Fruits of the Amazon Forest – Açaí

Açaí

O açaizeiro é uma palmeira da Amazônia que chega a alcançar mais de 25 metros, com troncos de 9 a 16 centímetros de diâmetro. Parte de seu caule é industrializado como palmito. Com o açaí – abundante no período de julho a dezembro – são produzidos “vinho”, polpa congelada, sorvete, chopp, picolé, açaí em pó, geleia, bolo, mingau, corante e bombom.

It is fruit typically Brazilian and of great economic importance in our country. The Açaí grows in the tropical forests of the Brazilian Amazon. Acai is a fruit rich in protein, fiber, lipids and an excellent source of vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B2. Açaí also has a good amount of Phosphorus, Iron and Calcium. So, check out the 8 benefits of acai for health:

Benefits of Acai In Cancer Prevention: Acai berry contain anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that play an important role in cancer prevention. Anthocyanins are present in all berries (they are responsible for the black, red and purple acai colors). Studies have shown that they can have a significant and preventive effect on cancer.

A study published in the journal Nutrition found that rats fed high-fat diets along with açaí pulp had lower levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol than rats that were fed diets Rich in fat, without açaí pulp. Anthocyanins in açaí can also help lower cholesterol levels.

Benefits of Acai For Heart Health: A study published in the June 2011 issue of the journal Atherosclerosis found that açaí juice protects against atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The cholesterol-lowering benefits mentioned above also contribute to the role of acai in maintaining a healthy heart.

The Acai Berry is Rich in Antioxidants: Studies conducted on the purple Acai have found high levels of antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are beneficial because they fight against free radicals, with this there is a large drop in the amounts associated with rates of cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Benefits of Acai For the Immune System: Antioxidants in açaí, including high levels of Vitamin C, can help boost the immune system.

Acai is an anti-inflammatory agent: There have been some promising results in studies that show that acai can help with the symptoms of diseases due to chronic inflammation such as asthma and autoimmune diseases. A study has found that acai can be a COX-1 inhibitor and COX-2 natural inhibitor, which means it can help to inhibit pain and inflammation without the side effects or prescription of COX-1 and COX-2 .

Benefits of Acai in Aging Prevention: Antioxidants in Acai can help reduce the effects of aging. Flavonoids and anthocyanins protect cells within the body and can reduce cell degeneration by helping to keep the body healthy and young.

Benefits of Acai For Weight Loss: Companies that sell acai say that it often speeds up the metabolism. Although it contains amino acids that are believed to be essential for a healthy metabolism, there is still very little scientific evidence to prove that eating acai berry is a help in weight loss. That said, acai berries are very rich in fiber and low in calories and any food with these qualities, when consumed instead of snacks loaded with calories, will help the person to maintain a healthy weight.