Maqui Berry Vs. Acai Berry

Acai berry and maqui berry are two different types of berries, that are gaining rapid popularity in the market of nutritional supplements. Before the introduction of maqui berry, acai berry was considered as the most nutritious fruit, mainly due to its incredible antioxidants content. The berry is immensely rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids, the compounds known for their potent antioxidant activities. But, maqui berry is claimed to surpass the antioxidant value of acai berry, and this is the reason why in many times, it is promoted as superior than acai berry.

What are Maqui Berries?

Maqui berries are quite new as compared to acai berries, as they have been discovered recently, in the jungles of South America. But, soon after their discovery, maqui berries have grabbed the attention of the whole world, due their higher antioxidant value than acai berries. These berries not only reduce the risk for heart disease and cancer, but also prove beneficial for the digestive system, skin, bones and joints of the body. In addition to antioxidants, maqui berries contain vitamin A, C, and minerals like, potassium, calcium and iron. However, they do not contain omega 3 fatty acids.

What Are Acai Berries?

Acai berries are reddish or purple colored fruit of the tree, acai palm or Euterpe oleracea, which is native to Central and South America. The discovery that the antioxidant content of these berries is one of the highest have made them immensely popular throughout the world. The antioxidant value of these berries was once highest, for which they are considered to be extremely helpful in reducing oxidative stress and also in lowering the risk for associated diseases like, heart disease and cancer. Apart from antioxidants, these berries contain vitamin B, C, E, dietary fiber, omega-3 essential fatty acids and several minerals.

Comparison Between Acai Berry and Maqui Berry

The main debate over these two is centered around the antioxidant value of these two types of berries. The ORAC or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity value is the measure of antioxidants value. The antioxidant value is almost 3 to 4 times more than that the value for acai berry. Thus, a huge difference exist between the antioxidant values of these two types of berries, which in turn, can have a significant impact on their effectiveness in fighting the harmful free radicals. On the basis of antioxidant value, it is often considered as much superior than acai berry, and promoted as the new super berry.

The antioxidants basically neutralize the highly reactive free radicals, and by doing so, they minimize the harmful effects of free radicals on the body cells and tissues. By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants can reduce the risk for diseases like, cancer. The more the antioxidant value of a particular food, the more potent it is in fighting the free radicals. In this regard, maqui berry can be considered as superior to acai berry. However, maqui berry does not contain omega 3 fatty acids, which are the essential fatty acids that are known to be beneficial for heart health. In this regard, acai berries can be superior than maqui berries.

So, this is all about the debate over maqui berry vs acai berry. The choice between the two is however, completely personal, as factors other than antioxidant level can play an important part in this regard. As for example, acai berries may be better for someone, when it comes to taste and flavor. On the other hand, on the basis of ORAC value, maqui berry can be more effective in protecting the body from the free radicals. However, both types of berries are high in antioxidants and so, can protect the body from the damage caused by the free radicals. Both these berries can detoxify the body from toxins, and can prove extremely beneficial for heart health, weight loss, blood circulation and digestion.