You have no doubt heard about the acai berry and its healthy properties, but what are the acai nutritional benefits that have made it so popular [recently? Reading over the acai nutrition facts is like reading a laundry list of different health foods and supplements. It’s hard to believe that one little berry could possibly be so incredibly beneficial. But the facts don’t lie and when you break down what the acai berry contains, it’s almost mind-boggling.

The Powerful Antioxidant

It’s almost a guarantee that you’ve heard the term antioxidant before. You have probably also heard them associated with their arch nemesis, the free radical. But first, you have to understand what these terms actually mean. Free radicals, a naturally occurring atom, are different from normal atoms because they lack an electron from their pair. They make up for this by stealing electrons from other atoms, creating more free radicals. In abundance, they are believed to be a driving force behind many problems from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants combat and slow the effects of free radicals by giving the electron they desire without allowing them to steal it from healthy atoms.

What makes acai berry really stand out is its antioxidant content which measures far above all other fruits. The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is a system which scores a type of food on its antioxidant level — the higher the number, the greater the antioxidant content. For instance, the avocado only measures 19 on the ORAC and yet is known to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. With a 94 ORAC score, Cranberries have long been called super fruit. Acai berry on the other hand, scores an amazing 610 ORAC count. Now let’s see other fruits even come close to that.

More Acai Nutritional Info

The acai is not touted as a super food for nothing. True, its antioxidant content is just unbelievable but it doesn’t stop there. Acai contains a component called anthocyanins, the same substance found in red wine, which is effective in fighting coronary heart disease. A generous amount of unsaturated fats can also be found in acai berry. These unsaturated or “good” fats, produce essential fatty acids like Omega-6 which are needed in the body. Acai berry is also a good source of fiber, which is an energy booster.

Is the Acai Berry Deserving of the Title of Super Fruit?

There aren’t many foods out there as remarkable as the acai berry. It has earned its rank among the super fruits. The nutritional benefits of the berry are just being studied, but when you see exactly what is in acai berry supplements, it is not hard to imagine that it will stay at the top of the health supplement ladder. The acai nutritional facts don’t lie and this amazing little berry is here to stay.

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