Acai berries are all the rage. You can find them in supplements, extract, juices and powders. This “superfood” might help prevent cardiovascular disease, premature aging, type 2 diabetes and cancer. It may even help you lose a few pounds. Are acai berries really this amazing? Why are they so prevalent in the natural health industry and blueberries seem to be antiquated?

Blueberries and acai berries contain anthocyanins, which are phytochemicals. These protective phytochemicals are found in plants and help the plant fight disease and cellular damage. When you consume plants, you take in the phytochemicals and those protective factors benefit your body.

These phytochemicals also contribute to the plants characteristics such as color and aroma. There are a variety of phytochemicals in every plant, but the most predominant one lends to the plant’s overall characteristics. Purple plants, such as acai berries and blueberries, contain high amounts of anthocyanins which give them their gorgeous, purplish blue coloring.

Anthocyanins have several characteristics that make them extremely beneficial to the human body. First, they have high amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to fight free radicals and the damage incurred. We are exposed to free radicals on a daily basis: car exhaust, carcinogens, UV rays, pollution, industrial chemicals, household chemicals and even the foods we eat. Free radicals contribute to cancer, heart disease and aging among other health concerns.

Anthocyanins also have anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists are now giving more credence to inflammation’s role in the disease process, aging and weight gain. Our diets, high in animal protein and refined carbohydrates and low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, contribute largely to systemic inflammation.

So, why are acai berries so much better than blueberries if they both contain anthocyanins? Are blueberries underrated?

Though blueberries are very good for you, acai berries have extremely high Oxygen Radical Absorption Capabilities (ORAC). This score measures how much they fight free radical damage. Blueberries score 2400 and acai berries score 5500. As well, acai berries contain a variety of essential amino acids that is nearly perfect.

Unfortunately, acai berries are not readily available in the produce department whereas blueberries are. If you want acai berries, you will have to travel to the Amazon OR purchase them in supplement or powder form. The juices often contain high amounts of sugar, so it is better to go with a supplement.

Ultimately, it is best to take in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to benefit from a variety of beneficial phytochemicals. They work synergistically in the body to promote overall good health. An acai berry supplement may also be a great idea to add to a healthy diet, especially during the winter months when fresh produce is not as plentiful.

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