Acai Berry’s Nutritional Content

Acai berry has a unique tropical fruit flavor and provides high level nutritional benefits. It contains high levels of antioxidants also known as anthocyanins (a particular class of flavonoids to help combat free radicals and premature aging), essential and omega (3, 6 and 9) fatty acids (proven to lower LDL & maintain HDL cholesterol levels), amino acids, dietary fiber, iron, along with many other vitamins and minerals. The proanthocyanidine contents in acai berries are 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins of red wine per volume. The ORAC value of acai berry is higher than any other edible berry in the world! The fatty acid ratio in acai resembles that of olive oil. Acai berries can help promote a healthier cardio vascular system and digestive tract, because of its synergy of monounsaturated (healthy) fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols. Research studies suggest soluble fibers may help lower blood cholesterol, while insoluble fiber may help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers. The essential amino acid complex along with trace minerals in acai berry is vital for proper muscle contraction and regeneration.

Acai Berries contain plant sterols including beta-sitosterol. Today, sterols are being used to treat associated benign prostate dyperplasia. These plant sterols have also been shown to help control cholesterol as well as act as precursors to many important substances produced by the body.

Opti-acai, the powder preparation of freeze-dried acai fruit pulp and skin was reported to contain (per 100 g of extract) 533.9 calories, 52.2 g carbohydrates, including 44.2 g of fiber, 8.1 g protein, and 32.5 g total fat. It was also shown to contain (per 100 g): negligible vitamin C, 260 mg calcium, 4.4 mg iron, and 1002 U vitamin A, as well as aspartic acid and glutamic acid. The amino acid content was 7.59% of total dry weight.

Acai has an exceptional content of fats, including oleic acid (56.2% of total), palmitic acid (24.1% of total), and linoleic acid (12.5% of total) that harbor dense contents of polyphenols such as procyanidin oligomers and vanillic acid, syringic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, and ferulic acid which were shown to degrade substantially during storage or exposure to heat.

Natives living in the Amazon River region in Northern Brazil, have had acai berry as part of their diet for hundreds of years for its nutritional value, as well as its legendary healing and wellness powers. An Amazonian traditional recipe mixes acai fruit pulp and natural guarana seed producing caffeine like effects, which gives energy and increases mental clarity. This berry has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic properties and also good for cardiovascular system. The dark Brazilian berry is credited with fighting cancer and alzheimer's disease as well as helping people lose weight. The popularity of the berry is starting to spread from Brazil to the rest of the Americas.

Acai is extremely rich in organic vegetable protein which does not generate cholesterol during its digestion and is easier processed and transported to muscles than animal protein. Besides its outstanding content of protein and unsaturated lipids, acai is also rich in carbohydrates which provide our body with the necessary energy while working or practicing any kind of sport. That is why acai berry is served in most gyms, sport clubs and beaches all over Brazil.