Freeze Dried Acai Berry Products

The acai berry, native to Central and South America, has been touted as a superfood because of its powerful antioxidant properties. Acai berries contain a substance known as anthocyanin, which can slow the aging process and reduce the risk of developing various diseases. In addition to raw acai berries and the many varieties of acai juices, you can also reap the benefits of this superfood with freeze-dried acai berry products.

What is Freeze Dried Acai Berry?

• Because acai is primarily grown in the Amazon, it is nearly impossible to obtain fresh acai berries. Instead, the superfood has become available in a variety of forms --- one of which is freeze-dried. To create freeze dried acai berries, the berries are dehydrated to a point where they can be preserved while still retaining their nutritional benefits. The acai berries can then be used in products such as capsules and juice powders.

Is Freeze Dried Acai Berry as Healthy as Fresh Acai Berries?

• While freeze-dried acai berry products do not contain 100 percent of the nutrients of fresh acai berries, many sources agree that frozen dried acai berries are the most effective form available. Other forms, such as spray-dried and extracts, lose much of the nutritional content during processing, which means that your body gains little to no health benefits from the product. The freeze drying process avoids this loss of nutrients because it is done in an oxygen-free environment, thereby retaining more of the antioxidant properties that made acai berries so renowned.

Which Types of Freeze Dried Acai Berry Products are Best?

• As long as the product uses high-quality berries and follows strict quality standards, it doesn't make much difference whether it is in capsule form or in a drink powder. Some of the most important things to look for when choosing a freeze-dried acai berry product are that the product uses the full acai berry, as opposed to an extract, and that it does not contain any additives. You should also look for certified organic and fair-trade products to ensure the company is reputable.

Why Choose Organic and Fair-Trade?

• As with most foods, buying products that are certified organic ensure they were grown and processed without the use of pesticides and other chemical substances. In the case of freeze-dried acai berry products, an organic certification can help you find products which retained the most health benefits without adding any harmful substances into your body. Because acai berries are typically grown in the Amazon, it is also important that you find fair-trade products to ensure the local workers are not being exploited in any way.