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In this article, we'll explore two popular forms of this Amazonian superfruit: frozen pulp and acai powder. With the valuable help of independent 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 health benefits?
Which acai should you choose?
Acai: powder or frozen pulp?
Acai is a superfruit native to the Amazon. On Brazilian markets, it can mainly be found in two forms:
- Frozen pulp which, once blended, offers a perfect and delicious texture
- Acai powder obtained by grinding and freeze-drying the fruit.
Nutrition focus
Researchers, including Anthony Fardet of INRAE (Human Nutrition Unit), have reported that two foods with strictly identical compositions do not have the same impact on the body, and by extension on health, when their matrix is different.
By matrix,we mean "the complex interaction or assembly between the different components" ,namely the nutrients in a food (water, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc.).
Within this matrix, the way these components are assembled enables health benefits, especially due to their synergistic and complementary actions, as well as optimized metabolic activity (digestion, nutrient absorption).
The benefits of acai depend on its processing method
Regarding acai berries, which are rich in fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, manganese and copper, the interaction between these different bioactive compounds remains only slightly disrupted, and the matrix little altered, when the berries are processed into pulp. However, the additional step of transforming the pulpinto powder has a much greater impact on this interaction. In that case, the matrix is highly degraded, the synergistic effect is reduced, the nutrients become disconnected from each other and the health benefits are diminished.
Acai, rich in fiber
Fiber, once broken down, not longer provides the same level of satiety as when it remained intact, which can lead to eating more than necessary.
Acai, a source of nutrients
Moreover, the structure of the food matrix plays an essential role in the bioavailability of nutrients. These nutrients then have a higher quality metabolic effect, delivering what the body truly needs.
If the matrix is preserved, the various nutrients interact with each other during the nutrient absorption process. Chewing and digestion serve to break down food matrices. Therefore, foods whose matrix is degraded before consumption tend to disrupt these natural processes.
Here are the reasons why frozen acai pulp remains a much better option, if you want to enjoy the full health benefits of acai berries!
A creamier, higher-quality acai bowl!
The powder increases acai's exposure to air and oxygen, which significantly speeds up oxidation, causing the taste to become rancid and the color to darken as polyphenols break down.
Moreover, the creamy texture of Brazilian acai bowl cannot be recreated with powder. Powder doesn't allow the emulsification of the lipids naturally present in açai. When blended, frozen pulp creates a much smoother and creamier result. To make your own acai bowls, we recommend using frozen acai pulp!
Based on an article by Julie Lioré, independent science writer
