Found on açaí palm trees in South American rainforests, açaí berries are a
lot like
grapes. The seed takes up about 80% of the berry, but the flesh and skin pack plenty of vitamins and
other
nutrients
in
the remaining 20%. Not to mention the berries are only about 70 calories a cup!
The Health Benefits of Acai:
Heart Disease: There's no proof with açaí berries specifically, but eating
a diet rich in
fruit and
vegetables overall
can help prevent heart disease.
Cancer: Produce-filled diets can also help lower the risk of most cancers,
according to the American Cancer Society, but
research hasn't been done on açaí specifically.
Weight Loss: Munching on lots of fruit and vegetables — including açaí
berries — as well as
exercising
regularly can
help you lose weight.
Arthritis: All berries contain anthocyanins that have been found to have an
anti-inflammatory
effect
that can help ease
the symptoms, says the Arthritis Foundation.
High Cholesterol: Eating more fiber from fruit (e.g., açaí), vegetables,
beans, and other sources
can
help lower
cholesterol levels.
Anti-Aging: It's still true: A healthy diet full of fruit, vegetables,
protein, and healthy fats
can help with everything from acne to aging.