Monday, January 19, 2009

Getting to Know the Asai Berry: Interesting Health Facts

By Sue Thompson

The Acai (pronounced ah-SIGH-ee) berry comes from the forests of Brazil. This small fruit is produced by a palm tree (Euterpe oleracea) that grows in the floodplain areas of the Amazon River. It is dark purple in color with a thin layer of edible pulp and a single seed in the middle. The Acai berry contains a large amount of quality nutrients and energy giving substances. It is rich in protein, minerals, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and oleic acid (omega-9), a beneficial fatty acid.

Brazilians have used the Asai berry to cure digestive disorders and skin conditions for many years. Today Asai is a widely popular health product in the US. Web based businesses offer different Asai berry products with several even offering free trial samples.

Information from medical research as well as consumer testimonials support the claim that Acai products can aid in weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and increase energy. Preliminary studies done at the University of Florida show that the Acai berry can destroy cancer cells. In another UF study, extracts were made from the pulp of the Acai fruit. For each of the six extracts, seven concentrations were formulated. Four of the extracts destroyed significant numbers of leukemia cells. Depending on the extract and concentration, the percentage of cells killed was anywhere from about 35 percent to 86 percent.

Acai berry supplements became even more popular when people started being aware of its value as an effective aid to weight loss. You can flush out excess waste and harmful toxins in your body by taking Acai berry. This process can easily take out 5 to 20 pounds off your body weight and leave you with a flat stomach

Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a leading authority on anti-aging, has described the Acai as the worlds number one superfood. It has been a staple food in Brazil for hundreds of years and has been cultivated for its rejuvenating and detoxifying properties. The Acai has been featured many health and fitness magazines and on television in shows likes Oprah and the Today show. A huge number of people claim taking Acai berry products has given them a lot of energy and vitality. Now the Acai berry has gone several steps further. Taking the Acai can help you get rid of harmful waste and toxin build-up. Combined with certain nutrients, the Acai extract can also help you have a healthier skin.

Eating Asai berries, makes you feel saturated because of its high protein and nutrient content. This feeling of fullness will help better control your food intake if you are trying to lose weight. Lastly, the Acai drastically raises your metabolic rate enabling you to burn more calories. You get a boost of energy at the same time. Whether taken pure or formulated with other ingredients, the Asai can definitely do many amazing things for your body. - 16004

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