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In this article, we'll explore two popular forms of this Amazonian superfruit: frozen pulp and acai powder. With the invaluable help of freelance science writer Julie Lioré, we'll discover the nutritional differences and benefits of each form. Ready to find out more about this superfruit with multiple benefits?
Which acai to choose?
Acai, powder or frozen pulp?
Acai is a superfruit native to Amazonia. On Brazilian market stalls, it can be found in two main forms:
- Frozen pulp for a perfect, tasty texture when blended.
- Acai powder is obtained by grinding and cold-drying the fruit.
Nutrition point
Researchers, including Anthony Fardet of INRAE (Human Nutrition Unit), have reported that two foods with strictly identical composition the same impact on the organism, and by extension on health, when they have a different matrix. matrix.
By matrixmeans "the complex interaction or assembly between the various constituents of a food (water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fibers, etc.).i.e. a food's nutrients (water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc.).
Within this matrix, the various compounds assembled enable health benefits to be obtained, notably due to their synergistic and complementary action, as well as optimized metabolic action (digestion, assimilation of nutrients).
The benefits of acai depend on its transformation process
In the case of acai berries, which are rich in fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, manganese and copper, the interaction between these different bioactive compounds is only slightly disrupted, and the matrix little altered, when the berries are processed in pulp form. The further processing of pulpinto powder, on the other hand, has a far greater impact on this interaction. In this case, the matrix is severely degraded, the synergy effect diminished, the nutrients disconnected from each other and the health benefits reduced.
Acai, rich in fibre
The fibers, having also been destructured, do not bring the same satiety as when they remained intact, which can lead to eating more than necessary.
Acai, a source of nutrients
On the other hand, the structure of the food matrix plays an essential role in the bioavailability of nutrients. Nutrients then have a better metabolic action, providing the body with what it needs.
If the matrix is preserved, the various nutrients interact with each other during the nutrient absorption process. Mastication and digestion serve to deconstruct food matrices. Thus, foods whose matrix is degraded before consumption tend to deregulate these processes.
Here are the reasons why frozen acai pulp remains a much better option, if you want to enjoy the great health benefits of acai berries!
A creamier, higher-quality acai bowl!
The powder maximizes acai's contact with air and oxygen, which considerably accelerates acai's oxidation, causing the taste to become rancid and the color to turn brown as the polyphenols degrade.
On the other hand, the creamy texture of Brazilian acai bowl cannot be achieved with powder. It doesn't allow the lipids in the acai to emulsify. The texture obtained in a blender is much smoother with acai pulp. To make your own acai bowls, we recommend using frozen acai pulp!
Based on an article by Julie Lioré, freelance science writer