Açaí

Acai, pronounced, a'sai, is a species of palm trees that are native to central and south America. But these palm trees aren't the kind growing next to your luxury resort, they are grown in swamps and flood lands, and are tall, slender palms. The acai fruit is harvested, and actually resembles your typical grape. These fruits are about one inch in circumference with a deep purple, or green color. Before I became interested in the acai fruit and palm, I thought acai was just another flavor of Vitamin Water and a rip off weight loss supplement that does not actually work. So lets discuss the true benefits here and see what the acai fruit is actually capable of.

Acai contains two substances known as anthocyanins and flavanoids. Before you stop reading this article because you just thought to yourself, “antho-what?” Let me explain. Anthocyanins are water soluble pigments that are responsible for the deep red, blue, and purple colors seen in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The color that it becomes depends on the pH, and is known for its beneficial antioxidant ability. Anthocyanin's are most predominantly found in acai berry, blackcurrant, eggplant, black raspberry, and red grapes. Remember the colors! If you can remember some of these foods and the colors we have mentioned, you can get yourself a good source of these antioxidants (just don't go eating a bunch of flowers, please). On the other hand, flavanoids are a class of plant metabolites. Fun fact: flavanoids were originally known as Vitamin P, but this term is rarely used these days. Flavanoids, or vitamin P, are widely found in plants and are responsible for many functions, but are most commonly known for their antioxidant abilities. Although people have become interested in flavanoids for their medicinal uses, there is no medical evidence to yet prove this. However, the beneficial effects of fruits, vegetables, tea, and red wine are sometimes attributed to flavanoids, and may possibly inhibit cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

So what does an antioxidant do? Well, antioxidants help defend your body against life's daily stressors that we are all up against. They also play a role in the body's cell protection system. Have you ever heard of free radicals before? Free radicals are harmful byproducts produced by your body. What antioxidants do is neutralize these free radicals, which may interfere with aging and slow down disease processes. Because free radicals may be a precursor to many diseases, neutralizing them reduced your risk of developing the disease. There is a theory known as the free radical theory, which states that organisms age because cells accumulate free radical damage over time. That is where antioxidants come in, to reduce that damage.

Acai is also high in omega 9 and omega 6 fatty acids. In fact, the fatty acid content found in acai berry resembles that of olive oil, and is an exceptionally good source of monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid is important because it helps to keep your cell membranes more supple, which therefore allows the cells to function more efficiently. In turn, this will help reduce inflammation, which therefore helps to reduce aging. If you would like to read more information on inflammation, visit our chronic inflammation page.

Acai pulp also contains a good amount of dietary fiber, as well as phytosterols, which can help in digestive and cardiovascular health. This high fiber content can also help lower blood pressure, stabilize blood sugars, and reduce your risk of heart disease, some cancers, and diabetes. So if its getting hard to fit in that extra fiber through foods you don't like, acai might be your answer.

If you are interested in including acai in your diet, consider the Acai products offered by Sunfoods in either a powder form, truffle bar, or cereal. You cant go wrong!

Acai Cacao Truffle Bar, 2.3oz/66g, Righteously Raw (certified organic) Rich, decadent, raw cacao surrounds an acai-fruit filling. Experience superfood bliss with every bite!

Acai Powder, 8 oz, Organic, Raw, Freeze-dried Superior antioxidants and a rich flavor, you can't beat Sunfood Acai!

Superfood Cereal, Acai Blueberry, 9oz, Living Intentions (raw, organic ingred.) Start your day with a bowl of supercharged antioxidants!