| Scientific name: | Euterpe oleracea |
| German name: | Acai Berry |
| Other names: | Acai Beere, Acai Aalm, Assai palm, Cabbage palm, Palma manaca |
| Classification: | Palmenartige |
| Family: | Palm plants |
| Subfamily: | Arecoideae |
| Tribute: | Euterpeae |
| Genus: | Euterpe |
In contrast to many other fruit varieties, the açaí berry (ass-a-i) has a very short tradition in Europe. While it is widespread in South America, its continent of origin, it has become famous in the rest of the world only in recent years. The talk show master Oprah Winfreh repeatedly praised the berry as a so-called superfood. These foods are said to have bombastic effects on human health. And indeed, the açaí berries contain an enormous amount of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Numerous studies have been launched due to their increasing popularity and the fabulous health effects the berry is said to have. However, to this day, no above-average health-promoting effects have been observed. Only the increased amount of antioxidants, which in fact have a positive effect on humans, is considered safe.
Quantity per 100 grams
| Calories | 165 |
| Fat content | 44,5 g |
| Saturated fatty acids | 11 g |
| Polyunsaturated fatty acids | 4,92 g |
| Monounsaturated fatty acids | 28,46 g |
| Cholesterol | 0,0 mg |
| Sodium | 0,064 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8,5 g |
| Roughage | 32,5 g |
| Polyphenole | 3,3 g |
The açaí berry is the fruit of the açaí palm, which is often referred to as the cabbage palm and was already known under this name in Europe before the hype in the US media. This surge in popularity goes back above all to the stars of the North American media, who quickly joined the reputation of the superfruit as a panacea against hunger and thus against unnecessary weight. Together with the consumers' desire to emulate the ideal of their icons, the berry first reached the US supermarkets and can now be found in every major supermarket in Germany. However, fresh açaí berries are almost impossible to find in Germany. This is certainly mainly due to the fact that there are no efficient growing conditions in Europe yet.
The majority of the fruit still comes from South America today, especially from the rainforest in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. From there, the nutty tasting berries are shipped mainly to the USA, Europe, but also to Asia. However, despite its international popularity, the açaí is still considered a staple food in South America, while in Europe and the USA it is a relatively expensive luxury good.
The reputation of superfood precedes the açaí berry: it is supposed to slim, eliminate wrinkles, sexually stimulate, strengthen the heart and even cure cancer. For such an unknown fruit, these are a whole host of promising effects. Hardly any of these effects have been confirmed by studies, but the berry provides at least plenty of nutrients for the body, the effect of which is undisputed. With a calcium content of 133-300mg per 100g, the Açaí berry is a strong, natural source of calcium, strengthening the human skeleton. Vitamins B3 and B6 also provide protection against nerve damage, while the potassium they contain naturally regulates the water balance.
Although the dramatic effect of berries on cancer and other ominous diseases has not yet been demonstrated, the University of Florida has indeed found a positive effect in the fight against leukemia. In 86% of leukaemia cells, the antioxidants of the açaí berry triggered a self-destruction process and the cells regressed. Although this is not evidence as a remedy, it shows the potential of the superberry.
The effect on the cardiovascular system is much clearer: the high proportions of omega-3 fatty acids have a positive effect on blood pressure and vascular functions.
Inspired by American stars and starlets, manufacturers always advertise their açaí products as a miracle cure for weight loss. The high proportion of dietary fibres is supposed to cause a premature feeling of fullness and thus have an appetite-inhibiting effect. In addition, the berry should stimulate the metabolism, which reduces unnecessary fat. In fact, the ingredients that produce these effects can do so, but as with most diets, a sensible use of the entire diet is necessary to achieve the desired result.
Similar to the blueberry, the açaí berry has a greyish shimmer on its dark outer skin. In contrast, however, the açaí has a kernel that makes up a large part of the fruit and is not suitable for consumption. In addition, the berry is extremely bitter in its raw state, so processing is recommended. In Europe, the most common method of consumption is to dissolve the powdered and concentrated fruits in water or another drink such as smoothies or fruit shakes. 5g of the powder correspond to approx. 35g of raw fruit. This value may vary depending on the manufacturer. In combination with other ingredients, the actually bitter and dry taste of the fruit should develop into a particularly fruity taste experience.
Apart from this, powder in the form of capsules or tablets is now also widely used. Of course, you miss the special taste experience mentioned here. But for those who do not like the berry partout, the capsules offer a less elaborate alternative. By the way: Too much of the berries or the powder to take is little precarious, since there are no known side effects. At most, it can lead to stomach discomfort, as can occur with excessive consumption of any fruit.
The açaí berry became widely known as a miraculous slimming product. This effect has not yet been scientifically proven. However, it has been proven that fruit flies that feed on açaí berries live up to 3 times longer than normal fruit flies (Emory University School of Medicine). Since the high concentration of antioxidants is also considered a cause here, this result also encourages studies to be carried out on human health. Many such studies are of course already in progress, while others have already been completed. For example, it has been established that the human body can absorb the antioxidants of the berry (Brazilian Acai Berry Antioxidants Absorbed By Human Body, 2008) or has an inhibitory effect on allergic reactions (Inhibitory Effect of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.)). These initial findings have, of course, provided the impetus for further research, especially in the USA and Europe. Whether further positive effects on humans will be discovered with the superberry can be expected with excitement.
This supposedly enormous potential for human health was quickly exploited by industry. There are dozens of products for various effects on the Internet or in retail. Some retailers even advertise with the talk master Oprah Winfrey, because she had praised the berry several times in public. Her enthusiasm, however, was clearly directed at the fruit itself and not at any secondary products. Some manufacturers even went so far as to advertise with Oprah Winfrey's picture on the packaging. She then sued 50 manufacturers and published a statement on her website to distinguish herself from these products.