Go “Purple” and have a “Berry” good time!

Food and nutrition experts are spreading the awareness of purple food since the start of 2017. The trending concepts – aesthetics and health – especially with respect to food and dieting is on the rise since couple of years now. According to culinary experts, purple foods dominate the diet of every person following a healthy diet plan for his/her meals. Examining the behaviour of customers, experts have predicted a rise in the consumption of purple grub; Mumbai city in India is already experiencing the trend – “the purple-Sunday-brunch”.

Acai berry, a purplish black stone fruit (drupe), is rich in fatty acids, especially palmitic, linoleic and oleic acids and contains 19 amino acids, beta-sitosterol, stigmasetrol and campesterol. Acai berries hold more antioxidants, more fibres and heart-healthy fats than any other berry fruits. In a purple diet, the colour is an indication of high nutrient density along with antioxidants. The anthocyanin present in acai berries is a vital antioxidant that freezes the free radicals that form in the human body. This helps in prevention of the growth of harmful cancerous cells. The potential of acai berries in fighting cancer is being analysed; adding to this they also help in anti-ageing and prevent obesity. Dieticians today advise consuming vegetables and fruits that are more vibrant in colour. The most commonly consumed purple fruits are acai berries. They are known to have the highest amount of everything in them – 100 grams of acai powder contains 52 grams of carbs, 33 grams of total fats of which 74% are unsaturated, 534 calories, 8 grams of protein (higher than that in one boiled egg) and omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids with vitamin A, E, C and B – as compared to other purple foods such as purple cauliflower, purple cabbage, purple beetroot, purple sweet potatoes and other berries.

Acai berry has many health advantages such as it promotes heart health, aids in weight loss, promotes skin health, improves digestion, provides anti-aging, is a good immunity booster, helps fight free radicals thereby preventing formation of cancerous cells, strengthens hair from roots and also helps in growth, controls acne, controls diabetes, improves sexual health, reduces bad cholesterol and betters the cell absorption rate (absorption of vital nutrients and vitamins by cells is improved, which is responsible to maintain healthy functioning of the entire body and also to regulate the metabolism). Acai berries can be consumed by blending them with milk to produce a shake or a smoothie. Acai berries also come in bottles, ready to consume or apply on skin for treating skin disorders and maintaining skin shine. There are acai berry supplements (however it is not advised to take supplements due to possible adulteration; side effects are dangerous to health; to be taken after consulting a dietician or a nutritionist). Acai berry juice is also available – the berries are crushed and presented in a juice form and can be consumed by adding a little amount of sugar or honey for taste.

Acai berry green tea is also available in stores and it helps burn calories, regulates body fat metabolism and boosts energy levels along with removal of toxins from the body.