If you have heard of elite superfruits, then you have probably heard of the acai berry. Highly touted by marketers as the leading superfruit on the market thanks to its powerful anti-aging and weight loss properties, acai berries have also found numerous uses in cosmetic and beauty products. The acai berry is a reddish-purple fruit native to Central and South America and has an average length of about an inch. Scientific research on the acai berry has focused primarily on its antioxidant activity. If you would like to be more knowledgeable on the subject here are some noteworthy acai health benefits that you might find surprising.

The Acai berry contains a number of plant phytochemicals including flavonoids and anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are primarily responsible for the skin color of the acai berry, i.e. the red, purple and blue hues. Strongly colored fruits such as acai berries tend to have higher concentrations of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins and flavonoids are collectively grouped as antioxidants and help defend the body from oxidizing compounds known as free radicals produced from everyday activities such as breathing and eating. These compounds often encourage illness development as well as skin aging. Antioxidants help interfere with the aging process by neutralizing the free radicals produced by the body. These antioxidants also pay a critical role in boosting one’s immune system.

Studies have shown that eating fruits rich in antioxidants such as acai berries could actually decrease one’s risk of heart disease and cancer. Acai berries just like red wine have very high concentrations of anthocyanins. Research on anthocyanins has revealed that these phytochemicals may help lower cholesterol levels in one’s blood stream. Moreover, similar studies found that acai berries are rich in plant sterols which have numerous cardio-protective benefits. As such, diets that include acai berries may help prevent the formation of blood clots, improve one’s overall blood circulation as well as relax the blood vessels.

Other notable acai health benefits are related to the fruit acting as a weight loss supplement, improvement in skin health as well as improved mental function. As a natural weight loss supplement, studies on the Acai berry have found that its fruit pulp may help negate the effects of a high fat diet. Moreover, other studies have revealed that the acai berry may help one lose weight as well as maintain a healthy weight.

Traditionally, acai berries have long been consumed by native South Americans to help treat a number of skin conditions. The fruit is also used in a number of beauty products due to its high antioxidant content. Some research is showing the acai may even help improve mental function, especially in menopausal women. Some of the same studies found that regular consumption may also help prevent mental imbalance in individuals in their late 50s and 60s.

So, as you see there are some acai health benefits that anyone wanting their bodies to function in a more positive way could find useful. Our website has dozens of articles on not just the acai berry but many other beneficial fruits.