There are foods from nature, which due to their nutritional characteristics and the benefits they bring to human health, are considered superfoods and among these is a special fruit called açaí .
In this article, we will explain what açaí is and what its benefits are for human health.
What is açaí?
The açaí is a berry-like fruit, coming from the palm-like tree of the same name whose scientific name is Euterpe oleracea , which grows in the Amazon jungle of South America in Brazil, specifically on the banks of the Amazon River. (1)
This fruit is very similar to a grape with a very striking color . Due to its nutritional properties, it is considered a superfood that represents many benefits to human health , thanks to its high content of antioxidant compounds.
Note: The açaí palm is used by the Indians of the area for other craft uses, as well as the wood for their throne with which very resistant houses are built.
What is açaí used for?
Due to the composition of chemical and nutritional elements of its fruit, açaí brings the following benefits to human health:
1. Strengthens the body’s defenses
Thanks to its phytochemical compounds such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which are natural chemical elements, açaí has antioxidant properties that favor the action of the immune system against certain diseases.
To highlight: Some scientific articles give information about the antioxidant capacity of ellagic acid. (two)
2. Prevents cardiovascular diseases
One of the particularities of the açaí fruit is its concentration of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, finding omega 3-6 and 9, which can regulate the levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol in the blood.
We must also take into consideration that this fruit contains some vitamins with an antioxidant effect.
You should know: A study describes the benefits of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids for cardiovascular health. (3)
3. Fights the action of free radicals
Free radicals are molecules that cause oxidative stress on healthy cells, causing their progressive deterioration.
We have already mentioned the antioxidant properties of some chemical compounds among the benefits of açaí, including zinc , which combat the damaging action of these free radicals on the human body.
Note: Certain scientific articles highlight the action of antioxidants on free radicals. (4)
4. Increases energy and vitality
Another of the benefits of this fruit is its contribution of fatty acids, which provide healthy energy to the cells of the body, in addition, the açaí also contains B vitamins such as thiamine, which provides energy and vitality to the cells and the body. Central Nervous System .
To highlight: The açaí fruit has the ability to remineralize the body after strenuous activities, such as high-performance sports. (5)
5. Eliminates fluid retention and stimulates intestinal transit
This fruit, as already mentioned, contains anthocyanins, a flavonoid compound with the ability to dilate the veins and arteries, which favors the elimination of liquids , it also contains potassium , a mineral that regulates the presence of sodium through renal excretion.
On the other hand, the fiber content of the açaí, mainly insoluble, together with the soluble fiber facilitate the transit of food through the intestines, favoring gastrointestinal health. (6)
You should know: Açaí oil is used by traditional medicine in Brazil to treat mild cases of diarrhea.
6. Reduces stress, anxiety and improves sleep quality
The content of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids in the açaí fruit has been associated with the reduction of cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that is secreted when there are states of alertness or anxiety in people, helping them to keep them in a state of attention.
Note: In consumption of açaí it helps to control cortisol levels, favoring sleep states and improving people’s rest time , in addition, the vitamin B present in this fruit helps regulate the release of dopamine and serotonin, which They belong to the group of happiness hormones .
7. Promotes healthy skin and eyes
Thanks to its fatty acids and antioxidant compounds, açaí preserves the health of the skin, preventing the appearance of premature wrinkles thanks to the fact that it intervenes against free radicals and promotes the production of collagen .
To highlight: Visual health is another of the benefits of this fruit , due to its content of vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants, with functions mainly to preserve the health of the eyes. (7)
Nutritional properties of açaí
The health benefits provided by açaí come directly from its chemical and nutritional components , which we mention below:
1. Vitamins and minerals
This important superfood provides the following vitamins : vitamin A, B complex vitamins such as vitamin B1 and some authors incorporate the content of vitamin C and vitamin E.
You should know: Açaí also provides minerals such as calcium , zinc, magnesium , iron and a high potassium content .
2. Other compounds
Acai is rich in omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids . It contains dietary fiber and carbohydrates and flavonoid compounds such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid. (8)
How should açaí be taken?
The açaí is generally consumed after going through a manufacturing process, to turn it into powdered products, used in many kitchen recipes. It can be added to desserts, you can prepare juices, smoothie bowls, as well as smoothies that are served in a bowl with fruits and seeds.
Note: Açaí berries are also eaten raw or squeezed to make juice, and the pulp of the fruit is used to make various types of desserts.
Key Findings
- Açaí is a berry-like fruit similar to a grape, from South America with important properties for human health.
- The chemical compounds in açaí strengthen the immune system and promote cardiovascular health.
- The consumption of açaí combats the action of free radicals and at the same time gives energy and vitality to the body.
- The pulp of the açaí can be consumed raw or powdered to prepare different recipes.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.