The Origins of the Brazilian Acai Berry

Acai Berries are indigenous to the jungles of the Amazon River. They grow on large, almost gigantic, Acai palm trees. For hundreds of years, Brazilian natives have prized these small purplish to black fruits for their ability to increase of strength, boost energy, and provide high nutritional content.

The Acai Berry is a dense source of a particular class of flavonoids called anthocyanins. Acai Berry's ORAC value (oxygen radical absorption capacity, a measure of its antioxidant properties), is higher than any other edible berry on the planet. The remarkable concentration of antioxidants also helps prevent premature aging. Acai Berry is also an excellent source of dietary fiber.

Acai Berries are high in essential fatty acids & omegas -- 60% Oleic (omega 9) - a monounsaturated essential fatty acid which helps to lower LDL (harmful cholesterol), while maintaining HDL (beneficial cholesterol). 12% linoleic (omega 6) - a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid which has also been found to lower LDL, while maintaining HDL. Acai is also known to contain many valuable phytosterols, these are sterol compounds of plant cell membranes that can provide numerous benefits to the body such as reduce of blood cholesterol.

Is The Brazilian Acai Berry A New Discovery?

For centuries, the indigenous people of Brazil's Northern Amazon region have harvested this exotic berry as an antidote for numerous ailments. Modern science has finally validated the wellness benefits contained within the Acai berry. For example, it p
rovides a remarkable source of healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Particularly valuable are the polyphenols contained within this fruit.

A pilot study involving humans was conducted by a team of Texas AgriLife Research scientists. Results of the study were published on the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. It established that Acai berry has the capacity to be absorbed by the body when consumed as pulp and juice. This proves to be highly relevant since Acai berries are marketed worldwide in the form of juices and dietary pulp and extract-based supplements. The flavor of Acai berry has been described as a mixture of chocolate and red wine.

Several other serious studies on the Brazilian Acai Berry began in 2001 to explore properties and applications of the magic berry as a preventive measure against certain types of cancers. Some efforts were also focused on developing techniques of preparation to support mass production and large scale distribution as its positive effects on health and overall wellness are verified.

Findings that the body can readily absorb the Brazilian Acai Berry have sparked ideas of incorporating it in smoothies, ice cream, tea, energy drinks and energy bars. This proved to be an excellent way of integrating it in a person’s daily food intake especially for those people who has imbibed the common notion of healthy food and health supplements as bland or yucky tasting.

Just like anything else, Brazilian Acai Berries should be consumed as directed. Although studies have established the benefits of this wonder berry in respect to disease control and prevention, it is still to be quantified just how much of this our body actually needs and absorbs.