By: Zorana Jagodić |
Acai palm - superfood from the Amazon for detoxification and weight loss |
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Acai palm (Latin name Euterpe oleracea) is a species of palm tree Euterpe family, which is grown for its edible fruit.
Acai palm grows in Central and South America, from Belize to Brazil and Peru, mainly in swampy and water-covered areas.
Its fruit is small, round, black-purple berry up to 25 millimeters in diameter that looks similar to grape.
It grows in large, branched clusters containing as much as 900 fruits.
Only in recent years have we seen an extremely increased demand for acai berries - one of the healthiest fruits in the world.
The treasure of acai berries
A hundred grams of acai powder contains 52.2 grams of carbohydrates, 8.1 grams of proteins and 32.5 grams of healthy fats.
It is rich in calcium, iron, and vitamins A, B, C and D.
Acai berries differ from the rest of the fruits by a large protein content, which is unusual for fruits.
Berries contain fibers which, along with proteins and antioxidants found in the berries, promote weight loss.
Due to the high content of dietary fibers, phytosterols, amino acids and monounsaturated fatty acids, acai helps maintain healthy cardiovascular and digestive systems.
Fatty acid composition in acai is similar to the composition of olive oil.
Oleic acid, along with omega-3 fatty acids, stimulates the activity of hormones and neurotransmitters, and increases the sensitivity of insulin receptors.
This prevents the development of type 2 diabetes and inflammatory processes in the body.
Acai contains ten times more anthocyanins than red grapes.
Anthocyanins are a group of powerful antioxidants that have positive effects on the health of the whole human body.
They strengthen resistance to disease, improve cardiovascular health and protect against degenerative diseases and cancer.
Scientists from the University of Florida in the United States have discovered the ability of acai berries to slow the growth of leukemia cells.
This impact could be related to antioxidant properties of ingredients found in these berries.
Acai berries increase energy and concentration and nutritionists recommend them for detoxification of the body during the change of seasons and for boosting immunity.
Many users confirm they felt increased energy, vitality and concentration after just two weeks of taking acai berries.
Given the high concentration of essential fatty acids, valuable minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, acai is reasonably included in the category of superfoods.
Beneficial effects of acai berry include:
- raises energy levels
- improves digestion
- strengthens the immune system
- improves the health of the heart and blood vessels
- protects against degenerative diseases
- detoxifies the body
- improves sleep
- maintains normal blood pressure
- sustains weight loss
- contributes to the health of hair, eye and skin
- rejuvenates the body
- boosts libido
- improves memory and concentration
- protects against cancer
Application of acai palm
Acai is most often used in the form of juice, powder or dried berries.
Be sure to check you have chosen a high quality, thermally untreated and organically grown acai without preservatives and sugar.
Acai powder can be added to a green smoothie, juice or fruit salad.
Berries are used with desserts and fruit salads or for making healthy energy bars, together with other dried fruits, hemp protein powder, whole grains and honey.
Consume the juice alone or dilute it with another fruit juice for better taste.
The recommended daily dose of acai powder is 1-2 tablespoons.
Recipe:
Anti-stress drink
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of almond milk
- 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons of acai powder
Mix all ingredients in a blender. Drink immediately in small sips.
Quality Acai is available in our Alternativa Webshop.
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