The acai berry is unique in that only 10% of the berry is actually edible, the main reason for this is that it has a large stone which takes up most of the berry. It is a dark purple berry slightly smaller than a grape, acai is more commonly mixed with ice cream, meal bars and also energy drinks. The acai berry requires rapid precessing after its late harvest.
The acai berry grows in the rain forests of the Amazon in South America, and is considered by some as being more than an organic fruit. These rain forests remain untouched by any sort of manufacturing, everything in this region is grown the way it was intended by nature, and no mass production is used in any way.
Pronunciation of this fruit “ah-sigh-ee”, acai, or euterpe oleracea (arecaceae) has recently gained prominence as a great aide in increasing metabolism and thus helping in losing weight. It is highly promoted by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a health guru and best-selling author, calling the acai a “superfood.”
So Where Does The Acai Berry Come From
It wasn’t until the turn of the millennium when the acai berry was discovered in North America. It hails from the palm-berry tree. It usually grows in the Amazon. The natives of this region cultivate the berry and have been enjoying its health producing properties for many years. Acai is usually consumed as a puree or in a smoothie or milk shake, this drink is more commonly served on Brazilian beaches and tropical resorts. The acai berry to some, may be an acquired taste, as it tastes mostly like wine with a hint of chocolate.
Acai is abundant in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that has been proven to combat cholesterol and free radicals. Consuming acai has been proven to reduce blood related disorders, and relaxes the blood vessels. It is also excellent in preventing arteriosclerosis, and is a powerful combatant of cancer. Red wine is healthy for you because of the anthocyanin content from the grapes. the Acai berry has over 30 times the anthocyanin properties of any grape.
Aside from anthocyanins, another benefit of the acai berry is an acid called aleic acid, which is very good for the heart. Oleic acid also keeps a cancer-causing oncogene (this is found in many breast cancer patents) from acting up. Acai is also great for anyone who has any sort of digestive conditions.
Acai is also good as a dietary supplement, as it is very low in fat and cholesterol, and yet high in fiber. These benefits are usually found in the skin, the acai skin contains nutrients such as phytosterols, vitamin C, E, manganese, chromium, copper, and even boron, as well as a few others including calcium. Acai actually contains more calcium than milk.
The Acai Berry Has Multiple Benefits
In recent studies that have been conducted, acai has other benefits other than the ones that have been mentioned. Other ailments include a variety of virus’s and prostate problems. It also helps improve liprotein metabolism and reinforces the immune system. One of the less known attributes of acai is it is said to have very powerful aphrodisiac properties, because of its revitalizing qualities. To produce this aphrodisiac, you need to mix the acai pulp with guarani, another fruit grown in South America. Although this is one of the most powerful combination’s available, the acai berry can be mixed with any fruit or mixture.
Unfortunately, the acai berry until now, was not available in any store in North America, this mainly because the fruit spoils very quickly. The only way that this berry can be obtained was in frozen or puree form. In Brazil, athletes would take the berry as part of their daily diet, and consider it a must for a healthy lifestyle.
The acai berry is small, and although you can find the nutrients elsewhere, the main difference is the acai combines all of them in the berry.
Other benefits of this amazing berry include greater energy, stamina, digestion, weight loss and mental stimulation. Drinking acai in juice or smoothie form also helps you sleep better at night. Acai also contains more protein than an egg white. It’s properties also serves as a revitalizing agent, supplying you with the energy while traveling.