Acai: Benefits and contraindications (side effects)

Acai benefits /acai contraindications and side effects The slender acai palm grows naturally in shady areas of the rainforest, reaching heights of 50 to 100 feet (15 – 30 m).

It is a multi-stemmed palm, with the average adult tree having 4-8 stems converging on a single root system.

The tree displays a handsome crown of green feathery palm fronds and produces clusters of nutritious berries that are about 0.5 in (1.5 cm) in diameter and contain a single seed in the center. The berries emerge green and turn dark purple when ready for harvest.

Today, the cultivation of acai it is an important industry for South American countries both at home and abroad, with Brazil leading the export of berries in 2006, selling 101,000 tons valued at $47 million dollars.

Approximately 30% of that figure was sold to the US. This rise in popularity can be attributed to its high ranking on the now-retired ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) list, which formally stated its level of antioxidant saturation and influenced public demand. Let’s see, next, what is related to acai benefits and contraindications.

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Acai properties

The main compounds in acai are anthocyanins, antioxidants that also give the fruit its dark hue, as well as flavonoids, polyphenols, and sterols.

Based on preliminary research, acai’s benefits are thought to be partly related to the antioxidant capacity of its anthocyanins, although other unidentified compounds likely contribute as well.

These antioxidant compounds reduce oxidative stress and free radical damage, which appears to have potential health effects, such as a hypotensive action.

On the nutritional side, acai berries contain significant amounts of dietary fiber, fatty acids, calcium, ironmagnesium, manganese, zinc and copper, as well as several amino acids.

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benefits of açaí

Because acai is still a novelty outside of its natural habitat, research continues regarding its health properties and applications.

However, some studies have corroborated their mostly properties in:

Decreases inflammation Acai appears to inhibit chemically reactive oxygen-containing molecules, thereby reducing oxidative stress and reversing inflammatory processes.

Reduce the risk of metabolic disorders. A metabolic disorder occurs when some organs, such as the liver or the pancreasthey stop working normally. The antioxidant content of acai may help treat and prevent obesity, diabetes and other related conditions.

Balance cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Clinical studies suggest that acai may help in the treatment and prevention of hypertensionas well as in the regulation of cholesterolprobably through a vasodilator and antioxidant activity.

Skin care The antioxidant properties of acai berries powder help in skin care. Acai oil is often used in cosmetic products because of the antioxidants that can soothe irritation and redness and hydrate the skin. Also, if acai berries are ingested, they can give the skin a healthy and attractive glow. In fact, in Brazil, the pulp of the acai berry has been used for generations to treat or reduce the number of skin conditions and diseases.

boost immunity Acai juice is a wonderful source of vitamin C, which is a known immunity booster. Its antioxidant properties fight against free radicals and keep you healthy, away from many life-threatening diseases. (

Aphrodisiac Although the direct impact of acai berries on sexual stamina and sexual desire is not fully known, they do have the ability to increase blood circulation throughout the body. Since lack of blood flow is one of the main causes of erectile dysfunction and lack of sexual stamina, acai berry juice is commonly used as an alternative medicine to help people with these conditions. Let’s see, next, what is related to acai contraindications.

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Acai contraindications and Acai side effects

People who are allergic to acai or members of the Arecaceae family should avoid any form of these berries.

Some rare cases of American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) have been linked to raw acai juice. The Chagas disease is a serious parasitic disease endemic to regions where acai berries are grown. For safety, it’s best to buy only pureed acai berries or pasteurized juice.

Acai may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. People with diabetes or using blood sugar-lowering medications should consult with a physician before consuming acai.

Acai can reduce the effects of immunosuppressive agents. Patients under treatment for autoimmune disorders should avoid its consumption.

The high levels of potassium in Acai can cause hyperkalemia. It should be taken with caution by people with kidney disease or when taking medications that can increase potassium levels.

Discover the benefits of drinking acai berry tea.

Due to its high manganese content, no more than 8 ounces (225 ml) of acai pulp should be consumed per day to avoid toxicity.

Due to a lack of sufficient data, women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid consuming acai. If you want to know more about acai contraindications, you can ask your question in the comments section below this article.

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cultivation method

The acai palm is most often found in regularly flooded regions of the rainforest and often forms large stands along the edges of lowland rivers. This slowly growing love palm takes 4 to 5 years before it begins to produce fruit. It depends on the many birds and animals that eat its fruit during most of its seed dispersal throughout the forest.

growth guidelines

The domestic cultivation of acai is not a common practice, since this tree requires tropical temperatures to develop properly; a temperature range of 63 to 91°F (17 to 33°C) is ideal.

Heavy organic matter, like that found in jungle soil, is also essential for healthy growth, as is regular logging of soil water, which should have a pH range of 4.5 to 7.0, toward slightly acidic. .

High humidity and rainfall between 51 – 118 inches (1,300 – 3,000 mm) also help keep the plant hydrated. In their natural habitat, the trees grow together in clusters.

Each stem of the tree will produce 4-8 clusters of fruit each year, each cluster weighing about 13 pounds (6 kg).

The Acai harvest takes place during the dry season, between July and December.

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