Acai – 10 Reasons Why Everyone’s Raving About It (Hint: Better Sex)

Acai (ah-sigh-ee) berries are harvested from acai palm trees, which are native to Central and South America. Brazilians have been eating acai berries to treat skin conditions since ancient times. While natives of Brazil typically drink acai juice, we usually see these little wonders in their dried or concentrated forms at health food markets.
 
The hype around the benefits of acai is ever-growing. This potent superfood is a grape-like berry that is full of fiber, antioxidants, as well as healthy fats. They are one of the most well-publicized superfoods on the market, and for good reason! These little berries offer an incredible amount of antioxidants that are extremely beneficial to the human body, protecting the tissues and cells within us.
 

Here are 10 surprising benefits of acai and 10 reasons you should add acai to your daily regimen:

1. Better Sex

Yup, we are kicking off the list with sex! Acai is a known aphrodisiac loaded with compounds that increase overall energy and well-being, and that includes sexual function. Acai also increase circulation in the body, which means increased libido.
 

2. Immunity Booster

Effectively lowering oxidative stress, acai berries fight damaging micro-organisms and environmental stresses. They also help produce more T cells, which are the first responders in your immune system.
 

3. Anti-Aging

Acai berries contain high levels of phytonutrients (antioxidants) and ferulic acid (anti-aging) and may slow down and even reverse the effects of oxidative stress on the skin. They hold 10 times the amount of antioxidants as grapes and twice the amount of blueberries. Acai berries also give you a healthy glow and keep your skin uber hydrated. Wrinkles be gone!
 

4. Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Free radical damage creates abnormal genetic mutations or cancer cell formations, and is thus one of the leading causes of aging and cancer. Acai berries are high in vitamin C and ellagic acid, and this powerful combination can suppress the growth of cancer cells, and reduce the size of cancer cells by 50 to 80%.
 
Acai also contains ferulic acid, which destroys several types of free radicals and is more powerful than vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Overall, acai protects and improves cellular function at its core.
 

5. Improves Cognitive Function

Because of its unique compounds, acai berries can increase your overall energy and stamina. Feeling sleepy? Snack on a handful of these berries and you will be ready to go in no time. Acai can improve mental function and is especially beneficial for reducing hot flashes for women going through menopause.
 

6. Aids In Digestion

Well known for their fiber content and detoxifying properties, acai helps clean your digestive track. Acai is also used to treat digestive upset, such as diarrhea, as well as parasitic infections. Eat acai berries every day to keep your digestive tract healthy and functioning properly.
 

7. Cardiac Health

Acai is loaded with polyphenols, antioxidants that are heart healthy. It can lower cholesterol and helps produce nitric oxide, which regulates and relaxes blood vessels. Acai also contains two powerful antioxidants, delphinidin and petunidin. These antioxidants are anti-inflammatory and prevent atherosclerosis, a condition where hard plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow.
 

8. Weight Loss

Because acai is detoxifying, it helps flush out unwanted toxins in the body, boosting your metabolic rate. They are also low in sugar and work as an appetite suppressant, keeping you feeling fuller longer. Acai berries are also rich in resveratrol – the same compound found in red wine – which is associated with life longevity, protection from heart disease, insulin resistance, lower blood pressure and long-term fat loss.
 

9. Improved Sleep

Expect to get some good Z’s after you consume acai berries. Because they improve circulation, have a glass of the acai juice before your head hits the pillow, and you will be sleeping like a baby in no time.
 

10. Blood Circulation

Full of healthy fats, the acai berry lowers your bad cholesterol while improving the good cholesterol in your blood. Poor circulation leads to a ton of cardiac issues as well as excessive hair loss.
 
 
With all of these amazing components in the little acai berry, there are so many reasons we should be consuming them on the regular!
 

Incorporate the Acai Superfood Into Your Healthy Lifestyle

Although there are a wide variety of benefits associated with the acai berry, don’t consume a whole bag in one sitting! They are still loaded with sugar, which we should consume in moderation. With that being said, combine them with almonds for a healthy snack, add them to your yogurt, toss them in a smoothie, or just eat them solo. Remember to eat everything, even potent superfoods, in moderation.
 

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