Açai ( Euterpe oleracea ) is a plant of the Arecaceae family . Its berries are rich in anthocyanins, vitamins and minerals and perform a cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant action. Let's find out better.
Açai Property
The berries of this palm are a rich source of anthocyanins (plant pigment that gives them the typical purple red), proteins, essential fatty acids, fibers, vitamins and minerals .
In particular the anthocyanins play an antioxidant action, able to counteract the premature aging of cells and tissues, 30 times higher than that exerted by red wine and 3 times that of black bilberry.
The essential fatty acids, in particular the oleic acid (omega-9), perform a cholesterol-lowering action, as they lower the LDL ( Low Density Lipoproteins or bad cholesterol) thus counteracting the onset of atherosclerosis and numerous cardiovascular diseases ; while linoleic acid (omega-6) helps keep cell membranes healthy. Furthermore, essential fatty acids help the transport and absorption of fat- soluble vitamins, A, E, D and K, providing a protective action on the heart and the circulatory system.
Sterols, components of plant cell membranes, also have numerous benefits for the human body. In addition to reducing cholesterol in the blood plasma, and breaking down accumulated fats, phytosterols affect the metabolism of prostaglanins, the molecules responsible for inflammatory processes, performing an analgesic and decongestant action . Sterols are used today to treat symptoms associated with BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia), ie benign prostate hyperplasia.
Finally the remineralizing properties are due to the high content of vitamins, amino acids and minerals, useful nutrients to regenerate the body and muscles. Furthermore the fibers favor the functionality of the gastrointestinal system, since, on the one hand, they help not to absorb fats, sugars and triglycerides from the diet; on the other hand, they keep the colon clean, giving a sense of satiety.
You can deepen the correct nutrition in case of high cholesterol
Method of use
INTERNAL USE
Açai berries can be taken as such in yogurt along with musli, or other dried fruit and oilseeds, or as an ingredient in homemade desserts, or in herbal teas or juice.
INFUSION: 1 tablespoon of Açai berries, 1 cup of water
Pour the fruits into boiling water and turn off the heat. Cover and leave to infuse for 10 min. and drink at will.
Contraindications
There are no particular contraindications or side effects for taking acai berries . Like any other fruit, it is rich in fiber therefore, in case of too high consumption or abuse, meteorism and diarrhea can occur.
In allergic subjects, it is possible that skin reactions occur due to sensitivity to the photochemical that the berries contain. Instead, in case of pregnancy and lactation, its use is not recommended due to the lack of scientific studies on the subject that confirm the absence of danger.
Description of the plant
Fruit-bearing palm, it can even reach 30 m in height. The leaves are pinnate up to 3 meters long. The fruits (drupes) are small, round-shaped berries, of dark purple color, of an average weight of one gram, similar to a grape, and produced in ramified panicles composed of 500-900 fruits, without peel, but a large hazel and a pulp with a grainy consistency.
The exocarp (peel) of ripe fruits is deep purple, or green, depending on the type of açai and its maturity. The mesocarp is pulpy and thin, with a constant thickness of 1 mm or less.
The habitat of the Açai
Native to South America and Central America, the plant grows mainly in the marshy areas north of Brazil, at the level of the Amazon estuary.
Background
The name " açai" (pronounced " assaì ") derives from the Portuguese translation of the word tupiana ïwaca'i, which means fruit " that weeps or secretes water ". The açaì have been "discovered" recently, when ethnobotanical research has come to identify them as the most nutritious fruits of the Amazon forest. In a study conducted on three Caboclo populations in the Brazilian Amazon, the palm of the acai is considered as the most important plant species because its berries constitute the main ingredient of their diet, up to 42% of the total consumption of food by weight .
In fact the presence of energizing nutrients makes the açaì an incomparable fruit juice or energy drink. The grainy pulp of the berries, mixed with other fruits, with cereals or muesli and honey corresponds to the classic recipe, able to reduce the sensation of hunger with very few calories, but with a very high concentration of nutrients.
