Did you know that as many as 93 percent of Americans don’t consume as much fiber as they need to?
Many more people are in oxidative stress, a state that has been linked to a variety of health conditions. What would you say if we told you there’s a superfood that can provide the nutrition you need to help with both of these problems and more?
Acai is a fantastic addition to your diet that can provide you with plenty of fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants. Read on to discover the benefits of acai and learn how you can incorporate it into your diet.
What Is Acai?
Before we dive into the health benefits of acai, let’s talk some about what it is. Acai is a small berry that grows in the rainforests of Central and South America and is a central part of the diet of many Amazonian tribes. The berries are about an inch in diameter with dark purple skin and yellow flesh, and they have a large seed in the center of them.
Acai berry skin is very tough, so they often get soaked in water and then mashed into a paste. They don’t keep for very long in their fresh form, so most exported acai is sold as a powder, juice, or frozen puree. People describe the taste of acai as being somewhere between that of blackberries and unsweetened chocolate.
Good Source of Nutrients
One of the best things about acai is that it’s a great source of nutrients. Unlike many other kinds of berries, acai berries tend to be relatively low in sugar and a little higher in fat. This makes them a popular choice for people who are on the keto diet or who are trying to keep their blood sugar levels under control.
Even frozen acai berries can retain a lot of their nutritional value, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t have access to fresh ones. One hundred grams of frozen acai pulp has just seventy calories and about five grams of fat. It contains only four grams of carbs, two grams of sugar, and an astounding 15 percent of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin A.
Lots of Antioxidants
Acai supplements are also popular because they’re a fantastic source of antioxidants. As your body breaks down the oxygen you breathe and consume, it can form free radicals, unstable atoms that break down important cellular connections in your body. If you have too many free radicals, your body can go into a state called oxidative stress.
Antioxidants fight free radicals, neutralizing them and keeping your body out of oxidative stress. Although your body naturally makes some antioxidants, eating foods that have more of these substances can help to improve your balance and keep you healthy. Acai berries are high in antioxidants and are a great option for people looking to increase their intake.
Plenty of Fiber
Acai berries are also an excellent source of fiber for people looking to improve their fiber intake. That 100 grams of acai pulp we mentioned earlier contains an amazing 2 grams of fiber. This makes up between 6 and 10 percent of the fiber doctors recommend you consume each day.
Fiber is an important form of carbohydrate that your body can’t naturally break down. Although this may not sound like a good thing, that resistance means that it doesn’t convert to sugar during digestion and can help keep you feeling full for longer. This can be very useful for people who are looking to reduce their carb intake or keep their blood sugar under control.
How to Use Acai
So how can you incorporate acai into your life so you can start enjoying all its wonderful benefits?
If you want to get the genuine flavor of acai berries, you can add frozen puree to water or milk to create a smoothie base for gorgeous smoothie bowls. Top it with toasted coconut flakes, your favorite nut butter, chia seeds, or cocoa nibs for a superfood feast!
You may also opt to put acai powder in smoothies and shakes for an added boost of nutrients and fiber. Although the powder doesn’t have the same flavor as the puree, it delivers the best concentration of nutrients. You can also mix it in with oatmeal, energy bites, salad dressing, yogurt, or even pancake batter!
Safe Use
It is important to note that, while acai is wonderful, it isn’t the best supplement for everyone. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding may want to avoid acai since doctors are still studying if it’s safe for fetuses and babies. People who are about to get an MRI should also avoid acai berries since they can interfere with the results of the test.
In general, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning any new supplement or vitamin. Some of these supplements can interfere with medications you’re already taking or may have an impact on certain medical conditions. Ask your doctor about the best way for you to incorporate acai into your diet and whether you need to take any particular precautions.
Discover the Benefits of Acai
Acai is an amazing fruit from the depths of the Amazon that can offer some fantastic health benefits. It’s a great source of nutrients and antioxidants, and it’s relatively high in fiber. And, best of all, it can make a delicious addition to smoothie bowls and other dishes to bring more nutrition into your diet!
If you’d like to discover the benefits of acai for yourself, check out the rest of our site at Paradise herbs. We know that the end product is only as good as your starting material, so we obtain our herbs from special partnerships we have built all over the world.
Shop our products today and discover why we’ve been voted the best supplements award winners more than a dozen times.