Saturday, January 3, 2009

What are the Benefits of the Acai Berry?

By Gray Rollins

The Acai berry of the Acai palm tree is a fruit found growing mainly in South America, covering Brazil and Peru primarily. 90% of it if formed of seed pit and the rest 10% is pulpy. The fruit has an extremely high fat content due to which its life after harvesting is very short. Hence, it is mainly preserved by freezing it, making it into a pulp or even in powder form.

Both in powdered and frozen forms, the aci berry is packed with fiber, protein, calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. Acai berry powder is a good source of antioxidants, having more antioxidant compounds than tea, orange juice or red wine. The antioxidant present in the acai berry (Anthocynanin) provides a number of health benefits - this fruit is the most nutritious edible berry in the world, according to the ORAC.

Consuming Acai berry in most of its forms improves the functioning of the digestive system and helps stimulate brain responses. The fiber content of the berry detoxifies the body effectively. This leads to healthier and more radiant looking skin.

The acai berry also reduces your cancer risk, has more protein than eggs and benefits the circulatory system - it is even believed by many to boost the libido! Acai also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help manage diabetes.

Says Oprah Winfrey of this berry: "This little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world. It can often be found in juice form in health food and gourmet stores." With such an influential endorsement, no wonder everyone is interested in this amazing tropical fruit.

The high level of protein in the acai berry helps to control cholesterol levels and stimulates digestion. It's heart healthy too - it contains fatty acids which are as powerful as those in olive oil! These omega 3 fatty acids also act as antioxidants and along with its vitamin E content, helps keep you looking and feeling younger.

The Acai berry is a versatile fruit - if you are lucky enough to live where it is available fresh, it can be eaten out of hand. The pulp and powder can be mixed into yogurt, made into ice cream or put in smoothies and shakes

The acai berry is high on energy and antioxidants due to which athletes swear by this berry. Another positive side of having this fruit is that it is economical instead of spending loads of cash on expensive protein shakes, energy supplement capsules and drinks you can easily opt for this natural power food instead. It is also more easily available than it was before. - 16004

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