The acai berry grows in the Amazon Rain forests. This purple marble shaped fruit is what generations of local Amazon’s have relied upon for good health.
Until quite recently, the acai berry has lived in obscurity to most of the world. It wasn’t until some enterprising young surfers brought back some samples of this berry that people and industry in the United States developed a taste for its incredible powers.
Some have touted the acai berry as a dietary supplement, in the form of tablets, juices, an additive to smoothies and to consume the fruit whole.
Marketers of this berry have made the claims that the acai berry and other acai products, increase energy levels, enhance digestion, and improve the detoxification process. They also claim that these berries are high in fiber content, very high in antioxidant content and improved the skin’s appearance.
The claims continue, heart health, improved sleep, and lowering of cholesterol levels. Most spurious are the claims that promise the complete reversal of diabetes and other severely chronic illnesses. One last note, marketers allude to the increase of a man’s virility. Most common however, the acai berry is marketed as a weight loss product.
As of yet, there are no documented, controlled, blind or double-blind studies backing up any of these claims. This acai berry however, is a great source of nutrition and other vital minerals. For example, the acaí berry contains very high levels of essential fatty acids and omegas, both of which have been proven to lower LDL levels and maintain HDL cholesterol levels. They also have a remarkable concentration of antioxidants to help combat free radicals and help with premature aging. The acai berry is a source of a particular class of flavonoids called anthocyanins. The ORAC value of the acai berry is higher than any other edible berry in the world!
The acai Berry is also an excellent source of dietary fiber. Added to the list, it also contains omega fatty acids, amino acids, fiber, iron, along with many other vitamins and minerals. It also holds many nutritional and health benefits such as; it is an antioxidant, an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic properties, and can be beneficial to one’s cardiovascular system.
