Acai is a small, round, deep purple superfood berry native to South America, where it has been grown, harvested, and used for its health-promoting properties for many generations. Once only a staple food in traditional Amazonian cultures, global demand for acai has expanded rapidly in recent years.
T
hese days, acai bowls are one of the most popular menu items in health food restaurants and cafes. It’s delicious, photogenically vibrant and incredibly versatile, but what are the health benefits of acai?
1
It’s rich in essential vitamins and minerals
Many of acai’s health benefits come from its nutrient density. This purple superfood berry from the Amazon is packed with many of the essential vitamins and minerals that you need for a healthy immune system and for feeling energised throughout the day.
Acai’s health benefits come from vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and E, as well as manganese, copper and magnesium. Its nutrient density is what gives acai powder its superfood status, as well as providing a healthy source of energy to power you through each day.
2
It contains powerful antioxidants
Another one of acai’s health benefits comes from the many antioxidant compounds the berry contains, especially the class of antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are the pigments that give red, purple, and blue plants their colour, as well as their health benefits.
Like all antioxidant compounds, anthocyanin fights free radicals and reduces oxidative stress in the body.
3
It’s great for beautiful, glowing skin
Antioxidants protect the skin by limiting the production of free radicals that can cause damage to the skin. Not only do these compounds help the skin repair itself and provide it with much needed hydration, but they can also reduce the visible signs of ageing and calm inflamed skin.
Due to its high antioxidant content, acai benefits include improving the health and appearance of your skin. Tropeaka Acai Power is certified organic and has gained a reputation for its positive effect on glowing skin. Since beautiful skin is a result of being healthy on the inside, acai’s fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals also play a part in improving your skin's health and appearance.
4
It contains plant sterols for heart health
Besides omega 3’s and other heart-healthy fats, acai contains natural plant sterols, which are cholesterol-like compounds that occur naturally in vegetables, legumes, nuts, cereals, and fruits. When foods that contain plant sterols are eaten regularly, they help lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol in the body by blocking its absorption in the gut.
Enjoying recipes with acai powder is a delicious way to improve your cardiovascular health, but plant sterols are just one of the classes of compounds that contribute to acai powder’s health benefits!
5
It’s rich in polyphenols for healthy digestion
Polyphenols are another class of compounds occurring naturally in acai berries, and some of the health benefits associated with polyphenols are attributed to their antioxidant properties.
However, polyphenols also support your gut health for better overall wellbeing. As these compounds aren’t broken down in the stomach or intestines, eating foods rich in polyphenols delivers prebiotic benefits throughout the gastrointestinal tract, all the way down to the colon.
Providing a food source for the good bacteria that live throughout your digestive system, it’s no surprise that acai powder can help you feel your best!
6
It provides a natural, low-sugar energy boost
Compared with many other fruits and berries, acai is considerably lower in sugar - Tropeaka Acai Powder only has 0.2g of sugar per serve! Acai powder is an excellent addition to your smoothies because it increases energy metabolism, generating natural energy from nutrients, rather than caffeine or a sugar spike.
This health benefit of acai powder makes it an excellent option for when you need a crash-free energy boost, and since it’s naturally caffeine-free, it won’t get in the way of improving your sleep! Try this nutritious Berry Boost Smoothie for a refreshing coffee alternative.
Acai powder benefits
Acai has a naturally sweet berry flavour that makes the perfect addition to any smoothie or smoothie bowl. However, Tropeaka Acai Powder is also a great ingredient in healthy baking, raw desserts, and even superfoods jams. This level of versatility means you can enjoy an anti-inflammatory treat any time of the day, whether you're on the go or have plenty of time to get creative in the kitchen.
