The Acai Super Fruit - Finally Available in the West

Written By Chouhab on vendredi 2 janvier 2009 | 04:20

By Marcus C. Evans

Acai berries are South American fruits that are small, round, and only grow deep within the rain forests of the Amazon. Natives have long climbed the trees to harvest these delicate berries by hand. The fruit grows in clusters at the top of a species of palm tree, and are not unlike purple grapes in outward appearance.

The berries taste is absolutely delicious; a delicate blend of mixed berries and dark chocolate. Acai berries are only an inch or so in size with little pulp to the berries since the seeds are large and account for the majority of the fruit. The Caboclo peoples of the Brazilian Amazon have long enjoyed the health benefits of this fruit.

This one berry amazingly accounts for almost 50% of many natives' dietary intake. The Acai has gained a reputation as being a miniature super fruit. This stems from the fact that it is capable of providing people with great levels of energy and promoting health and overall strength in those who consume it. Some people also believe that it helps to control weight. Native people consider these super berries to give users strong hearts, clear minds and long lives.

The pulp and juice of the acai are used to create juices and some other drinks. You will find these drinks popular in Brazil and Peru and more recently in Western countries. Brazilians eat the fresh fruit and sometimes have the fruit mashed in with tapioca, sugar and honey. It has also been mixed with granola and put into ice cream. The results of extraordinary benefits have been reported for decades throughout South America and have more recently been confirmed by others.

Acai berries contain a remarkable amount of healthy fats, and it's for this reason they are a incredibly perishable food. Because of this in Western countries acai is enjoyed in yogurts, juices and a healthy energy drink. It's available as fruit pulp frozen or as a freeze-dried powder. To eat the actual fruit of the berry requires you to be in close proximity to where it was harvested.

The acai berries contain anthocyanins and resveratrol which studies have shown to have a number of benefits to the human body. One such benefit is the fact that antioxidant levels in the blood stream increase significantly. This increase occurs within two hours of drinking something with acai pulp or juice in it. The boost in antioxidants improves the ability of the body to fight free radicals which attack healthy cells.

Ongoing studies suggest this fruit is good for circulation and the heart. Other reports show great promise that these ingredients may possibly be used in fighting certain cancers.

For Australians and others throughout the world who live fast paced lives, acai fruit not only provides a reservoir of energy but a whole host of other health benefits for them.

Increased energy along with endurance is what consumers are finding so great about juice drinks containing acai. Those with athletic lifestyles such as runners, swimmers and other sporting men and women find this juice gives an energy boost they need to fully enjoy their healthy, active lives.

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