The Acai berry is a small, dark colored berry from the Amazon Rain Forest of Brazil. Acai berries have been safely consumed for thousands of years. The rain forests of the Amazon are thought to hold the key to treating many ailments and common diseases, and for thousands of years the ancient tribes of the Amazon region have been safely consuming the berries. It was first used by ancient tribes to improve health, provide an energy boost and help those suffering from ailments heal and recover at a faster rate. It was finally introduced to the Western World in the 1990’s and is now gaining popularity after the scientific and medical communities discover the berries’ power.

The Acai berry grows the tops of top of many palm trees that are native to the rain forests of Brazil and the Amazon. The fruit is harvested by local farmers and made into a healthful fruit pulp. It is then quickly frozen to protect the fruit pulps’ nutritional value.

The fruit looks similar to a grape and is about nearly double the size of a super blueberry. Acai berries taste like a combination of chocolate and red wine.

The acai berry is a good source of proteins, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and healthy omega fats. The fruit may also be able to help control blood sugar levels, control cholesterol, alleviate arthritis conditions, and eliminate prostate ailments. Acai acts similar to an antibiotic in the body and therefore may help the body heal at a faster rate and rid it self of infection. The Acai berry has a significant amount of calcium as well, which can help prevent osteoporosis, particularly in women. It can also alleviate severe menstrual cramps.

Acai is rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants may interfere with the aging and disease process by neutralizing harmful byproducts produced by the body. By lessening the destructive power of free radicals, antioxidants may help reduce the risk of some diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

Acai berries are available in the US in juices and health drinks since the berries spoil too quickly to be widely distributed. Those suffering from a range of ailments are now trying acai juice and achieving real results. The benefits reported have been more energy, mobility and flexibility and a reduction or complete elimination of arthritis, rare disease, and fatigue. It has also been tauted to reduce hunger and cause weight loss.

A little known berry from the jungles of the Amazon may be the cure-all for many ailments. The amazon jungles stretch over more than 1 billion acres and includes a wealth of plants and fruits that may have medical benefits. The acai berry comes from the Amazon region, native only to Central and South America. Over the last two decades, this small purple berry has caused a sensation in the scientific and medical worlds. Learn about some of the medicinal and culinary uses of this little known miracle berry called the acai.

The acai berry grows on tall palms located in the rain forest. The bunches of dark purple fruits dangle like grapes on a vine until they are ready to be harvested. Each year, the acai berry is harvested only two times. Because the fruit begins to break down immediately upon harvesting it is nearly impossible to store and ship. Regions local to the Amazon may receive over night shipments when the fruit is picked but places like the United States and Canada never get a chance at the fresh fruits. Luckily the fruits are widely used in sports bars, nutritional supplements, desserts, beverages, and in other various forms.

Although the acai berry looks similar to a grape, it is generally much larger. The acai berry is about 1 inch around and most of the fruit is actually seed. Very little fruit is extracted from each berry because it has such a large seed. The taste of the acai is very unique and it is nothing like a grape, but more like a berry. The acai has a very identifiable rich taste, kind of like a mix of dark berries. In the native countries the berries may be served as a drink or as a custard/pudding like dish. Unfortunately, the acai palm has not been successfully introduced to the rest of the world as it prefers a specific climate.

Not only does the acai taste good, but it may be good for your health! Recent studies of the acai berry has indicated it may be the solution to a number of health and aging related problems. The acai berry is high in healthy fats, rich in protein, and is a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. In the Amazon region, the acai berry is one of the most nutritious foods available and is a large part of the natives diet. In Central and South America the acai berry has been used to cure infection, boost energy, calm inflammation, and to boost immune health among many uses.

The acai berry may also be able to help control blood sugar, cholesterol, arthritis, and prostate problems. Because acai acts similar to an antibiotic it may also help the body heal, rid it self of infection and/or disease, and could even help with weight loss. Juices and health drinks made with the acai berry have recently been introduced to the United States. When traditional medicine and alternatives fail, those suffering from a range of ailments are now trying acai juice and achieving real results. According to Sound Concepts (http://acaitools.soundconcept s.com) it has been reported that acai juice has helped reduce and/or eliminate fatigue, arthritis, rare disease, and has increased energy, range of motion, and flexibility for those people drinking the juice daily.

The acai berry has properties so wonderful it has been discussed on shows airing on CBS, NBC, and ABC. Because the acai berry is relatively new to the United States, few studies of the actual benefits have been conducted. But, there are plenty of studies indicating the acai berry is one of the best sources for complete nutrition. The acai berry may also help lower bad cholesterol levels, help curb insomnia, promote immune health, and boost libido.

THE ACAI BERRY

NATURE’S GIFT OF THE AMAZON

The acai berry craze has caught on faster than you can say Oprah.

Why has the acai berry become so popular?

Dr. Nicholas Perricone, author of “Dr. Perricone’s 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity: The Miracle of Cellular Rejuvenation” appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show and claimed that the acai berry is the “number one super food in the world.”

This seems like a big statement, but in looking further into the subject of acai, it is consistently stated that the acai berry has the “best overall nutritional value of any fruit on earth.”

What makes acai so special? Acai is packed full of antioxidants.

How do antioxidants help your health?

Boost the immune system

Antioxidants fight cancer and disease.

Essential fatty acids found in acai act as an anti-viral agent.

Fight premature aging

High antioxidant levels protect skin from free radicals.

Improve digestion

The acai berry contains a substantial amount of fiber.

Acai is full of enzymes and nutrients that aid in the digestion process.

Acai contains more than 5 times the antioxidant content of blueberries.

What are other health benefits of consuming the acai berry?

Acai berry promotes peaceful sleep.

Acai contains proteins that help relax your muscles, so the quality of your sleep increases.

Acai berry gives you energy.

This is due to the high antioxidant and vitamin content contained in acai.

Acai promotes weight loss

According to acai berry studies, “combined with proper diet and exercise, the acai berry can be an excellent weight loss aid.”

Omega fatty acids found in acai help to kick-start the metabolism.

Due to the high fiber content mentioned earlier, eating acai can help suppress your appetite. Amino and fatty acids help your body to burn fat more efficiently.

Do you need another reason to try acai? Let’s talk about where it comes from and how it is harvested. Acai is found in only one place, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil.

Local farmers harvest acai berries by climbing far up into the tall trees to pick them. Acai must be packaged immediately, due to its short 24-hour life span. Acai is quickly processed into a pulp or juice.

A positive aspect of acai harvesting is that locals will find it more beneficial to protect the trees in the rainforest, instead of chopping them down for other purposes.

The economy of Brazil surely must be benefiting from this trend. Weight loss pills and potions that contain acai are flooding the market in America. As with any supplement, be sure to do your research on the product that you purchase, as there are a lot of imposters or pills that make miraculous claims that they can’t keep.

The acai berry is one of the hottest diet trends on the market. There are many good reasons to try it. Why not pick a reason to see what all the hype is about?