyone’s been talking about!
That’s right! The super berry is açaí berry, pronounced as (ah-sigh-ee) and is the latest fad to sweep our sunny island’s shores. Açaí berry is derived from the Euterpe oleracea, a kind of palm tree found in the Amazon rainforest. What so miraculous about this berry? It has powerful antioxidants, more powerful than blueberries (which was previously crowned the super berry). It is commonly associated with the anti-aging process as it has high levels of anthocyanins and ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) levels. Anthocyanins are antioxidant flavonoids that give the açaí berry its deep purple colour and is always present in red/purplish vegetables and fruits like red cabbages, beets, plums, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, etc. ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) measures antioxidant potential and the higher the ORAC value, the higher the capability of destroying free radicals in the body, retarding the aging effect.
Other claims of benefits include:
Weight loss
Açaí berry contains Vitamin B12, which increases your body’s metabolism to help you burn fat faster and efficiently, naturally. Moreover, the fruit helps to detoxify your body as well! Even while dieting, you still can remain healthy with Açaí’s abundant nutrients and vitamins.
Increase energy
Açaí berry contains Vitamin B12 a.k.a “energy vitamin” and gives a real energy boost. As your metabolism increases, the fat that is being metabolised is being converted into energy, giving you long lasting energy throughout the day.
Lower cholesterol
Açaí berry is a rich source a protein and essential fatty acids like omega 6 and 9 which are attributed to lowering LDL cholesterol as well as maintain HDL cholesterol levels, helping you to maintain a healthy heart.
Healthier skin
With high levels of antioxidants and ORAC values, açaí berry helps to revive your skin by helping your body go easy on the aging process. It also contains anthocyanins and phytosterols that act as an astringent, that helps keep the skin taut and protect its connective tissues, which adds up to fewer wrinkles.
Strengthen immune system
Açaí berry provides your blood with antioxidants that helps cancel out the effects of ‘free radicals’ in your body, which are unstable molecules that alters DNA and cells that are often the culprit of illnesses and diseases. It also contains anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
Encourage better sleep
The amino acids found in açaí berries naturally relaxes muscle in the body to promote a more restful sleep. Besides amino acids, serotonin and dopamine are also present to aid in this process.
Improve eyesight and night vision
Anthocyanins present in açaí berries helps to fight eye problems like macular degeneration and glaucoma. The Vitamin A in açaí berries help to improve night vision and maintain eye health.
Açaí berry have been said to assist with thyroid issues, interstitial cystitis, and prostate problems as well. Since açaí berries contains so many essential vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants that aids in your general health and well-being, you don’t need any other supplement pills as it can act as an all-in-one!
There are many brands and forms of açaí berry and some products that contain very little açaí are being passed off as a source of açaí berry. The rest are made up of other fruits such as banana, apple, orange, strawberry or raspberry. So be sure to check the nutrition facts before you buy!
P.S, NutriFirst sells NOW AÇAÍ juice(6500mg per serving) and NATROL AÇAÍ BERRY vegetarian capsules (1000mg per serving).
- Cherie Koh
NutriFirst Editor
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