Known for its consumption of smoothies on Instagram feeds, acai is a fruit that has more to offer than its beauty. Its pronunciation sounds like ” Æs.aɪˈiː” and because of its greater commerce in countries like the United States, it has become increasingly known around the world.
Often used as a base for various mixtures in juices or as ice cream, they usually add other fruits and complements in its preparation, however, what many people don’t know is about the benefits that accompany this superfood.
What is Acai?
The acai, also known as “juçara,” “assai,” or “açai-do-para,” is a fruit grown on palm trees in the Amazon region of South America. It is currently considered a calorie-rich superfood, rich in antioxidants and nutrients. By its appearance, it resembles a purple grape and is often confused with the jabuticaba fruit.
Rich in antioxidants and other nutrients, it is the favorite food of those who seek a healthy life. In its composition, it presents a large amount of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, vitamin C, vitamin B1, and minerals, such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron.
In addition, its chemical compounds also stand out. Among the flavonoids it contains, anthocyanins stand out through their striking purple coloration.
Studies have shown that it contains more antioxidants than blackberries and blueberries. Therefore, regular consumption of Acai with a balanced diet can provide several health benefits, do you know these compounds help your health?
Health benefits
In its composition is already remarkable the amount of substances that can help different areas of our body. In the same way, there are several health benefits that acai brings, including
Where to find acai and how to consume it?
This fruit is used in the manufacture of beverages, jellies, candies, and ice cream, and can be purchased in the form of fruit, frozen pulp, or nutritional supplements in supermarkets, natural food stores, or online.
Widespread in Brazil for its high production, acai is a food without major consumption restrictions, but diabetics should be on the alert for its high carbohydrate content.
The addition of guaraná syrup is common, which increases the amount of calories by up to 3 times. Therefore, opting to buy acai in natura can help control the amounts of substances ingested.
Because it is sold in several forms, it can also be prepared to the consumer’s taste. When bought in pulp, the indication to have the benefits is to consume from 100 to 200g per day. In capsules, the ideal is to ingest 4 capsules per day.
If there are any health conditions that cause you to have doubts about the consumption of this food, seek a doctor for a recommendation according to your needs. In the meantime, understand more about other aspects of health in our texts, comment on a subject you want to know more about!