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Superfood Series

Acai Berries: The Antioxidant Powerhouse

 

 

Harvested in the rainforests of Brazil, açaí tastes like a vibrant blend of berries and chocolate. This particular berry is no larger than a blueberry but for its small size, it packs a powerful punch.  In fact, the açaí berry is part of the grape family. Açaí superfood contains antioxidant, proteins, xanthones, amino acids, fiber, and omega fats to include three, six, and nine.  Along with these nutrients, the açaí berry also provides various essential minerals, which includes potassium, iron, phytonutrients, and calcium.  The body needs these nutrients to function and considering they all come from one tiny berry, it is easy to see the benefit of the açaí berry.

 

Although açaí has an abundant amount of essential fatty acids, fiber and amino acids, it is best known for it's powerful antioxidant and anthocyanin (pigment containing antioxidant) content. ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity) is the standard used to measure antioxidant content. açaí comes in with an ORAC value of 102,700! That is 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes or other berries and 10-30 times more anthocyanins than red wine without the alcohol toxins. 

 

The fatty acid content in açaí resembles that of olive oil, and is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid is important for a number of reasons. It helps omega-3 fish oils penetrate the cell membrane; together they help make cell membranes more supple. By keeping the cell membrane supple, all hormones, neurotransmitter and insulin receptors function more efficiently. This is particularly important because high insulin levels create an inflammatory state, and we know, inflammation causes aging.