Four Sigma Foods 101 – Açai berry
The açai berry is the fruit of a tall palm tree that reaches up to 25 feet (7.5 meters) in height, common throughout northern South America. The berry is harvested by hand. Although açai was introduced to the West in the 1990s, it has a long history as a medicinal food among indigenous South American tribes. Modern Brazilians value it as an excellent energy food. The berry made its first real popularity breakthrough in 2005, when talk show host Oprah Winfrey featured it on her famous program.
Açai is packed with antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Why to Use Açai
While Amazonian tribes use açai to enhance the immune system, fight against infections and protect the heart, modern Brazilians prize it for its nutrient density, which makes it an excellent energy food. In fact, açai is packed with antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It also contains many other micronutrients such as polyphenols and flavonoids. Rich in the same healthy compounds as red wine, açai is also said to guard against heart disease when used regularly.
How to Use Açai
In most açai berry products, the berry is in powdered form – loose, in capsules, or in mixture with other substances. If not processed properly, the berry’s precious component compounds begin to lose their potency soon after harvesting. Therefore it’s crucial to choose high-quality, freeze-dried products. Freeze-drying is a chemical-free method of preserving as many of the fruit’s healthy compounds as possible.
One can add açai powder to various beverages, such as water, milk and juices. It is best to avoid mixing it with in hot foods or beverages, since some of its valuable nutrients are heat sensitive. Add açai to smoothies, milkshakes, cold cereals or raw porridges. Mix açai with water and honey to make a tasty sports drink or an alternative to conventional juices.
Where to Buy Açai
Açai products are available from most health and natural food resellers in North America, Western Europe and some parts of Asia. We recommend the following Açai products.
Navitas Natural Acai Powder | Good quality with affordable price
Amazon US (Affiate*): Navitas Naturals Acai Powder
Amazon US: Navitas Naturals Acai Powder
*Affiliate program link: Product costs the same to you but FSF gets a percentage of the sales to bring more healthy products to you
