The fourth antioxidant-rich food to be highlighted in the Super Foods for Superior Health series is the acai berry. A relative newcomer to the American grocery store, the acai berry is quickly making its way into supplements and juices all over the country. Throughout the Super Foods for Superior Health series, you’ll learn about these super foods and how to incorporate them into your diet. And while these super foods should make an appearance during many of your meals, remember that choosing a variety of healthy fruits, vegetables, and grains will ensure your nutrient intake is well rounded. Read Part 1 of the series on pomegranates, Part 2 of the series on sweet potatoes, and Part 3 of the series on blueberries.
Acai berries: Why they’re a Super Food
Acai berries are native to Central and South America and grow on the acai palm tree. The dark purple berry is a relative of more common superfoods such as blueberries and cranberries; however, recent studies have shown that the acai berry may have the most antioxidant power out of the bunch. Acai berries are bursting with anthocyanins and flavonoids, antioxidants that help starve off the aging process and keep diseases at bay by fighting free radicals in the body.
Acai berries are also being studies for their possible weight loss benefits. That being said, the jury is still out on whether or not acai berries are truly any better for weight loss than eating other fruits. This means that the multitude of ads that pop up on your computer for acai berry weight loss supplements should be ignored. However, since acai berries are known to have such high levels of antioxidants, incorporating them into your diet is still advantageous even if they don’t make excess weight melt off your body like some marketers claim.
Acai berries: How to incorporate them into your diet
Acai berries are most readily available in the form of juice. Once only found in health shops and specialty grocery stores, acai berry juice can be found in many local grocery stores across the Metro Detroit area. Like the juice of another featured superfood, the pomegranate, acai berry juice tends to be rather high in calories and in cost. While the benefits outweigh the caloric and monetary investment, pay attention to how much you consume in one sitting.
If you do decide to get your acai berry benefits in the form of a pill, don’t be tempted to order them from any old website promising extreme weight loss. Go into a local health store such as The Better Health Store and look for a supplement that is additive-free and a brand that you can trust.
Super Foods for Superior Health Part 1: Pomegranate
Super Foods for Superior Health Part 2: Sweet Potatoes
Super Foods for Superior Health Part 3: Blueberries
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