Acai berry has abundant vitamins and minerals, and other nutrients.
The taste of the fruit is not something that most people like. Sometimes it’s referred to as greasy earthy or astringent.
Even with its sour taste, it contains ingredients that are essential for good health.
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Fiber
Acai berry is rich in fiber. In fact, about 40% of the nutrients of the fruit are fiber.
Taking it can aid digestion and stimulate your metabolism.
A healthy digestive system also strengthens the immune system.
Since foods get digested easily and adsorption of the nutrients into the bloodstream is enhanced, it can help to improve your appetite.
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Vitamin B
Acai berry contains vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) and B6 (pyridoxine).
These are water-soluble vitamins that act as coenzymes and prosthetic groups in enzymes of the body.
- Vitamin B1 plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism.
It is also important for thyroid and nerve functions in the body.
- Vitamin B2 is helpful in improving our focus and concentrating, and also against migraine.
- Vitamin B3 helps in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, as well as for healthy skin and nails
- Vitamin B6 helps in the functions of the nerves protecting it against damage.
- Vitamin C helps in reducing free radicals in the body and also protects against infections.
The production of L-carnitine which helps in the conversion of fats to energy in the muscles in the body requires vitamin B3 and B6.
- Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption in the body.
- Vitamin E is needed to reduce free radicals and inhibit inflammatory processes.
It also helps in cell regeneration and improving the immune system.
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Omega 3 and 9 fatty acids
These fatty acids protect the heart and have a positive influence on the entire cardiovascular system.
Minerals found in Acai berry fruit
Acai berries also contain a variety of minerals such as…
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Copper
- Calcium
- Potassium
Minerals are important for different metabolic functions in the body. They help in the production of hormones, developing strong bones, a healthy heart and transferring impulses in the body.
Magnesium, zinc and copper are important components of enzymes.
The fruit is also a natural source of calcium. With the supply of vitamin D3, calcium will be better absorbed in the body.
Polyphenols such as Catechol and Epicatechin, Quercetin and other flavonoids are found in Acai berry and they have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body.
Inflammation and too much free radicals in the body are linked to numerous diseases as risks. Keeping them low can really improve our health.
Other nutrients of the fruit are Anthocyanins cyanide-3-glucoside and cyanide 3-glucoside Cumarate.
Anthocyanin is a strong natural antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory effects.
It’s also an Anti-proliferative and Cytoprotective agent and can help to stimulate the immune cells.
Conclusion
Acai berry is a healthy fruit that can be taken as juice or puree. It can also be processed as powder or capsules.
It’s mostly respected for its high antioxidants and it is used in cosmetic products such as creams to prevent skin diseases and quick aging.
At Emory University, scientists at the school of Medicine also found that the flies that feed on Acai berries live 3 times longer than others.
This is due to antioxidants that protect cells and slow down the aging process.
