Superfood: Acai

Açaí is a very well-known fruit, not only for its unmistakable flavor, but also for being a superfood.
“Superfood” is a term used to describe foods that have a high concentration of essential nutrients, enzymes and / or antioxidant phytochemicals, which are essentially beneficial for human health.

Its antioxidant capacity allows to inhibit the oxidation of other molecules, neutralizing free radicals, and its anti-aging properties are evident.

Anthocyanin, responsible for the purple pigmentation of açaí is the main factor that makes açaí a fruit with an enormous antioxidant capacity. According to the study * of the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, açaí has ​​an ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) 17 times higher than that of Blueberries and 83 times that of Grapes.

It is rich in Essential Fatty Acids, Omega 6 (Linoleic Acid) and Omega 9 (Oleic Acid), essential since the human body cannot synthesize them, obtaining them by ingestion in the diet.

Linoleic and α-linolenic acids are essential for the normal functioning and growth of all tissues, for reproduction and, in particular, for the formation of prostaglandins that are responsible for the regulation of various processes associated with inflammation and thrombus and as such preventive in cardiovascular and preventive diseases in premature cell aging.

In addition to other properties, açaí promotes the balance of cholesterol levels - improves the balance between HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol) cholesterol. Oleic acid, present in açaí, is a monounsaturated fatty acid of the Omega-9 type, responsible for the reduction of blood cholesterol, acting in the reduction of harmful low-density lipoproteins (LDLs - bad cholestrol) in the bloodstream, and in the increase of levels of beneficial high-density lipoproteins (HDLs - good cholesterol).

Choosing healthy fats is important for weight control and, consequently, for blood glucose.

For people with diabetes, controlling blood pressure is just as important as blood sugar (glycaemia).

The main objectives of the diet of a person with diabetes are: to obtain good control of glycemia, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and to reach and maintain a healthy weight, in order to prevent the onset of diabetes complications. To help control these risk factors, it is recommended to reduce your fat and salt intake and increase your fiber intake.

Açaí is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals - calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus. Its content of calcium and potassium contributes to the strengthening of bones and, consequently, to the prevention of osteoporosis.

The absorption of iron in the body prevents problems such as anemia and ensures the oxygenation of the body, acting as a fuel for hemoglobin, a blood cell, to function in the best possible way.

*Source:
USDA Database for the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity
(ORAC) of Selected Foods, Release 2 Prepared by David B. Haytowitz
and Seema Bhagwat Nutrient Data Laboratory
Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center (BHNRC) Agricultural
Research Service (ARS)
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), May 2010