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.

The frozen and powdered form of this berry is said to be rich in protein, fiber, calorie, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. Acai berry in its powder form is a strong antioxidant against superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Its juice is a stronger antioxidant than red wine, orange juice and tea. Anthocyanin, the antioxidant found in this fruit is extremely beneficial to the health. It is the highest valued edible berry in the world according to 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.

Acai berries also fights cancer, has a higher protein content than eggs and is beneficial to circulatory function and some say it even increases libido. There are also powerful anti-inflammatory properties possessed by this berry and it is helpful for managing the symptoms of 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.

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.

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. - 16650

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