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While judging a book by its cover may be a faux pas, judging a superfood by its looks is not! Bright, vibrant colors in foods are a reflection of high levels of phytonutrients, the antioxidant compounds in plant foods that help our bodies thrive. By reducing inflammation and protecting cells, these tiny nutrients are known to help with everything from giving our skin a healthy, youthful glow to preventing cognitive decline.
Two superfoods exceptionally high in antioxidants are maqui berry and acai berry. Both are deeply blue-purple in hue, thanks to high levels of anthocyanins, the antioxidant that gives fruits and vegetables this tint. While acai berry has been a staple in the wellness world for decades, maqui berry is still relatively obscure. In this blog, we’ll share more about the similarities and differences between these two powerful superberries and what each one is best for.
While acai powder and maqui powder may be similar in color and usage, they’re actually very different fruits.
The maqui berry hails from the Patagonia region, where it grows in the temperate rainforests of Chile and Argentina. Also known as the Chilean wineberry, maqui berries were traditionally fermented into a fruit wine and are so vibrantly purple that they can also be used as a natural textile dye! In addition to high levels of anthocyanins and delphinidins, another type of antioxidant, maqui berries are rich in fiber and minerals.
Acai berries aren’t technically berries at all, but drupes, thin-skinned fruits with a large, central pit or seed. The acai “berry” is harvested from a type of palm tree native to the Amazonian rainforests of Brazil, which grows naturally in low lying floodplains. The acai berry was popularized by the surfing community in the 70s through the acai bowl, a blended mix of acai pulp, frozen bananas, and other berries. Acai berries are rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols, and also contain ample amounts of omega fatty acids and fiber.
The health benefits associated with maqui berries and acai berries are numerous! Let’s compare the ways they shine.
1. Antioxidant Power and Anti-inflammatory Effects
While both berries are rich sources of antioxidants, maqui berries contain one of the highest antioxidant contents of all fruits! This makes them especially helpful in reducing inflammation and slowing the aging process. Acai berries are also a top-tier antioxidant fruit with incredible, cell-protective properties, but at slightly lower antioxidant levels than maqui.
Winner: Maqui Berry
2. Heart Health
Acai berries are nearly one third fat by weight—primarily omega fatty acids 6 and 9— which support cholesterol balance and healthy circulation, two important markers of heart health. Maqui berries do their part by providing certain antioxidants that can help regulate blood sugar, which is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.
Winner: Acai Berry
3. Energy & Endurance: Acai Berry
Carbohydrates, nature’s energy currency, are found in ample amounts in both berries. But acai berries, with their higher levels of satiating fatty acids, offer more sustained energy and recovery benefits.
Winner: Acai Berry
4. Eye & Skin Health
Exceptionally high levels of anthocyanins make maqui berries especially helpful for our peepers, supporting vision clarity, reducing dry eye, and easing the eye fatigue that comes with screen-heavy lifestyles. They also help protect against UV damage and speed healing. Acai berry, with its rich content of healthy fats and vitamin A, nourishes the skin and improves elasticity.
Winner: Maqui (eyes) & Acai (skin)
5. Immune System Support: Maqui Berry
While both berries support overall immunity with their matrix of antioxidants, maqui berry contains more vitamin C, making it a natural choice for boosting immunity.
Winner: Maqui Berry
Final takeaway: Both berries are fantastic and combining them can give you the best of both worlds!
