Acai pulp and powder are one of the strongest antioxidants available. Growing only in South America, our in-country managers have access to the product we are already importing direct from the plantation.
They’re Nutrient-Dense
Acai berries have a unique nutritional profile for a fruit, as they’re somewhat high in fat and low in sugar.
100 grams of frozen fruit pulp has the following nutritional breakdown 1Trusted Source
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated fat: 1.5 grams
- Carbs: 4 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Fiber 2 grams
- Vitamin A: 15% of the RDI
- Calcium: 2% of the RDI
According to a Venezuelan study, acai berries also contain some other trace minerals, including chromium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, but some of acai’s most powerful health benefits come from plant compounds. The most notable one among these is anthocyanin, which give acai berries their deep purple color and act as antioxidants in the body.
They’re Loaded With Antioxidants
Antioxidants are important because they neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals throughout the body. If free radicals are not neutralized by antioxidants, they can damage cells and lead to a number of diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease
Acai berries have an incredibly high amount of antioxidants, edging out other antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries and cranberries. The antioxidant content of foods is typically measured by an Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) score. In the case of acai, 100 grams of frozen pulp has an ORAC of 15,405, whereas the same amount of blueberries has a score of 4,669. It also indicates that acai pulp is a better source of antioxidants than acai juice.
They May Improve Cholesterol Levels
Animal studies have suggested that acai could help improve cholesterol levels by decreasing total and LDL cholesterol, and it’s possible that it could have a similar effect in humans.
A 2011 study had 10 overweight adults eat acai smoothies twice daily for one month. Overall, they had lower total and “bad” LDL cholesterol at the end of the study.
In addition, acai contains plant sterols, which prevent cholesterol from being absorbed by your body.
They May Have a Possible Anti-Cancer Effect
While no one food is a magic shield against cancer, some foods are known to stop cancer cells from forming and spreading. Both test-tube and animal studies have revealed this sort of anti-cancer effect in acai
In mice, acai pulp has reduced the incidence of colon and bladder. However, a second study in mice found that it had no effect on stomach cancer
Researchers have concluded that acai could have a role in treating cancer in the future, yet more research is needed, including in humans.
They Could Boost Brain Function
The many plant compounds in acai could also protect your brain from damage as you age. Several studies have shown this kind of protective effect in lab rats.
The antioxidants in acai counteract the damaging effects of inflammation and oxidation in brain cells, which can negatively affect memory and learning. In one study, acai even helped improve memory in aging rats
One of the ways in which the brain stays healthy is by cleaning up cells that are toxic or no longer working, a process known as autophagy. It makes way for new nerves to form, enhancing communication between brain cells. As you age, this process works less efficiently. However, in lab tests, acai extract has helped stimulate this “housekeeping” response in brain cells.
