7 surprising health benefits of eating acai berries

Acai berries, the small and delicious fruit, derived from acai palm trees are native to Amazon rainforest in South America. With a multitude of benefits for heart and brain function, this tiny superfood has captured the attention of thousands of wellness enthusiasts across the globe.

Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds, acai berries are usually available in juiced and frozen form and fresh berries are hardly available outside their native place as they are highly perishable.

Deep purple in colour, lookwise acai berries can be compared to large blueberries. Whether you are aiming at weight loss, anti-ageing, or a holistic health, acai berries can be a good choice.

Here are some of the benefits.

Brain functionAcai berries are packed with plant compounds that can control inflammation and oxidation in brain cells, which is linked to memory loss. According to an animal study published in Nutritional Neuroscience, acai berries helped improve memory of aging rats.

Protects against prostate cancer
Prostate cancer affects people over 65 years of age, but these days, even younger people are getting affected by it. Some studies have demonstrated açaí berries' benefits for people with prostate cancer. In a study, people with recurrent prostate cancer who were given juice from acai berries reported slowing down of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), proving some effectiveness of acai berries in controlling prostate cancer.

Heart health
Acai berry consumption is linked to improvement of heart health in many ways. Be it lowering cholesterol, improving blood sugar, blood pressure, or insulin levels, all can prove to be beneficial in preventing heart disease and related complications.

Digestion
With their high fibre content, acai berries can help in regulating bowel movements and eliminate harmful toxins from the body.

Skin health
Acai berries can slow down the aging process in cells due to their antioxidant content. They have 10 times the antioxidant content of grapes and 2 times the antioxidant content of blueberries

Weight loss
Acai berries being a low-calorie and high fibre fruit can aid in weight loss as it cuts calorie consumption and suppresses unhealthy hunger pangs. It can be consumed as a healthy snack in between the meals.

Cholesterol levels
Acai berries can help lower cholesterol levels, including LDL or bad cholesterol. It can also help in increasing HDL or good cholesterol levels. A study found that acai berry consumption may impact cholesterol levels in an animal model.
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