What’s the Difference: Acai vs. Goji berries?

There seems to be a surplus of hype around superfoods , especially exotic berries such as acai and goji , which promise a heaping dose of antioxidants with each bite . Superfoods are loosely defined as containing a higher proportion of health benefits when compared to most foods . In the case of berries , both familiar ( blueberries , blackberries , strawberries , etc and exotic , their superpowers come from antioxidants , which may reduce the risk of some diseases , including heart disease and cancer .

Anthocyanins provide the antioxidant power and are responsible for the red purple and blue pigments found in berries , as well as many other fruits and vegetable

The acai berry , a native to tropical areas in Centra and South America , has been highly praised as the new superfood because of its powerhouse punch of nutrients . This dark purple , grape-sized fruit grows on the acai palm , which is also home to another delectable treat-hearts of palm .

The acai berry contains only a small portion of pulp , which has flavor reminiscent of berries with a hint of chocolate . Ninety percent of the fruit is an inedible nut .

The wolfberry , or as we refer to it in the U . S , goji berry , is a popular fruit in China and other areas in Eastern

Asia . In fact , the berry has been used in Asian herbal medicine for thousands of years , and is believed to enhance agility and longevity . These bright red berrie shaped like a plump almond , belong to the nightshade family with eggplants , potatoes and tomatoes , and have a sweet , sour and slight nutty taste

Healthy ingredient contribution

ANTIOXIDANTS : Both types of berries have been touted as having an abundance of antioxidant power lat outshines other berries . However , this has yet to be completely proven . The question remains as to how much of these health-boosting substances we really need to reap
shown that acai would be an excellent food to study for tential disease prevention effects in the future
VITAMINS MINERALS
PROTEIN ( goji berries )

Varieties and uses
Dried goi berries are the most common form and look like red shriveled raisins . You can use goji berries as you would other dried fruits , adding them to grano . bars or using them in baked goods . To enhance the berry’s texture , soak them in water or fruit juice for 15 minutes or more before using . You can also brew tea with them
Since acai berries are quite delicate and deteriorate quickly , they are primarily sold in juice form , usually as concentrate , which can be found refrigerated , frozen or in powdered form Acai has also become a popular addition to smoothies
Acai and goji berries can also be found blended in

Serving size
1/4 cup sun-dried goji berries = 100 calories , 4 grams protein , 3 grams fiber , 1 40 % o vitamin A , 200 vitamin
C and 10% iron
1 cup frozen acai berry puree = 75 calories , 6 grams of fat , 860 mg omega-6 , 3 , 360 mg omega-9 and 15 % o vitamin A

In recent years, it’s likely that you’ve encountered goji berries and acai berries on the menu at a smoothie shop or juice bar. These berries have grown in popularity among people aiming for a healthier lifestyle, particularly at breakfast time. However, what distinguishes goji berries from acai berries remains unclear. Both acai berries and goji berries are considered superfoods, but they are not the same fruit. It is worth noting that goji berries and acai berries originate from different geographic regions. Acai berries grow on tropical palm trees native to South and Central America, as per the Rainforest Alliance. Goji berries, or wolfberries, are cultivated on shrubs native to China and found throughout Tibet and the Himalayas.

Due to geographic distance, it is uncommon to find fresh goji berries in the UK. Instead, dried goji berries and goji berry powder are prevalent, easily available at health food stores and increasingly at well-stocked supermarkets, according to Christina Chaey for Bon Appetit. The author describes the flavour of dried goji berries as being “reminiscent of a cranberry or a sour cherry” with a slight hint of tomato.

Although freeze-dried acai berries are sometimes sold in powder form like goji berries, pureed acai berries can be found in the frozen foods section of major supermarkets like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and even Target. (It is almost impossible, however, to find entire frozen acai berries.) The flavour of acai berries is said to be sweet with a resemblance to blackberries. While some may describe it as having a chocolatey flavour, it is important to note that acai is, without a doubt, a fruit.

Acai and goji berries are fundamentally different when it comes to their taste, texture, and even the way they are prepared. Unlike dried goji berries, which cannot be blended into a smoothie bowl, these little red fruits complement and enhance the flavour of a blended acai bowl. Both acai and goji berries are often confused due to their high nutrient content and frequent grouping as superfoods.

They are both rich in antioxidants, which have the potential to prevent or delay certain types of cell damage, as outlined by the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Ultimately, these supposed superfoods are not a panacea for addressing cardiovascular disease or preventing cancer, despite the fact that these berries can contribute to a relatively healthy breakfast.