What Are the Benefits of Taking Acai?

The acai (pronounced a-sa-ee) berry is a tropical palm fruit that is native to the Amazon rain forests of South America. It is considered to be a super food, a label that is applied to foods that have been proven to possess remarkably high nutritional value.

Research

• In an article published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the USDA summarized the findings of its clinical research on acai. The results of the study showed that acai berries have extremely powerful antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants

• In its findings, the USDA stated that the potent antioxidants in acai offer significant benefits in the treatment of disease and the process of aging. This is because they neutralize the effects of free radicals in the body, which are responsible for disease and premature aging. The antioxidants in acai boost the immune system and help the body fight disease.

Protein

• Acai is, according to the Real Health Answers Website, an incredibly rich source of protein. What's more, this is an organic vegetable form of protein that does not result in the production of cholesterol during digestion. This makes it an ideal source of protein for people who need to increase their intake of this nutrient without the cholesterol content of many other protein foods.

Cholesterol

• According to the Health Sciences Institute (HSI), acai berries have high amounts of essential fatty acids. In particular, it is rich in both omega 6 and omega 9 essential fatty acids that help to lower high levels of cholesterol in the body. These compounds include omega 6 and omega 9 essential fatty acids, which help lower the body's levels of LDL (low density lipoprotein) or "bad"cholesterol, while helping to maintain healthy levels of "good" cholesterol (high density lipoprotein).

Heart Health

• Acai is also beneficial for cardiovascular health. This is because of its high anthocyanin content, which is the very same active ingredient in red wine that makes it so healthy for the heart.

Energy

• Acai also contains a high amount of lipids that are beneficial for boosting energy and stamina. For this reason, it is increasingly popular among athletes who learn of its benefits. It is also useful in assisting the body to build muscle, burn fat and digest food.