Scientists learned about the beneficial properties of the acai berry only in 2004 during an expedition to the Amazon rainforest. Before that, the acai was eaten only by the indigenous inhabitants of the Brazilian forest, who called it the tree of life. It’s now the favorite treat of Gwyneth Paltrow, Meghan Markle, and Kim Kardashian. Spletnik beauty editor Elizaveta Konstantinova He learned that these dark purple berries had been given the title of superfood of the decade.

Acai berries grow in clusters on slender-stemmed 25-foot palm trees. The fruits are small and round, resembling small raisins. Their color is dark purple, fully ripe fruits are almost black (in the red palm variety) or dark green (in the white palm variety). The taste of acai is like a mix of raspberry and blackberry, with nutty undertones.

The fruit is mainly harvested in the Amazon Delta region. No wonder Brazilians call acai “the milk of the Amazon.” The world learned about the benefits of these berries in 2004 when dietitian Nichols Perikone of the University of Michigan published his book The Promise of Perikone and named acai berries the #1 superfood. has continued to grow. Thus, the global market for acai berries in 2017 was estimated at $712 million; According to experts, it will grow by 12.71% by 2025.

What is useful fruit

According to its antioxidant properties, acai ranks first today. To measure this, scientists at the National Institute on Aging developed the ORAC measurement system in 1992, the ability of antioxidants to scavenge free radicals.

Berries are rich not only in antioxidants, but also in healthy fatty acids (omega-3, 6 and 9), vitamins (C, B1 and E), iron, fiber, phytonutrients and amino acids. Acai contains 30 times more antioxidants and 10-20 times more anthocyanins than red wine. Acai berries are rich in anthocyanins, which contribute to the normal functioning of the heart. Anthocyanins are found in red wine, flowers, and fruits and are red, blue, or purple in color.

Berry is considered high-calorie (100 grams – 182 kcal), while it contains the same amount of protein as cow’s milk. It has a low cholesterol level, strengthens the immune system, promotes muscle regeneration and increases the body’s endurance (especially important for athletes), has a general tonic effect and is recommended for patients with anemia.

During scientific research in the Amazon rainforest, scientists noticed that local residents who spend a lot of time under the scorching sun do not get skin cancer and look incredibly young. After analyzing the diet of the locals, experts decided that it’s all about the beneficial properties of acai berries.

Chemical composition

Contains sterols, of which up to 78% is beta-sitosterol. Fatty acid composition in percent: palmitic – 22%, stearic – 2%, arachidic – 2.5%, palmitoleic – 2%, oleic – 60% and linoleic – 12%.

100 grams of acai contain vitamins: A – 1000 IU (in pharmacology IU – the unit of measure of the dose of a substance according to its biological activity), B1 – 360 mg, B2 – 10 mg, B3 (niacin) – 0.4 mg , E – 45 mg (one serving of acai fruit contains 20% of the daily value of vitamin E).

how to apply

The fruits are eaten fresh, they are also made into smoothies, wine, liquors, cocktails, ice cream, various desserts and added to bowls. In Russia, you can mostly find dried acai berries or dietary supplements in powder form.

Ground acai berries, superfood Freeze Dried, UFEELGOOD (1,099 rubles with discount)

Acai berry extract, “Orgtium” (481 rubles with a discount)

Acai powder, Ecoteka (1,550 rubles with a discount)

Acai is added not only to the diet, but also to cosmetics. Berries have been shown to help reduce skin inflammation and act as powerful antioxidants thanks to their valuable polyphenols, phytosterols and fatty acids. Acai berry extract contains anthocyanins and flavonoids, as well as catechin, gallic, protocatechin and ellagic acids, which prevent the appearance of signs of aging and increase skin elasticity.

Peeling roll with acai berry extract, Ekel (492 rubles with discount)

Hand cream Squeeze Therapy Acai Berry, Frudia (discounted 264 rubles)

Intense Moisture Body Cream Rosa Damascena, Acai & Pomegranate, Grown Alchemist (RUR 5,790)

Smart anti-aging face mask, Foreo (2 499 rub.)

Silk shower gel based on extracts of mango and acai berries, Ollin (discounted 250 rubles)

Bath salt Black Tea and Acai Berry, Love Tea Art (375 rubles with discount)

star fans

Hollywood stars are big fans of acai bowls. Camila Mendez from the popular TV series Riverdale collaborated with Women’s Health to record a video of her tasting acai bowls. Meghan Markle and Kim Kardashian shared their favorite dish with these fruits.

Gwyneth Paltrow, the creator of the Goop brand, once shared her recipe on the social network.

For one serving you will need

For the toasted seed mix:

• 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds;
• 1 tablespoon of buckwheat;
• 1 tablespoon of flaxseed;
• 1 teaspoon of hemp seeds;
• ½ teaspoon of coconut oil;
• a pinch of salt;
• ½ teaspoon of honey.

For the bowl itself:

• 1 pack of frozen acai berries;
• 1 banana, cut in half;
• 2 tablespoons of coconut water;
• 1 tablespoon of coconut milk (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of coconut flakes;
• 2 tablespoons of blueberries;
• 1 tablespoon of bee pollen;
• manuka honey (optional)

a. To prepare the toasted seed mix, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add all ingredients except honey and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well browned. Add honey, turn off the heat and mix. Transfer the mixture to a plate to cool and crisp. When cool, break it into small pieces with your fingers.

2. In a blender, combine the acai berries with half a banana, coconut water, and coconut milk (if using). Do this on high speed for two minutes until smooth.

3. Thinly slice the other half of the banana. Transfer the acai mix to a bowl and top it with sliced ​​banana, two tablespoons of toasted seed mix, shredded coconut, blueberries, and bee pollen; add some honey and the dish is ready.