The acai berry comes from the Euterpe oleraceae, a large palm tree indigenous to the Amazon region of South America. A traditional fruit important to the indigenous people of the area, the acai berry has recently become recognized for its high nutritional value and health benefits. Research reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry listed a number of antioxidants called flavonoids in this fruit. Other antioxidant properties of acai berries are found in the many vitamins found in this fruit. The site AcaiBerryComplex.net notes that acai berries are beneficial for digestive health and weight loss.
Vitamin B
Acai berries contain B-complex vitamins including vitamin B3 or riboflavin. These vitamins are important in digestive, nerve and red blood cell health and also help to increase energy levels. Riboflavin plays a key role in converting dietary carbohydrates into energy and helps to process fats and amino acids. This B vitamin is also important for the production of hormones and neurotransmitters that are important for brain function and nerve health.
Vitamin C
Acai berries are rich in the antioxidant vitamin C or ascorbic acid. The Mayo Clinic notes that this essential water-soluble vitamin plays a key role in collagen production, which is important for muscle, bone, cartilage, blood vessel and tissue health. Vitamin C also helps to strengthen the immune system, promotes wound healing and aids in the absorption of iron. Other dietary sources of vitamin C include vegetables and fruits, especially kiwis and citrus fruits.
Vitamin E
As stated in Nutrition Reviews, acai berries are rich in vitamin E. This potent antioxidant nutrient plays a role in protecting the cells membranes from free radical toxins. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient that is important for promoting nerve, muscle, heart and blood circulation health. The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that alpha-tocopherol, the type of vitamin E retained and used in the body, is also found in numerous other foods including seeds, nuts and vegetable oils.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is another nutrient vitamin found in acai berries. This vitamin plays a key role in the blood clotting or coagulation process and is important for the absorption of calcium for bone, teeth and gum health. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin and is stored in the body's liver and fatty tissue. Though deficiencies of this vitamin are rare, low levels can lead to bleeding from the gums and nose as well as low density bone formation.
References
- Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry: Phytochemical and Nutrient Composition of the Freeze-Dried Amazonian Palm Berry, Euterpe oleraceae Mart. (Acai)
- Nutrition Reviews: Berries: emerging impact on cardiovascular health
- AcaiBerryComplex.Net: Acai Berry Vitamins
- Mayo Clinic: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin K
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