The acai berry comes from the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil.
Harvested in a sustainable manner, is a nature true gift . It is considered one of the most powerful and nutritious superfoods on the planet.
In the Amazonian region, they take advantage of practically everything of the acai palm:
.The fruit is intended for feeding.
.Juice made from the pulp of this fruit is known as “açaí wine”, and is usually consumed with tapioca flour, part of the local diet.
.Its core is used for crafts, and organic fertilizer.
.Leaves are used to cover houses and make twisted, the stem of the palm (main stem) is used to make roof laths.
.Its bunch is tapped to make brooms. When burned, the smoke acts as insect repellent.
.Roots serve as a home remedy and the hearts of palm as food, feed and anti-hemorrhagic healing.
Interesting feature of this fruit:
.Acai is a plant of highly specific climate, and therefore only found in the tropical regions near the equator.
.And because the equatorial tropics are one of the most severe and intense UV radiation areas of the planet, acai, in order to “protect himself” from the sun, produces high amounts of his own “sunscreen UV” – a pigment called anthocyanin (substances known as antioxidants).
.This intense pigment of purple color (the same as red grapes, for instance, but with an amount 40 times higher) has evolved to protect it against the powerful UV rays, and has a similar role in the human body to prevent accidental damage toxins and free radicals.
.The acai palm produces large clusters of edible fruit.
.When they are mature they have a blue – dark purple color and about the size of a grape. A thin layer of pulp surrounding a large seed, and the taste is described as a mixture of red wine and cocoa.
For human consumption, acai is processed in different ways:
.Fresh fruit – in this case you must eat it with the peel, it is in this that lies the greatest nutritional content of the fruit, although its taste is very sour!
.Powdered – when fruits are mature and they are harvested, fine fruit pulp is processed to become more concentrated (as dust) through various methods, depending on the supplier.
.Frozen
.ice cream
.Juices
.In jams and jellies, liqueurs.
.Capsules, tablets, and others.
.It is also already being used in cosmetic
Opt to buy organic açaí, whenever possible .
Benefits:
Acai berry benefits are countless, we will highlight the most important.
In the human body, helps to:
.Fighting free radicals that cause cell damage, degenerative diseases and premature aging – because it has an outstanding antioxidant content, the highest in the world (recent studies show that acai extract helps prevent certain types of cancer).
.Helps nourish and replenish the body after exercise – is very popular among sportsmen and anyone who does physical activity as it has the ability to help expel toxins from the exercise and metabolic wastes, replacing the large reserves of minerals, amino acids and Essential omega oils after the activity.
.Clears the body internally, aiding in nutrients absorption , and allowing to efficiently dispose the waste, as it is an excellent source of fiber (aids digestion);
.Has a low glycemic index (low in sugar). However, if you purchase a version that is already mixed with syrup or sugar, is unsuitable for diabetics.
.Protects against harmful toxins
.Strengthen the cardiovascular system
.Skin feels soft, shiny and healthy.
The acai berry also contains:
.Abundance of essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9 and monounsaturated oleic acid);
.Essential amino acids;
.Vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins E, A and B6; particularly rich in calcium and iron;
.Phytosterols that improve the immune system and help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), increasing good cholesterol (HDL).
Side effects:
Despite all the benefits that the use of acai can bring us, we must however be careful with some adverse effects that can occur in two specific situations (you should consult your doctor first if you have propensity towards / or any condition, from the ones referred below):
.Allergic reactions when consuming this fruit or other tropical fruits . Allergic effects can be even more intense if the person is already allergic to other fruits similar to açaí . Symptoms can be for example a tickling sensation in some parts of the body, watery eyes, and other more severe as difficulty in breathing, dizziness, vomiting.
.Irritable bowel syndrome – this condition, and since the intake of acai can increase the intestines activity, its use is not advisable.
How to use:
In Portugal we find it mainly in the form of:
.Packed powder – it is great in smoothies! It is advisable to use portions of 10g along with water, juice or milk (cereal, almond, etc.). As a sweetener , you can use agave syrup or stevia (sweetener with a low glycemic index).
. Check our smoothie recipe in this blog.
.Frozen – is ideal for creams and ice cream.
.Experiment, be creative and share your recipes with us via blog or facebook!