Good Lifestyle

Acai is one of the most typically Brazilian foods that exist, and in many northern states of the country, this fruit is often consumed, composing the daily meal of many families.

But what happens to your body when you eat acai every day? Next, check out the benefits and harms of daily consumption of this fruit and understand how it is possible to consume it every day.

What we are talking about: the pure acai

First, it must be made clear that we are referring to pure acai throughout this article (that is, the pulp of the fruit beaten with water). The acai marketed in pots usually have some additives, such as sugar and syrups, which make it more caloric and make it more a dessert than a meal.

Consuming acai with additives is not in itself bad, but should be done in moderation, and for many it is not recommended daily. Also, even if the acai is pure, it is no use clogging it with condensed milk, brigadeiro or nutella.

All of this will leave this food, which is already naturally caloric, even more caloric and enhances the risk of diabetes, especially for those who already have predisposition to the condition.

So, before buying acai to consume every day, check the pulp label and check it out if there are added colorings, sugar or preservatives. Whenever possible, it is better to adjust the amount of sugar at the time of consumption.

What happens to the body? Benefits and harms of daily consumption of acai

According to the Embrapa website, acai is a rich and energetic fruit, with a good amount of fibers, proteins and especially lipids. In addition, it is very rich in vitamin E and minerals such as copper, manganese, chromium and boron. There are 45 mg of vitamin E every 100 g of acai pulp on a dry base, demonstrating that the fruit has large antioxidant effects.

Acai also has a good amount of anthocyanins, pigment responsible for its deep purplish color. These substances are also antioxidants, capable of stimulating blood circulation and even protecting the body from carcinogenic and atherogenic agents.

What all this means:

• Acai can protect the body from cardiovascular disease.
• It is a good source of nutrients necessary for survival.
• It is a source of boron and chromium, more difficult minerals to obtain through food.
• Rich in fiber, helps in intestinal transit.
• Rich in lipids, and if consumed in excess, it can stimulate fat accumulation.

It is noteworthy that pure acai can be difficult to find in states farther from the north of the country, and it is therefore important to look for reliable places to buy the pulp of this fruit. Bad processing can generate microorganism contaminated pulps (when in doubt, opt for the pasteurized acai).

How to consume acai in a healthy way daily

If you want to include acai in your food routine in a balanced way, it is ideal to consume it simply, prioritizing pure pulp and without adding sugar, syrups or preservatives. The tip is to beat the pulp with water and a naturally sweet fruit, such as ripe banana, to soften the most intense taste without resorting to artificial sweeteners.

You can also add ingredients that increase the nutritional value of the preparation, such as:

• A spoon of chia or flaxseed (for more fibers and omega-3);
• A little oatmeal (to improve satiety);
• Fresh fruits such as strawberry, kiwi or mango (to bring variety and micronutrients).

For a healthy adult in maintenance diet, between 100 g and 150 g of portion pulp are enough to enjoy the benefits of acai without overdoing calories. And attention: Acai is not light snack, it is a meal. In moderation, one can eat the traditional fried fish with acai.