Posted on 23rd Mar 2011 @ 5:26 PM

Acai (Euterpe oleracea) is the fruit of açaí palm from the Amazon, particularly in Belize, Brazil and Peru. Acai is a renewable resource that can provide a sustainable livelihood for harvesters without damaging the ecological stability of Amazon Rainforest.

Health benefits of acai

Acai berries naturally contain antioxidant anthocyanins as well as vitamins, minerals, phytosterols and essential fatty acids. Its free-radical fighting capacity is similar to that of mangosteen, black raspberries, pomegranites, and cranberries. Ingesting acai juice will provide only moderate antioxidant benefits, and Concord grape, blueberry, and black cherry are far more concentrated in nutritious antioxidants. However, only acai contains a host of other valuable cosmetic phytochemicals.

Beauty benefits of acai

Anthocyanins in acai oil have proven scientific evidence for potential health effects against cancer, aging and neurological diseases, skin and systemic inflammation, and bacterial infections. Anthocyanins help ward off cancer by minimizing cancer-induced DNA damage.

Acai oil acts as a natural antibiotic and is helpful against pathogenic bacteria like P.acnes which causes acne.

Acai oil is rich in fatty acids such as palmitic, stearic, palmitoleic, oleic, and linoleic which help hydrate and nourish the skin.

Phytosterols in acai strengthen the upper layer of epidermis and protect it from excessive water loss. These substances work at the cellular level by promoting cell membrane stability and skin regeneration.

Acai oil also contains a stable oil-soluble form of vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate) which helps boost the skin’s immune system, enhance cell regeneration, and promote collagen synthesis.

Acai oil is best used in purifying, healing, and rejuvenating treatments for face and scalp. It is great as an additive to serums, masks, and eye creams.