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The Powerful Health Benefits of Acai

Here are some of the health benefits of the superfood known as acai

By Abena Talks Published 3 years ago 3 min read
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The Powerful Health Benefits of Acai
Photo by Vicky Ng on Unsplash

Acai berries have gained popularity in the health and wellness community. Widely known as a superfood, acai can help fight disease and treat various ailments from muscle pain to age-related brain diseases. While Acai is undoubtedly healthy, it's important not to believe everything you read on the internet.

Here are some scientific facts and health benefits of Acai, this so-called "miracle berry."

1. Acai berries are rich in antioxidants and help to fight free radicals

Tonnes of research has shown that antioxidants play a big part in preventing heart disease and cancer. Free radicals, on the other hand, have been linked to cell damage within the body. What this means is, antioxidants can slow the aging process and help prevent further illness. Antioxidants also improve mood by reducing depression and anxiety.

There is a lot of research out there that proves Acai berries have antioxidant properties, but one study even goes as far as to say it has more antioxidants than any other berry on the planet! If this is true, then that's excellent news, especially considering most of us aren't getting enough antioxidants in our diets and are often deficient.

2. Acai berries are high in fiber, which helps keep you feeling full longer

A good amount of dietary fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. It can aid in weight loss and help you feel full. Fiber also helps the body lower bad cholesterol and keeps blood sugar at normal levels. This phenomenon is due to soluble fiber, which studies show lower "bad" LDL cholesterol while raising "good" HDL cholesterol. Soluble fiber may also help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels.

Do you suffer from constipation? Fiber can also provide relief from this problem. A study found that fiber helps decrease transit time, which means it speeds up how quickly food moves through your digestive tract. This activity can relieve constipation because your colon has less time to absorb water and become stiff or bloated.

Acai berries help to increase your daily fiber intake because they contain about 3.5 grams. On top of that, they can also be used as a laxative to help relieve constipation and increase regularity.

These are not the only health benefits of Akai.

3. Acai berries contain essential fatty acids that your body needs for a healthy heart

A study analyzed the fatty acids found in Acai berries. Researchers found that Acai contains linoleic acid, which is an omega six essential fatty acid. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are essential nutrients that our bodies need but can't produce independently, so the body obtains them through diet. EFAs are necessary for health because they help reduce inflammation and cholesterol while increasing good HDL cholesterol.

EFAs may also be able to protect the heart from damage caused by free radicals. Research has shown that diets rich in EFAs have a lower risk of developing coronary artery disease and stroke than diets without enough essential fatty acids. Acai berries can provide the essential fatty acids your body needs.

Acai berry juice even purports to reduce bad cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes, but more research is needed to determine whether this is true for someone without diabetes.

You mustn't rely on supplements alone to get enough EFAs because they cannot provide the same benefits as food.

4. Provides relief from symptoms associated with depression, stress, anxiety, and insomnia

Research has shown that people who suffer from anxiety or depression don't usually get enough sleep. Acai is excellent for improving sleep because it contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps the brain produce serotonin, which helps regulate moods and feelings of happiness.

As stated earlier, Acai berries are also rich in antioxidants. So they may help to alleviate symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety.

Antioxidants improve mood by reducing symptoms associated with some mental disorders. Studies show that they may also boost mood by protecting the brain from cell damage which can cause these conditions.

On top of all this, Acai berries can also help alleviate insomnia because they contain a high amount of serotonin, which regulates sleep.

As we have seen, the health benefits of Akai are incredible. Acai berries are a great way to get the health benefits and fiber that you need while also providing relief from symptoms associated with depression, stress, anxiety, and insomnia. If your goal is to prevent mental disorders like depression, stress, anxiety, or anger, then giving your body essential fatty acids could provide relief through increased good HDL cholesterol levels; acai provides this too! Consider adding more Acai into your diet to improve mood and provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs.

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About the Creator

Abena Talks

I write about lifestyle, entrepreneurship and other things.

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