What has the potassium like bananas, the antioxidants of blueberries and the immunity boost of an orange? It’s a small purplish palm fruit from the rainforest called acai (pronounced ah-SHA’-ee).

For centuries this little fruit’s health-promoting secret was confined only to its natural settings along the riverbanks and flood plains of the Amazon. What may be nature’s perfect fruit is also very delicate and spoils quickly upon picking.

But in the last five years, safe methods of reducing it into a powder have allowed acai berry exportation to the United States and the world. That is why you probably recognize its name or have read about it

Because of its growing popularity, many manufacturers are clamoring to add it to their store products. Acai is found in juices mixed with its cousins the blueberry and cranberry, and sometimes guava or mango or apple. One juice advertises that it contains seven juices including acai. The South American berry is mixed in green tea, white tea, lemongrass and even red wine. It can be found in vitamin-enhanced water, smoothies and even ice cream. In a powdered, easily transported form, the uses are endless.

Make Sure the Acai Berry is Natural

Authentically freeze-dried within 24 hours, acai powder is best located in a reputable organic food store. Be certain its origin is the Amazon region and not China. Make sure the powder has not been compromised with soy, sugars, preservatives or chemicals that could reduce its benefits to your health.

The Wonder?

Acai berry has been long used by the natives in South America for treating diarrhea, skin sores and fevers. More and more people are consuming acai powder and reporting that it
improves vision, promotes a healthy weight loss rate, improves digestion and increases energy, stamina and libido. Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E, it has anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce stiffness, aches and pains. It has been known to raise the metabolic rate, allowing a person to burn more fat and calories. There are reports of using acai in cholesterol management. There is growing proof this fruit slows the age-related decline of cells and strengthens the immune system. Acai has a low glycemic index, making it excellent for diabetic diets.

How Does the Acai Berry Juice Work?

Acai Berry contains potent antioxidants such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. It rates the highest in antioxidants on the ORAC (Organic Radical Absorption Capacity) scale used by the USDA to measure the amount of antioxidants in foods. Free radicals found in foreign sources such as smog, cigarette smoke, herbicides and chemicals have attacked our cells, leaving many vulnerable to viruses and bacterial infections as well as immune deficiency. Antioxidants, like the potent ones in acai berry, neutralize these radicals.

Perhaps the most astounding attribute to acai was discovered during a 2006 study at the University of Florida at Gainesville’s Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences. Under controlled conditions, when exposed to acai, human leukemia cells were destroyed. While much more study needs to be done in investigating acai’s apoptotic (cell-killing) effects, one of the associate professors in the study admitted, “Acai berries are already considered one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants. This study was an important step towards learning what people may gain from using beverages, dietary supplements or other products made with the berries.” Scott Talcott continued by saying, “A lot of claims have been made, but most of them have not been tested scientifically. We are just beginning to understand the complexity of the acai berry and its health-promoting effects.”

Where Can Acai Berry Be Purchased?

As more and more people discover this amazing Amazon palm fruit, it will turn up in numerous products on the store shelves. However, with the demand also comes an increase in exporting that may lead to an inferior product laden with preservatives and chemicals that can reduce its health benefits.

Be sure to get the acai berry from a reputable organic food store and that it was harvested and freeze-dried with 24 hours. Also confirm it is from South America and not China. Make sure it is pure and not cut with soy, sugar or chemicals.

One of the most up to date and informative web sites on the acai berry and where to buy acai is by publisher Joel Carr. Carr has personally lost over twenty pounds using acai capsules and not only enjoys a more active lifestyle, but feels better as well. He was so enthralled with the results of adding acai to his diet, he traveled to the Amazon to experience the fruit fresh right off the tree and learn from natives more about its benefits.

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