The acai berry is a type of fruit that is picked from acai palm trees that are found around the Amazon rainforest in South America.
The berries are widely known as superfoods due to their numerous health properties. The berries are similar in health benefits to other fruits like pitaya, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, red grapes, cranberries, and red currants. The Pitaya also known as dragon fruit, has almost the same benefits as the Acai Berries but are there any differences between the two?
Similar Benefits of Pitaya and Acai Berry
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They both support good Heart Health
Both Pitaya and acai berries are very high in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that promotes stable cholesterol levels. They are also abundant in plant sterols that have cardioprotective advantages which include maintaining blood flow, improving the composition of the blood, and loosening blood veins.
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Prevent Bad Cell Growth
Pitaya and acai berries are powerhouses against bad cell proliferation. The polyphenols and anthocyanins found in both acai berries and Pitaya have powerful antiproliferative properties. This means that they stop bad cells from multiplying.
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Helps in Losing Weight
Both Fruits may help you in losing and maintaining body weight.
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Improves Skin Health
Natural skin care products like acai masks and dragon-fruit face masks are an excellent natural option compared to other skin care products that use chemicals. Many beauty products now contain pitaya and acai because of their high antioxidant content.
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Helps in Digestion
Pitaya and Acai may help in maintaining a clean digestive system and help it function normally. These fruits have powerful detoxification abilities and have high-fiber properties that are also good for the digestive system.
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Decreases Irritations in the Lungs
Pitaya and acai seed extracts have antioxidant properties that may reduce inflammation in the lungs usually linked to respiratory irritation and swelling that comes from inhaling smoke.
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Promotes Cellular Health
Both fruits play a significant part in the body’s cellular health. This helps in keeping your cells strong against free radicals. Pitaya and acai have some of the best protection against free radicals which normally damage your cells. This is one of the main reasons why Avai and Pitaya are called superfoods.
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Boosts the Immune System
Many studies have noted that eating acai or Pitaya fruits increased T cells production which are very critical to a healthy immune system.
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Has Anti-Aging Properties
Due to very high levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals, acai and pitaya may slow down aging caused by oxidation.
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Boosts Stamina
Due to their health benefits, acai and Pitaya lead to an increase in stamina and energy that helps in fighting weakness and fatigue especially after going to the gym. Eating Acai and Pitaya may also increase the time before you feel tired making the fruits very beneficial if you need a boost.
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Promotes Strong Libido
Because the fruits increased blood flow overall, This may increase sex drive in your body, especially in men.
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Increases Mental Function
Acai and Pitaya are rich in anthocyanins and other phytochemicals which can help the body neurologically. Research studies have shown that acai and Pitaya may promote short-term and long-term memory and also support the natural aging of the brain. Experts have also demonstrated that acai and pitaya can protect your body from neurological illnesses like dementia.
What are the differences between Acai and Pitaya
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Taste
The most significant contrast between the acai and pitaya is in the taste. The acai tastes more like blackberry while the pitaya has a somewhat richer flavor compared to acai.
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Color
Another difference between the two is the color where the Acai has a dark purplish color white the pitaya has either a white or red color.
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Availability
Pitaya is also more difficult to find than Acai.
Conclusion
Due to their high antioxidant content, dragon fruits and acai berries have numerous health benefits.
They're packed with powerful compounds such as antioxidants that could have significant benefits for your heart, brain, and your overall health. They are also rich in fiber making the very healthy as well.
Be sure to try out acai berries, dragon fruits or any of the alternatives to make your body healthy and happy in the long run.