Are Super Fruits Really That Super?
In 1999, açai berries were almost unheard of in the USA. That’s because Brazil – the primary grower – only exported about 60 kg (≈130 lbs) of açai that year. Fast forward to today, and the country exports nearly 50 metric tonnes of açai puree alone. National Geographic says the total number of açai exports in Brazil has increased by over 16,000% since 2013.
And why? Because açai berries have been hailed as a superfood with cancer-fighting and heart-disease-preventing properties. Açai has joined the ranks of the “super fruits”—trendy, often exotic-sounding fresh produce with incredible health benefits. Other super fruits include goji and maqui berries, camu-camu, jambolão, and acerola.
Why the Fascination With Super Fruits?
The list of super fruits is exceedingly long, so the health benefits they claim to hold can be suspiciously general. However, there are a few advantages that pop up time and time again.
- Heart health – many super fruits contain compounds that may help reduce cholesterol levels and lower high blood pressure. Together, these capabilities lead to a healthier heart and reduced risks of heart attacks and strokes.
- Brain health – among the super fruits, berries have the best reputation as a natural brain booster. Brightly colored berries are praised as memory and concentration enhancers that protect the brain from degenerative diseases.
- Disease prevention – Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cancer are just some of the illnesses that super fruits are supposed to fight. It comes as no surprise when the fruits improve brain health, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce inflammation.
- Immune support – super fruits are packed with vitamins that boost the immune system and carry the body through times of stress. Therefore, consuming these fruits is believed to reduce your risk of contracting common infections.
- Gut health – high-fiber super fruits help to keep the gut working and prevent constipation. They may also contain beneficial enzymes that help to break down the contents of the intestine faster and feed the beneficial microbes in your gut.
Most of the benefits of super fruits are based on their hidden chemicals. Super fruits like açai berries contain phytochemicals. These are natural compounds produced by the plant to protect itself against disease and environmental stress.
There are many types of phytochemicals, each with unique properties. Carotenoids, for example, protect your skin and eyes from UV radiation, while anthocyanins reduce inflammation. Many of these chemicals have antioxidant effects, meaning they can kill harmful molecules (free radicals) produced by stress.
Scientific Studies of Super Fruits
The hype around super fruits may seem inflated at times, but there is science to support some of the health claims behind this trend. In the popular Nurses Health Study, for example, researchers found that consuming strawberries and blueberries at least three times per week reduced the risk of heart attacks by 34%.
Similarly, investigations into açai berries have proven that the fruit holds promise for Diabetes and pre-diabetes patients. One study found that consuming açai berry pulp twice daily for one month reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 5.3%. The research around super fruits is ongoing, but results are already taking shape: regularly eating colorful fruits is undoubtedly beneficial for your health.
Selling Super Fruits Responsibly
Despite the mounting evidence for the health benefits of super fruits, they are not a miracle cure for an unhealthy lifestyle. One must include them in a balanced diet to truly reap the rewards. Ingredient diversity is just as important as ingredient potency. When crafting a super fruit-infused product, such as a smoothie or energy drink, always consider the healthfulness of your entire ingredient list.
Additives, extracts, and flavorings are no exception. To make a truly beneficial product, consider pairing super fruits with organic certified flavorings from Advanced Biotech. For more information, please contact us.