One of the most popular ways to get the many benefits of the acai berry is acai powder. Since the berries are extremely perishable it is impossible to get them from the Amazon where they grow, to the produce aisle in out grocery store. This means that it needs to be carefully packaged in order to survive the journey with all of its nutritional benefits intact. If the berry is not preserved correctly it is possible to strip away all of the many reasons it is so healthy.
The method that works best to preserve these health benefits is known as freeze drying. Freeze drying is a process used to preserve foods that are sensitive to heat. Using very low temperatures and a vacuum, all the moisture is removed. This process keeps the natural color and taste of the fruit intact. It also ensures that the fruit does not lose any of its vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants.
When making the decision on which acai powder you buy, make sure that it is freeze dried. There is a process called spray drying that many companies use for their acai supplements. This process literally burns away all the antioxidant content, which is one of the main reasons to take acai in the first place. One way to tell the difference between freeze and spray dried acai powder is by its color. A spray dried powder will look pink, while a freeze dried powder will retain the natural dark purple of the acai berry.
Another thing you will want to look out for is if the powder contains any unnecessary filler. Some companies will cut corners and use up to 75% rice powder, multidextrin, or corn starch in place of the more expensive acai powder. This means they sell a product that contains little actual acai, and make huge profits because their product is almost all cheap fillers. If you are looking at a product and it does not state its ingredients on the container, then more likely than not it will contain high levels of filler powder.
Some of the higher quality powders will add other superfoods into their formula to compliment the effects of the acai berry. Other fruits, such as camu camu, actually assist in the absorption of antioxidants, which means you will get more bang for your antioxidant buck. These additions make the powder more powerful, unlike the cheap fillers that have no nutritional value whatsoever.
Antioxidants help your body combat free radicals that look to destroy the cells in our bodies. Acai contains one of the highest antioxidant profiles of any food known to man. They can help boost your immune system and can be excellent allies in the prevention of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Antioxidants also have a more superficial benefits. Since free radical attacks are the main reason you show signs of aging, getting a large dose of antioxidants daily will help you look and feel younger. Take acai powder daily and you will notice better skin and hair in just a few short weeks.
The best acai powders to take will be made with 100% organic freeze dried acai. You will be able to tell if it is all natural and organic by putting a small amount of the powder on your hand. If the powder is dark purple and sticks a bit to your hand, then it is the real deal. The reason that it will be a bit oily is because of the high levels of essential fatty acids (omega 3,6, and 9) that the acai berry contains.
Essential fatty acids are incredibly important to our body, and are substances that our bodies do not naturally produce. This means we have to go out there and get them in the foods we eat or drink. They are important to cell function, especially in the brain. Getting the correct amount of these good fatty acids is known to improve memory and reduce cases of depression. Omega fatty acids also assist with weight loss and fight off heart disease.
Everyone can benefit from a daily dose of this amazing fruit, and taking acai berry powder is one of the best ways to get it.
