What is an acai berry?
Acai berries, pronounced – (ah-sigh-ee), are fruits that grow in subtropic areas of the world like Central and South America. These berries are often described as having an earthy taste. A cross between unsweetened chocolate and blackberries. Although they ‘re called acai ‘berries’, these ‘berries’ have a pit. They’re technically drupes – a fleshy fruit with thin skin and a central stone containing the seed. 80% of an acai berry is the seed, while 20% of an acai berry is the berry itself.
These berries are considered a superfood because they’re packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
Why are antioxidants important?
Antioxidants are molecules that help protect your body from the free radical molecules that surround you. A few forms of free radical molecules are toxins in smoke, air pollution, too much sunlight, and alcohol. Although free radical molecules can be harmful, some are very normal and inevitable. But if we come in contact with too many free radical molecules, it can lead to cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and many other human diseases.
This is when antioxidants come into play. Antioxidants have the power to neutralize free radicals by making them harmless to our bodies. Even though our bodies produce their own antioxidants, they’re not enough. It’s important that we absorb antioxidants through diet and exercise. Dr. Lauri Wright explained free radical molecules and antioxidants like this, “Antioxidants are natural substances whose job is to clean up free radicals. Just like fiber cleans up waste products in the intestines, antioxidants clean up the free radical waste in the cells.”
Acai berries are packed with antioxidants & nutrients
Acai berries have an ample amount of antioxidants, beating other berries and fruits. The antioxidant levels in foods are usually measured by an Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) score. 3.5 ounces of freeze dried acai berries has an ORAC score of 102,700 while blueberries have a score of 6,552. Not only are acai berries rich in antioxidants but they also contain Vitamin C, A, B1, B2, B3, and E. Minerals like zinc, copper, magnesium, and calcium can also be found in these golden berries too.
Conclusion
All in all, fruits are known to treat and release great sources of vitamins and nutrients for our bodies. Acai berries happen to be one of those golden fruits and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. Try having an acai smoothie, an acai bowl, or an acai juice for breakfast! It’ll give you that extra boost of energy you need in the morning. At Nature’s Flavors we have a wide variety of acai flavors, syrups, and extracts. Be sure to check them out!
