Acai berries - useful properties and contraindications

Acai berries are the fruits of the tropical Eutherpa plant. They are distinguished by their uniqueness due to their composition and properties. The natives of South and Central America have long and fruitfully used all the benefits of berries for medical and cosmetic purposes. After checking the efficacy and effectiveness of fruits for centuries, they gave it the popular names “fountain of eternal youth”, “Amazonian Viagra”.

Berry picking takes place twice a year, but the main difficulty is associated with transportation and storage. The fruits are similar to cherries or grapes, inside have a large bone and do not withstand long transport. Many continents have to be content with acai food additives, since it is almost impossible to export goods in their original form.

Acai berries are more efficiently consumed fresh, but the locals went further and learned how to make juice and alcohol from it. If the crop is not processed in a timely manner, then the bulk of the nutrients are lost. For a process that depreciates the fruits, 2-3 hours are enough. It is during this period that the procurers seek to freeze or dry the crop. It is also preferable to prepare extracts, infusions, tinctures, decoctions immediately after collection.

Euterpe palm fruit is appreciated by nutritionists, and it is also a powerful antioxidant. Anthocyanins and flavonoids build reliable barrier functions that can counteract free radicals, diseases caused by these molecules. They do not allow the growth of cancer cells and support the work of the heart muscle, prevent heart disease.

To confirm or refute the modeling properties and the ability to cope with extra pounds, scientific research has not been conducted. The fact that dietary supplements based on this berry can be an ordinary marketing move refutes the high fiber content in the composition. It is she who establishes digestion and gently removes toxic compounds, relieves congestion, slagging in the rectum, and therefore contributes to weight loss.

Chemical constituents and nutritional value

1. They are filled with omega fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, and iron. As well as magnesium, phosphorus, zinc.
2. The vitamin composition is also rich (E, A, B1, B2, B3, K).
3. The amount of antioxidants in palm berries is several times greater than in blueberries, grapes and red wine. This is due to a large percentage of antioxidant substances, fibers, carotenoids, flavonoids, tocopherols, hormones of natural origin.

Use in alternative healing: useful properties

The centuries-old experience of using fruits by the indigenous population has shown clear progress in the treatment of peptic ulcers, diarrhea, infections caused by microorganisms and bleeding. They learned how to extract extract from seeds and use it in confrontation with fever. The palm tree has established itself as a 100% beneficial plant, and even its roots can heal the liver and relieve pain during the menstrual cycle.

More and more people are returning to unconventional methods of treatment, but there is a considerable percentage of skeptics for whom the confirmation of scientists is important.

In traditional medicine, the properties of acai berries are used to treat:

1. Of cardio-vascular system. Antioxidants protect the heart muscle from extraneous influences that can lead to damage, reduce the amount of dangerous cholesterol, and improve blood circulation. Beta-sitosterol, oleic and linoleic acids lead an effective fight against vascular plaques. Beta-sitosterol is also part of garlic, avocado, berry berries.
2. Oncology. Scientists from Florida have confirmed the ability of Acai berries to stimulate the self-destruction of cancer cells. Ascorbic acid and antioxidants give fruits anti-cancer properties.
3. Eye diseases. Anthocyanins and vitamin C can prevent the formation of glaucoma, macular degeneration and night blindness. Acai berries inhibit the process of vision loss in retinopathy, which is a common problem for diabetics.
4. Sleep disturbances. Fatty acids, vitamins and amino acids in the composition contribute to the active production of serotonin and dopamine, which improve sleep, relax skeletal muscles and make relaxation more quality and effective.
5. Decrease in sexual activity. Fruits are able to increase attraction and, in terms of effectiveness, they are equated with Viagra. The results of scientific studies confirm that berries are a strong aphrodisiac that can improve stamina and prolong moments of intimacy. They have a positive effect on brain activity and are responsible for the content of sex hormones within normal limits.
6. Lowering skin immunity. External use of berry extract enhances tissue resistance to harmful factors. Provides smooth and clean skin. Prevents the appearance of various types of rashes, the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation. By eating berries regularly, you can give a healthy glow to the skin. Most manufacturers of cosmetic care products have evaluated the properties of the berries and enriched their products with them.
7. Reproductive dysfunction. The fruits of the Eutherpa palm accelerate metabolic processes in the body, as well as normalize the hormonal level. They cleanse the body and do not allow the deposition of extra pounds, which can negatively affect the quality of the course of ovulation.

Including berries in the diet of a pregnant woman, there is no doubt that the mother and fetus will receive a lot of valuable nutrients. Antioxidants will prevent the development of embryo mutations.

Side effects

1. The ability of berries to reduce the feeling of hunger is ideal for people who want to lose weight or those who scrupulously monitor the arrow of the scales, afraid to gain extra centimeters at the waist. But there is a group of people no less concerned about their missing weight. For such consumers, the product is contraindicated.
2. Also, given the exotic fruit and rich contents, it is recommended to dose berries. Large amounts of food eaten can cause an allergic reaction. Cases of individual intolerance are possible.
3. Excessive consumption of this product can exacerbate existing problems associated with the heart, liver, and kidneys. They can change the acid-base balance.
4. Eating large volumes, paradoxically, can cause obesity, as well as increase blood sugar.

Acai berries are gaining popularity, and today they are not inferior in effective effects on the body of goji berries. In the network of pharmacies and health food stores you can find various forms of release, of which the most popular and easy to use: capsules, tinctures, powders.

The benefits of the fruit have scientific evidence, but it is better to use a medicinal product for preventive purposes. They can significantly improve well-being, although you should not rely on a miracle.

Video: Acai Berries