The Hidden Benefits of Adding Acai to Your Diet

This nutrient-packed, Brazilian berry has, in recent years, become something of a cult classic in the health and fitness community.

I mean, if you haven't posted an Instagram picture of your post-workout Acai bowl, are you even healthy?

Even Oprah says it's good for you - so it has to be, right?

And it's a superfood too. So, that means… something.

Surely?

While most of us have heard of Acai - and a myriad of health-related claims related to this purple powerhouse of foods- we're fairly light on the facts.

So, let's dig in.

____________________________________________________

It's claim to fame

Health claims as broad as improved heart health, reduced hair loss, and hair graying prevention mean Western markets are snapping up their share of the berry.

It's also often spouted off alongside the Mother Theresa's of the fruit world: The goji-berry, pomegranate, and blueberry. You know, the fruits packed so full of goodness, it's hard to believe they're the real deal?

But, while the extensive list of proposed benefits certainly put the "super" in superfood, does the evidence back the claims? And what does any of it really mean?

Spoiler alert:

The growing body of scientific evidence actually looks pretty promising.

____________________________________________________

1. The mother of all superfoods?

The Acai berry makes up to 40% of the Amazonian diet. And, since ancient times, they've used it as a herbal remedy for ailments as broad as snake bites, malaria, and muscular aches and pains.

It's also used to increase strength and vitality. So it's hardly surprising the berry has become an international hit.

Northern Brazilians clearly knew all along it was special.

The superfood claims are based on the high phytochemical levels in the fruit, which boast anti-oxidant, anti-aging, and immunity-boosting properties.

It's also high in mineral ions often lacking in the western diet. From calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and folic acid, Acai has it all. This makes it a clear winner as a dietary supplement.

2. Fight the bulge

Mounting research shows us the multi-functional health benefits of the Acai berry.

A recent study proves the anthocyanin-rich Acai berry can help improve the health of those who suffer from obesity, Type II diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, as well as those who have certain family genetic markers predisposing them to particular illnesses.

This basically means that Acai reduces the impact of obesity, fatty liver disease, and insulin resistance - health challenges that seriously impact a person's life quality and expectancy.

And, on top of this, the berry's ability to change the structure of the gut microbiota, means Acai can help address less-severe gut-related concerns too.

Because of this, a balanced intake of the berry could be a useful tool to add to your health toolkit.

3. Who needs a filter anyway?

While most of us get our Acai fix by way of environmentally friendly bamboo straw (or cramming it into our gobs by the spoonful), the cosmetics industry is experiencing a growing demand for Acai-infused beauty products.

And for good reason, it seems, too.

Early studies show Acai is effective in promoting good skin health. The berry's anti-oxidant-rich compounds help counteract the impact of aging and also promote wound healing.

Even better, it's a cheaper, natural option for those reluctant to invest in pricey man-made chemical cosmetic options.

But buyer beware: Studies show some of the naturally occurring benefits of Acai are lost in the production process. That means, to get the most out of the berry, it's best consumed in as close to its natural form as you can get (at least until its production is better refined.)

4. A big, green thank you

If protecting your face and gut isn't reason enough to pick up an Acai smoothie-bowl habit, how about saving the Brazilian rainforest too?

Since farmers grow Acai in the rainforest, the trees are currently protected and cannot be cleared. The booming trade of Acai provides the economic incentive needed to keep it that way.

There's no denying the line between beneficial production and over-production is razor-thin. But, we, educated consumers, can help support a better refined Acai production system through our purchasing choices.

5. It works

If you need another reason to up your Acai intake, this could be it.

The harvest and sale of the purple superfood provide an excellent source of work and income for local farming communities. These communities could otherwise be forced to move to overcrowded urban areas, engaging in insecure work, to support their families.

The COVID-19 pandemic has heaped further uncertainty on the livelihoods of these vulnerable communities, so buying ethically sourced Acai could do more good than you think.

____________________________________________________

The bottom line

Fellow health-nuts, it's simple: Acai is wholistic goodness packed into a little, luscious purple berry. It's good for you, the planet, and your fellow (hu)man.

Get into it.

____________________________________________________

Disclaimer: As with anything, too much of a good thing is never a good idea. So use commonsense, avoid overindulging, and consult a licensed medical practitioner if you have specific dietary requirements or health conditions.