The amazing acai berry has garnished quite a bit of attention. Acai supplements, extracts, mixes and juices are popping up all over the place. They might prevent cancer, heart disease and even slow aging and promote weight loss. It was not long ago that blueberries were the big superfood. Are acai berries really so much better?

Both acai berries and blueberries contain phytochemicals from the anthocyanin group. Phytochemicals are the components of plants meant to help the plant combat disease and cellular damage. They also help repair damage. In other words, they keep the plant healthy and when you consume these plants, that protective factor transfers to 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.

These same foods, especially high-fat animal protein and refined carbohydrates, also contribute to systemic inflammation. Anti-inflammatory properties in anthocyanins combat this systemic inflammation. Systemic inflammation is at the root of many disease processes including obesity.

So, if blueberries and acai berries both contain high amounts of anthocyanins, why are acai berries so highly regarded whereas blueberries seem to have gone back to being, well, just a fruit topping for pancakes?

Acai berries have an extremely high ORAC score compared to most fruits and vegetables. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorption Capabilities, and it is a measure of how much the food prevents free radical damage. Acai berries have around 5500 whereas blueberries contain 2400. Acai berries also contain a near perfect blend of essential amino acids which is rare for a plant.

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.

Truly, your best health maneuver is to eat a diet rich in fruits, veggies and whole grains. A variety of these items allows you to receive the benefits of various phytochemicals which work together in the body. You will also benefit from an acai supplement, especially when fruits and vegetables are not readily available.

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