Açaí is considered a superfood because it is one of the richest sources of antioxidants, being widely used to make beverages, jams, sweets and ice creams
It is the fruit of the açaizeira, a palm tree that grows in the Amazon region of Brazil. It is a fruit similar to a berry of dark violet or black color, and can be purchased in the form of fruit, pulp or food supplement in some supermarkets and natural products stores.
See others as well as the açaí that are superfoods that turbinate the body and the brain.
The scientific name of the açaí is Euterpe oleracea.
Benefits of Acai
Açaí has antioxidant, purifying, stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties, thus possessing several benefits, such as:
- Prevents aging: due to its antioxidant properties, the açaí is able to eliminate the free radicals avoiding the premature aging;
- It strengthens the immune system: being rich in vitamin C, omega-9 and anti-cytokines, açaí can improve the immune system, strengthen cells and suppress the evolution of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer, for example;
- It improves the cardiovascular system: açaí is able to decrease and balance circulating cholesterol levels, preventing atherosclerosis, for example, in addition to preventing the formation of clots and promote relaxation of the vessels, improving circulation in general;
- It improves the functioning of the intestine: being a fruit rich in fibers, the açaí is able to improve the functioning of the intestine, also aiding in the process of detoxification of the organism;
- Provides energy: açaí is a very energetic fruit, that is, it is able to provide the energy necessary for the body to perform its functions after a strenuous physical exercise, for example, and thus helping to combat fatigue and muscular exhaustion;
- Combats anemia: açaí is rich in iron, and can be used as one of the nutritional strategies to fight anemia.
Açaí can also be used to aid weight loss, since it is able to reduce the negative effects of an irregular or very restricted diet, for example, however, the weight loss only happens with the consumption of açaí associated to regular practice of exercises and balanced diet. See what the nutritional composition of açaí is.
How to prepare açaí
Açaí is usually used in the form of juice or fruit, but can also be used to make jams, jellies and ice creams. See 5 healthy recipes with açaí.
To combat the lack of energy, for example, one can beat the blender 100g of açaí pulp, 1 cup of water and 50ml of guarana syrup. Then add granola, oats or toasted almonds and consume soon after.
Acai powder can be found in some natural products stores, and can be used to supplement a fruit vitamin, in porridge or to add to ice cream or natural yogurt with honey, for example.
Does Acai get fat?
The side effects related to the consumption of açaí are not described, however as it has many calories and fat, the excessive consumption of açaí can gain weight. Thus, açaí should be avoided by those who are overweight or obese, and this is the only contraindication of fruit consumption.
