Dive Brief:
- The acai berry may contain nutrients that improve overall vascular health, according to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
- In the study, 23 healthy men with high body-mass indices ate high-fat breakfasts with a smoothie — either containing acai or other proteins.
- Those who had the acai smoothies showed vascular system improvement, and researchers suggested that foods containing acai ingredients may prevent cardiovascular health issues.
Dive Insight:
Acai berries are rich in heart healthy nutrients and antioxidants. Some advocates even suggest that this small, grape-sized fruit can help people lose weight, relieve arthritic symptoms, lower cholesterol, improve erectile dysfunction and enhance skin appearance, and consumers have hailed it as a superfood.
Transporting the delicate fruit from South America to the United States can prove challenging for food processors. The Amazonian berry deteriorates rapidly and loses its potency after only 24 hours.
To get around these challenges, some producers are making acai berries in powder form made from freeze-dried berries.The product can be used to make acai-infused dark chocolate covered "berries" and various cereals. In fact, some advocates believe freeze-dried berries are the most beneficial way to promote and consume acai, while others insist that pulp-containing acai juices keep maintain the fruit's nutritional integrity.