It is not uncommon to hear about people implementing fruits such as strawberries, raspberries and other types of berries into their weekly facial mask regime. So why not explore all the berries and fruits available to us in nature? Hopefully these blog posts will inform you with the various benefits and disadvantages of all the natural goodness available to us…Today’s fruit is the Acai Berry.
What are Acai berries?
Acai berries grow on Acai palm trees originating from Central and South America.For example; Brazil,Colombia,Peru,Venezuela and the list goes on.
What are the benefits of Acai Berries?
These berries are a great source of antioxidants that is able to neutralise a larger number of free radicals than your other common berries, such as; cranberries, blueberries and strawberries. Acai berries are high in fiber, healthy fats, as well ass various minerals vitamins.
Surprisingly they are similar to grapes with the fact that acai berries are quite low in sugar, carrying close to 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
Acai Berries contain anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which in the scientific world are referred to as ‘phytochemicals’ because they are compounds produced by the plant.
Q.What are anthocyanins?
Anthocyanins are the reason Acai Berries are dark purple, that is because anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments. It depends on this chemical’s pH as anthocyanins can make the fruit it is contained in appear black, purple, blue or red.The higher the pH, the less acidic it is, the more blue the colour will become. The lower the pH, the acidity increases, making the colour appear more red. This is the reason why berries have a range of colours, because of the different pH level in each fruit, affecting the appearance in colour the chemical anthocyanin is responsible for.
Q.What are proanthocyanidins?
Proanthocyanidins are classified as polyphenols which are chemical compounds high in antioxidants found in plant-based foods. Polyphenols are micronutrients which potentially aid digestion.
What are disadvantages of Acai Berries?
Moderation is key! Food is our daily fuel and is only beneficial to us in moderate quantities. Unfortunately acais berries do not last longer than a day after being picked off their tree. But do not panic, acai berries are exported out of their Native countries and sold frozen, dried or pressed into juices.
How can acai berries be used in for Skin Care?
Skin Glow Acai Berry DIY Face Mask:
- 1 TBSP honey
- 1 TSBP Acai berry powder or 2 TBSP Acai berry purée
- 1-2 TBSP Juice from a Fresh Lemon
You could also add some Ghassoul Clay if you would like, to make the consistency of the mask thicker. However, in general, ghassoul clay is a great beauty ingredient to incorporate in your DIY beauty recipes 😉
How can they be used for Hair Care?
Quick DIY Acai berry moisturising Hair Deep conditioning:
- An Avocado (mashed)
- 1 TBSP honey
- 1-2 TBSP Acai Berry powder
- 1-2 TBSP Olive Oil (or oil of choice)
- optional: 1/2 cup of (preferably canned) coconut milk (to make the texture softer and a bit runnier)
Apply this all over your detangled hair and let it sit their for 25-30 minutes before rising off with lukewarm water and resuming your hair care routine…
Hope you have learnt something new today and that these DIY come in handy to you!
