What is the Acai Berry

Acai Berry Information and Research

What is the Acai berry?

First of all how do you say it! Acai is properly pronounced as Ah-Sigh-EE. It is a blueberry sized fruit of purple colour that grows in the Amazonian rain forests of Brazil.

The natives of Brazil have been long harvesting this small fruit, incorporating it in to their diet for centuries. It has been vital to the survival, as there are very few sources of the ingredients found in acai otherwise available (acai has been discovered to be a wonderful source of amino acids, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, fibre and Omega fatty acids).

As the Amazon started to be "developed", some tribes people left their homes to move to major cities. Discovering that part of their staple diet was not available (or even known about), groups of tribes people started to organise regular shipments of acai to themselves.

It was soon noticed that these Amazonian natives suffered less illnesses, seemed to possess abundant energy, and were overall just healthier. It wasn't long after that Acai smoothies and drinks became a staple of the health conscious, body builders, sports people and people interested in staying fit and healthy. Then some american tourists "discovered" acai, and the full blown interest in acai started.

Acai Berry in the Media

Soon after acai arrived in the USA, it was researched and analysed, and the facts behind the hearsay was proven - acai had the highest amount of antioxidants yet discovered in any berry ... it was a Superfood, in fact one of the absolute top Superfoods.

The media frenzy started, exploding in to a media storm when a Dr. Perricone was interviewed on the Oprah show. He was promoting a book about superfoods he had just published with the acai berry listed as the number one. Was it hype or was it fact?

Acai Berry Research

Well the research conducted on the acai is mostly positive, though there is no doubt that some web sites definitely go overboard with their version of the "facts".

Acai is indeed packed with antioxidants, minerals, amino acids and more, and research is indicating that these acai antioxidants are indeed absorbed by the body (it would be pointless taking acai otherwise).

While not the "cure-all" many unscrupulous acai retailers claim it is, acai is one of the healthiest fruits you can enjoy:

Brazilian Acai Berry Antioxidants Absorbed By Human Body

Brazilian berry destroys cancer cells in lab, UF study shows

It gives energy and strength - and it’s great for sex

Hail berries - The top ten free-radical busters

 

It is the proven amount of antioxidants (measured in ORACs) in the acai berry that makes this difference. In fact the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) have openly stated:

"Studies at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston suggest that consuming fruits and vegetables with a high-ORAC value may help slow the aging process in both body and brain."

Ronald L. Prior, the researcher for the USDA study went on to suggest that "the ORAC measure may help define the dietary conditions needed to prevent tissue damage."

"Science has long held that damage by oxygen free radicals is behind many of the maladies that come with aging, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. There's firm evidence that a high intake of fruits and vegetables reduces risk of cancer and that a low intake raises risk. And recent evidence suggests that diminished brain function associated with aging and disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases may be due to increased vulnerability to free radicals, says Joseph, a neuroscientist. "

- "Can Foods Forestall Aging?", published in the February 1999 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.

 

What can you expect from Acai

Despite seemingly every other acai web site screaming out the message that acai is a miracle weight loss cure ... sorry, it's not (though there is not doubt that as part of a healthy diet, acai can you give you more energy and due to it's natural detoxifying side effect help you lose some weight).

Research has shown that acai is super-rich in antioxidants. These ORAC rich foods have many vital health benefits:

Keep bodily systems and organs healthy

Increases overall energy and stamina

Supports natural hair and skin anti-ageing

Helps in promoting healthy sleep

Supports the immune system

Natural and powerful anti-inflammatory

Helps recovery from aches and pains

Naturally rejuvenating

Natural cleansing inside and out

 

It's proven that taking high antioxidant foods (high ORAC) has many positive health benefits. Acai is proven as one of, if not the top ORAC scoring foods. People like you, interested in staying healthy and developing your body to fight ageing, are enjoying acai more and more.

Acai is an incredibly health packed food that can help you maintain and boost your body's functions for optimum health.