An Overview of the Acai Berry

Pronounced as “ah-sigh-ee,” acai is a small berry, about the size of a grape, that originates in Brazil in the Amazon Rainforest. Although new to the US, the native people in Brazil have been harvesting this berry for hundreds of years.

The berries go through a process that separates the fruit (only 10% percent of the berry itself, the remainder being seeds and a pit) from the remaining portions to be edible and delicious.

Why the Acai Berry is Effective

Because the berry is so new to the US, scientists, doctors, and nuitritionalists have done much research on the effects of its consumption. They have discovered that the acai berry contains numerous benefits to health and nutrition.

One reason for the recent surge in acai berry interest comes from Dr. Nicholas Perricone, the author of a Bestseller “The Perricone Promise,” where he regards the acai berry as the “number one super food in the world.” Perricone then appeared on Oprah to promote the great benefits of the acai berry.

Is it really possible for a single berry to be the “number one super food in the world?” Well, a strong argument to support this finding, is that acai is considered to have the best overall nutritional value of any other fruit due to the extreme amount of free-radical fighting antioxidants.

The USDA uses an Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity test (ORCA) to determine the antioxidant levels in different foods. When compared to other fruits like blueberries, apples, and bananas, the acai berry has a ORAC score of 167, it’s next competitor being the blueberry with a mere score of 32.

Acai Benefits To You

Aside from a discussion about antioxidants and nutritional value, in simple terms, the acai berry can help:

• Aid in Weight Loss
• Fight Aging
• Improve Digestion
• Protect Against Heart Disease
• Reduce Pain and Soreness
• Lower Blood Pressure
• Support the Immune System
• Fight Cancer and Disease
• Promote Healthy Sleep
• Increase Libido
• Increase Energy and Stamina
• Fight Inflammation of Joints

Acai Berry Diet And Weight Loss

Unlike a vast majority of things that are healthy for you, the acai berry has a great flavor described as a mix of chocolate and berries. Losing weight has never been tastier, or easier for that matter. The acai berry has been medically proven to contain key ingredients to boost the metabolic rate of your body, suppress appetite, and build healthy muscle tone and fitness.

The Acai Downside

Unfortunately, every great thing has some sort of counterpart. When it comes to the acai, the downside is that the berries are extremely perishable and will spoil within 24 hours of being picked. So Unless you live in the Amazon Rainforest, or are planning to move there, it’s not like  you can pick them up at the store on your way home from work.

Fortunately, there are ways to have your acai and eat it to. Companies have developed creative techniques to sell acai by the boatload, without negating any of the acai berry components. On the other hand, there are some companies out there who do mix acai with other fruits to get them to the US.

Hopefully, however, we have done enough research to provide you with the information you need to look for a quality acai product.