Is Acai The World's Most Powerful Superfood?

 by: Todd Levering

The acai berry consists usually of a pit, and only 10 per cent of the berry is edible. It is small, round, and dark purple in color. It resembles a grape, but it is usually smaller and darker. It consists of an enormous seed and very little percentage of pulp (or skin). It is usually mixed with energy drinks, ice cream, and even energy bars. Healthy acai requires quick processing right after its harvest.

Though it is not actually considered organic, the acai can actually be said to be better than organic as it grows in the rainforests of the Amazon. The rain forest is untouched, and everything is grown naturally, and cared for by the natives. No mass farming or mass production exists.

Pronounced ah-sigh-ee, acai, or euterpe oleracea (arecaceae) boasts of numerous health rewards, which is why its reputation as a wonder product has been growing impressively. It is highly promoted by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a health guru and best-selling author, calling the acai a "superfood."

The acai berry was not found in North America until two years ago. It is a small, dark, purple fruit from the palmberry tree. It usually grows in the wild Amazonian jungles in Brazil, where it is harvested by natives who have been reaping its health benefits for generations now. Acai is usually served pureed, and consumed as you would a drink. You can even enjoy it as Brazilians do-as fruit shakes, where it is mostly sold along the beaches of Brazil.

Acai is an acquired taste, as the taste will remind you of red wine with a few touches of chocolate. Because of this, most juice bars in the west coast use it as an ingredient when serving smoothies and fruit juices.

Because it is rich in anthocyanins, an antioxidant that battles cholesterol and free radicals, regular intake of acai will help prevent blood clots, improve blood circulation, and relax blood vessels. It is also a great help in preventing arthresclerosis and a powerful combatant of cancer. Red wine has been said to be healthy, and this is because of the anthocyanin content found in grapes. Acai actually has 33 times more anthocyanin than the grape. Anthocyanins also help treat diabetes retinopathy.

Aside from anthocyanins, the acai also includes oleic acid, an acid that is very good for the heart. Oleic acid also keeps a cancer-causing oncogene, usually found in breast cancer patients, from acting up. Acai is also rich in iron and is a great help for people who suffer from digestive malfunctions.

What makes acai so good is that it is also low in calories and fat, yet high in fiber. Its benefits can usually be found in its skin, which includes nutrients such as phytosterols, vitamin C, vitamin E, manganese, chromium, copper, and even boron. Acai also boasts of more calcium content than milk.

Studies show that aside from the benefits mentioned, taking acai helps protect you from viruses and prostate concerns. It also helps improve lipoprotein metabolism and reinforces your immune system. Another positive factor of acai is that it is also considered a potent aphrodisiac, because of its revitalizing qualities. To come up with your energizing aphrodisiac, simply mix your acai pulp with Brazilian guarana. The mix acts like a caffeinated drink. You can also mix it with a number of other mixtures, as nothing in the acai's composition has been considered dangerous when mixed with other drinks. You can mix it in with citrus juice, milk, or even beer.

US users may be disappointed to know that acai is not usually found in US stores. This is because the acai fruit spoils easily. However, most health stores usually offer acai juice or frozen pulp, which you can purchase. Brazilian athletes, on the other hand, consider acai as an important staple in their diets.

While you can definitely get the nutrients found in acai from other nutrients, what gives acai the advantage over other sources is that it packs all these beneficial ingredients in just one tiny product. You don't have to get all the other fruits and supplements to get your fill of healthy nutrients; you just get your hands on some acai juice and your healthy lifestyle is underway.

Other benefits of this amazing product include giving you greater energy and stamina. Aside from improving your digestion, it also helps you focus more mentally in your work. Taking acai juice or acai smoothie will also help you sleep better at night. Acai also includes more proteins than that egg you have for breakfast. It also serves as a revitalizing product, giving you the energy equivalent to that of a raging bull, which helps increase your sexual drive and performance.

It also includes a roster of the nutrients that you need: phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, plus the vitamins thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tocopherol (vitamin E). It also has monounsaturated linoleic acid, known as Omega 6, to help lower your harmful cholesterol (or LDL) while still maintaining good cholesterol (HDL) in your system. Its 12% linoleic acid (Omega 9) content is polyunsaturated, which also helps maintain cholesterol levels. It contains amino acid complex and trace minerals that will help improve muscle contraction and regeneration. It contains low sugar levels and also helps you detoxify.

Aside from all these, acai contains valuable phytosterols. These sterols provide several beneficial qualities, such as helping reduce your blood plasma cholesterol. These sterols are also being used to help treat symptoms associated with BP.

What else are you waiting for? Get your hands on one of those luscious acai juices or acai smoothies and be on the fast track to the healthy life.