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You’ve probably heard that acai berries are the new miracle cure when it comes to losing weight. Can you be 100 percent sure that this is true? If you want some scientific background on this topic and want to be clear about buying criteria, then you’ve come to the right place.
We are pleased that you have found our açaí berry test 2023. We want to give you all the information you need about the acai berry, its effects and its ingredients. We may even clear up a few myths and answer questions such as price or dosage.
Summary
- The açaí berry is a blue-purple fruit that originates in the Amazon rainforest.
- Açaí berries have a very high antioxidant content, as well as a high fibre content. They are also a source of potassium, iron, vitamin A and calcium.
- Açaí berries are also full of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid. The appearance of the açaí berry may remind you of a ripe blueberry.
The Best Açaí Berry: Our Picks
Buying and evaluation criteria for açaí berries
When buying açaí berries, you can pay attention to the following criteria:
Since açaí berries have not been available on the German market for very long, you should always make sure to do enough research. Always pay special attention to high quality.
Purity / additives
With products of any kind, you should always make sure that they are not contaminated. Unfortunately, this is often the case, especially with capsules. Of course, you cannot always do without additives, but you can make sure that pure and untreated açaí berries have been processed.
To preserve the nutrients and the important product properties, you should make sure that the açaí berry has been freeze-dried. The proportion of pure powder in the total product is always important. The best advice is to use pure açaí powder. The proportion of açaí in the total product should always be over 90 percent.
Capsules and powders usually have a proportion of 90 percent, while the fruit content of juices or purees is usually lower. They are either mixed with other fruits or additives or simply highly diluted. Due to the short shelf life of fresh berries, they quickly lose their health-promoting properties.
Specialities
If you have a need for special features, you should pay attention to what is stated in the product description. Many açaí products contain special features such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free or sugar-free. You are sure to find the right product for you.
Dosage
You can’t actually take too much açaí berry. However, if there is already a pre-dose, it is of course much easier for you, even if you can dose it as you like.
Just pay attention to what the manufacturer recommends and otherwise listen to your body.
With acai powder, there is often a quantity in teaspoons that is supposed to be enough. For capsules, some manufacturers recommend one capsule to be enough for the whole day, while others recommend several capsules per day to achieve this.
Quality
High-quality açaí berries are mostly found in organic farming. However, there is a lot to consider, especially with açaí berries. They are cultivated and also harvested abroad according to the applicable standards and rules. It is therefore clear that this does not correspond to the German standards.
However, manufacturers who think something of themselves at least make sure that no pesticides end up in their products. That’s why you should make sure that the product is available in organic quality to exclude genetic engineering. The berries are mainly available on the market in the form of powder or food supplements.
Processing / Origin
The origin of the açaí berry is the rainforests of the Amazon, so it comes from South America. Among others, you can find it very often in Colombia, Panama, Guyana, Venezuela, Trinidad, Ecuador and most famously Brazil. For more detailed information, you should check the packaging.
The fruits of the berry grow on the açaí palm, a multi-stemmed palm that can be found in wet locations. The berries and their effects have long been known in their native countries and are often sold on street corners.
You should always be able to trace where the berry comes from. The packaging should provide you with the relevant information to look out for.
Guide: Frequently asked questions about açaí berry answered in detail
In order to inform you comprehensively about the effectiveness of açaí berry and to give you an understanding of the current state of science, we have summarised all the important information in the following sections.
What is an açaí berry and how does it work?
Açaí berries, which come from the Amazon rainforest, are exotic fruits. They are extracted from the cabbage palm and do not differ much in size and colour from the blueberry we know.
The largest part of the açaí berry is the core, which makes up 90 percent of the berry. The healthy nutrients are mainly found in the skin of the berry, but of course also in the flesh. Up to 1,000 açaí berries can grow on an umbel on which the açaí berry grows.
Especially in the country of origin but since not long ago also all over the world, the açaí berry is increasingly used because of its great ingredients. Its ingredients include:
- Potassium
- Iron
- Vitamins A and B
- Calcium
- Dietary fibre
- Sodium
- Protein
- unsaturated fatty acids
Unfortunately, the effects of the berry have not yet been scientifically proven. It has not been studied long enough to draw valid conclusions. However, there are a number of things on which the fruit is said to have an influence. Above all, its “healthy effect” is attributed to the antioxidants (1).
Weight
The açaí berry is supposed to help you lose weight. Many manufacturers of açaí products advertise with this statement. However, this has never been scientifically proven. Advertising in connection with the açaí berry should therefore always be treated with caution! Especially since you should be aware that a single berry will not make the pounds fall off in the shortest time.
When it comes to weight, the açaí berry is often touted as a miracle cure for a great figure. Dietary fibres ensure a long feeling of satiety. Since the fruit has a high fibre content, it has a positive effect on satiety and digestion.
The longer you feel full, the less you feel the need to eat. However, this cannot be called a successful diet. Healthy eating and sufficient exercise play a role in burning more calories than you take in. Of course, the açaí products can help to supply your body with minerals and vitamins, but this alone will not make the body lose fat.
The use of açaí flour in obesity has been shown to protect against weight gain and insulin resistance. In addition, the use of açaí flour improved the fat profile. There is also a significant effect on the excretion of bile acid and cholesterol (2). However, it is still questionable whether this really helps to lose weight.
Be careful not to take too much açaí.
Due to the high nutrient content of the berry, it can cause you to gain weight and thus reverse the actual effect.
Skin
The high antioxidant content is good for fighting wrinkles, because they catch free radicals that would otherwise attack the cells, causing the skin to age. The miracle berry is also said to help heal wounds. (3)
However, the influence of cigarettes and alcohol or even UV rays on the skin cannot be invalidated by simply eating the açaí berry. It can be a preventive measure and this too is still being researched. However, the anti-ageing effect is said to come from containing antioxidants.
Diseases (cancer)
Because the açaí berry has a high antioxidant content, its effect against prostate cancer is being investigated. Its anti-inflammatory and antitoxic effect could help against the growth of cancer cells (4).
The açaí berry has also been used in studies against breast cancer. Its anti-inflammatory effect is said to have reduced the number of deaths as well as the number of inflamed cells (5).
Furthermore, the high antioxidant content of the açaí berry is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Further research is now being conducted to determine whether the berry has neuroprotective effects on the brain to positively influence diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (6).
Even though the effect of the berry has the potential to help against inflamed cells, it is clear that acai is not the miracle cure for cancer.
Body balance
The acai berry also has great effects on the general body. The vitamins, phytochemicals and minerals it contains strengthen the immune system and stabilise the antioxidant content in the body (7).
The juice of the açaí berry is said to have an anti-depressant effect (8). The study tried to minimise depressive behaviour. In addition, anti-aging activities were found in the brain through the juice (8).
A metabolic syndrome is caused by a high-calorie diet. The resulting obesity leads to insulin resistance, also called type 2 diabetes. The consumption of the açaí berry is supposed to help normalise certain metabolic values. Even though the effect on weight has not yet been proven, there are indications that the açaí berry normalises certain metabolic values and helps diabetics (9).
Açaí treatments have also been shown to protect organs from interruptions in blood supply by improving microvascular blood flow (10).
However, all these are only approaches that still require further research. The research so far gives positive results, but these are not yet to the point where they can form the rule.
When and for whom is it useful to take açaí berries?
If you are tired or listless, the berry can help you a little. Açaí berries are considered an energy booster and energiser.
| Nutrients | Nutritional value per 100 grams |
|---|---|
| Protein | 9.1 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 3 grams |
| Fat | 40 grams |
| Water | 84.9 grams |
| Sodium | 8 milligrams |
| Dietary fibre | 32.5 grams |
| Calorific value | 418 kcal |
The little blue berry has it all: for a berry, it contains a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids and a lot of dietary fibre.
What types of açaí berry products are there?
There are different varieties of açaí berry on the German market, which we will introduce to you here. Here is a table with the prices per 100 grams:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Capsules | small acai portions that you take 1-2 times a day with water |
| Puree | The juice or puree extracted from the fruit that you can consume every morning as a breakfast bowl or in a smoothie |
| Powder | The powder form of the acai berry that is perfect for smoothies in the morning or for breakfast porridge. |
| Whole berries | The whole açaí berry can be eaten whole or blended into the smoothie. |
You will find the right type depending on your needs. If you want to enjoy the benefits of the açaí berry without tasting the berry, you should prefer capsules to the whole berry.
Capsules
Capsules often contain freeze-dried berries or a concentrate of the berry. They are probably the most common way to consume açaí berries. A big advantage is that they have the longest shelf life. They are also very easy to pack in a bag to take with you and they are already pre-portioned.
(Image source: Elsa Olofsson / unsplash)
However, always make sure to buy from reputable manufacturers. Often products sold in capsules are contaminated, which can lead to problems.
For vegetarians and vegans, there are still options to use capsules made from plant fibres instead of gelatine.
Juice / puree
The juice of açaí berries is also obtained by gently pressing the fruit. Unfortunately, the berries lose some of their nutritious ingredients during processing.
The açaí juice can be mixed very well into a smoothie or other dish and the actual taste of the berry definitely comes out. Many people therefore dilute the juice with water or mix it with other juices. Try out what suits you best.
For many, however, the earthy-oily taste is somewhat unpleasant and takes some getting used to.
It can happen that instead of the word “juice” the term “puree” is used. In this case, the product is sold more as a thick puree, which can still be used in recipes.
Powder
When the açaí berry is sold in powder form, it is either made from the extract of the berries or from freeze-dried açaí berries. All the functions of the fruit can be found in both variants, although some ingredients can be lost during processing, as already mentioned for juice.
Nevertheless, the powder can be easily incorporated into recipes and is a good and simple food supplement for every day. The dosage, on the other hand, can be a little difficult. You should always pay attention to what the manufacturer recommends. On the positive side, however, the unpleasant taste of the berry is no longer present; the powder tastes a little fruitier.
Whole berries
For nutrition, the best are of course the whole berries, as they contain all the nutrients. They are the most natural version of the açaí berries and therefore contain no additives and have not lost any ingredients.
In Germany, whole açaí berries are unfortunately very difficult to get and therefore on the more expensive side. In addition, they only have a short shelf life and have to be consumed as soon as possible, which makes selling them in Germany much more difficult. If whole berries are important to you, you will probably have to resort to frozen berries.
How much do açaí berry products cost?
Since the açaí berry is available in several forms, you should be aware that the prices vary somewhat. Here is a table with the prices per 100 grams:
| Type | price |
|---|---|
| Capsules | circa 10 – 20 Euro |
| Puree | circa 1.50 Euro |
| Powder | circa 10 – 25 Euro |
| Whole berries | circa 40 Euro |
Depending on which product is most important to you, you may have to pay a little more.
How much açaí should I take?
In Latin America, berries are actually part of the daily diet, which can also apply to you. Even though açaí berries are very healthy, they have a high nutrient content. In the worst case, they could even cause you to gain some weight.
To get the most out of açaí berries, you should eat them fresh. Unfortunately, you will rarely find fresh fruits in Germany. However, as already mentioned, they are available in different varieties, such as capsules or food supplements.
Berries in general, no matter in which form, are very good in food. In smoothies or so-called açaí bowls, you can use the juice, the powder and even the capsules.
What alternatives are there to the açaí berry?
The açaí berry is often called a miracle berry or super food. However, you can find suitable alternatives in the normal supermarket or even in your own garden.
There are enough of the blue plant pigment on the German market.
The alternatives are fruits and vegetables that have a blue and violet colour just like the açaí berry. Examples are red cabbage, blueberries or elderberries. Just like the açaí berry, these foods contain the blue plant pigment that is so healthy.
What are the side effects of açaí berries?
The small blue berries have not yet shown any side effects, even with normal consumption. As already mentioned, they are consumed almost daily in Latin America. As long as it is a pure product and you stick to the appropriate dosage, there should be no side effects.
- Overdose: As long as you take the specified amount of açaí, you should have no problems. However, drinking the untreated juice could cause symptoms that have been linked to a disease called American trypanosomiasis.
- Pregnancies: At the moment there is not enough information about the effects of taking acai berries during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding your baby.
However, you should still be aware that the products can always contain additives that could lead to side effects.
Photo source: Kathrin Gabriel / gettyimages
References (10)
1.
Michael Heinrich, Tasleem Dhanji, Ivan Casselman,
Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.)—A phytochemical and pharmacological assessment of the species’ health claims,
Phytochemistry Letters,
Volume 4, Issue 1,
2011,
Pages 10-21,
ISSN 1874-3900,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytol.2010.11.005.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1874390010001096)
Source
2.
da Silva RC, Batista A, Costa DCFD, Moura-Nunes N, Koury JC, da Costa CA, Resende ÂC, Daleprane JB. Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) seed flour prevents obesity-induced hepatic steatosis regulating lipid metabolism by increasing cholesterol excretion in high-fat diet-fed mice. Food Res Int. 2018 Sep;111:408-415. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2018.05.043. Epub 2018 May 24. PMID: 30007703.
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3.
Kang MH, Choi S, Kim BH. Skin Wound Healing Effects and Action Mechanism of Acai Berry Water Extracts. Toxicol Res. 2017 Apr;33(2):149-156. doi: 10.5487/TR.2017.33.2.149. Epub 2017 Apr 15. PMID: 28503264; PMCID: PMC5426502.
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4.
Kessler ER, Su LJ, Gao D, Torkko KC, Wacker M, Anduha M, Chronister N, Maroni P, Crawford ED, Flaig TW, Glode LM, Lam ET. Phase II Trial of Acai Juice Product in Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer. Integr Cancer Ther. Published 17 December 2018
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5.
Alessandra-Perini, Jéssica & Perini, Jamila & Rodrigues-Baptista, Karina & Moura, Roberto & Palumbo Jr, Antonio & Santos, Thiago & Souza, Pergentino & Nasciutti, Luiz & Machado, Daniel. (2018). Euterpe oleracea extract inhibits tumorigenesis effect of the chemical carcinogen DMBA in breast experimental cancer. BMC complementary and alternative medicine. 18. 116. 10.1186/s12906-018-2183-z.
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6.
Schauss, Alexander. (2015). The Effect of Acai (Euterpe spp.) Fruit Pulp on Brain Health and Performance. 10.1016/B978-0-12-411462-3.00019-9.
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7.
Shim HR, Lee JS, Nam HS, Lee HG. Nanoencapsulation of synergistic combinations of acai berry concentrate to improve antioxidant stability. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2016 Dec 31;25(6):1597-1603. doi: 10.1007/s10068-016-0246-9. PMID: 30263450; PMCID: PMC6049228.
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8.
Souza-Monteiro JR, Arrifano GPF, Queiroz AIDG, Mello BSF, Custódio CS, Macêdo DS, Hamoy M, Paraense RSO, Bittencourt LO, Lima RR, Burbano RR, Rogez H, Maia CF, Macchi BM, do Nascimento JLM, Crespo-López ME.published 24 July 2019
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Udani JK, Singh BB, Singh VJ, Barrett ML. Effects of Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) berry preparation on metabolic parameters in a healthy overweight population: a pilot study. Nutr J. 2011;10:45. Published 2011 May 12. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-10-45
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10.
Mota, Denise & Sicuro, Fernando & Resende, Angela & Moura, Roberto & Bottino, Daniel & Bouskela, Eliete. (2018). Effects of açaí and cilostazol on skin microcirculation and viability of TRAM flaps in hamsters. The Journal of surgical research. 228. 253-262. 10.1016/j.jss.2018.03.014.
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