Wednesday, January 7, 2009

What are the Benefits of the Acai Berry?

By Gray Rollins

The Acai berry, the fruit of a palm tree which grows in the South American regions of Brazil and Peru is a nutritional powerhouse. However, the fruit is 90% seed pit, with only 10% being edible fruit and has a fat content, meaning that this is a fruit with a very short shelf life. The fruit is widely consumed locally but for export, it must be preserved by freezing acai pulp or making it into freeze dried acai powder.

Frozen acai pulp and acai powder is full of protein, calcium, iron, fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. The acai berry is an excellent source of antioxidant possibilities, having more than orange juice, red wine or tea. Anthocynanin, the antioxidant compound in the highest concentration in the fruit is very beneficial to your health. In fact, the ORAC proclaims the acai berry to be the most nutritious edible berry known.

This amazing tropical fruit can help to improve your digestion and brain function. Its high fiber content also helps your body to naturally detox, helping you get healthier 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.

Oprah Winfrey says: "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 the endorsement of this influential of a figure, no wonder people are flocking to stores to find this superfood.

Since it is very rich in organic vegetable protein, it is an active fighter of cholesterol in the body. Acai berry synergizes the monounsaturated fat, phytosterols and fiber; it stimulates the cardio vascular and digestive tract. The fatty acids present in this tropical fruit are as good as those found in olive oil. This lowers the chances of heart disease. The omega three fatty acids help in cell regeneration and supporting the nervous system. Its vitamin E content also fights internal signs of ageing.

You can enjoy acai in a number of ways. If you're fortunate enough to be able to find fresh acai berries, they can be eaten as they are. However, the frozen pulp and acai powder can be mixed into smoothies and milkshakes, stirred into yogurt or made into desserts.

Athletes like the natural energy they get from acai, along with all of the other nutritional benefits offered by this fruit. The acai berry is becoming increasingly available and many are choosing acai over expensive supplement capsules and powders. - 16004

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