Acai Berry & Potassium

Acai products are a popular and effective health supplement, due to the extremely nutrient-dense nature of the fruit. The fruits contain almost a full range of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Among these is a significant amount of potassium.

Identification

• Potassium is an essential mineral in the human body. It helps maintain pH balance, regulates blood flow and is important in conducting nerve impulses. Maintaining a healthy amount of potassium in the diet is important in maintaining a healthy body. A 100-gram portion of acai fruit contains roughly 932 milligrams of potassium, the highest of any known fruit, according to Acaiberrymarket.com.

Benefits

• Acai is purported to have many health benefits. Among these claimed benefits are the promotion of rapid healing and of cardiovascular health, the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and boosts in energy levels, libido and digestion. Note that it is not only the potassium content of acai that is touted as the source of these benefits.

Warnings

• High potassium intake can lead to hyperkalemia, which can cause a number of dangerous conditions. Often, acidosis is the first sign of excessive potassium intake or a decreased capacity to remove and use blood potassium. Those with kidney-related issues should avoid acai.