Acai Superfood!

Acai superfood is a Brazilian berry original from the Amazon Region that is considered to be one of nature's most complete and healthy foods. It is often advertised as having up to 30 times the anthocyanin content of red wine, or 10 times the antioxidant content found in red grapes. Acai is not only a delicious berry to enjoy in a variety of food but it is also known for a variety of health benefits. Acai is a good source of vitamin C and contains many other micro-nutrients including ployphenols and flavonoids.

Acai, pronounced "Ah-sigh-ee," is a Brazilian fruit that is harvested from the Amazon rain forest. Acai berries grow on acai palm trees, found in the flood plains and swampy areas of Central and South America. These berries are highly touted by marketers who say it's one of the elite superfoods with anti-aging and weight loss properties. The Acai superfood also has fiber, vitamin A, several minerals (iron and calcium, to name two) and good-for-you phytonutrients, including polysterols and anthocyanins.

How can the Acai superfood help you stay healthy? The nutrients in Acai can help maintain the healthy function of bodily systems and organs. It can increase energy, libido and stamina. It promotes healthy, glowing skin and hair. It also promotes healthy sleep and supports your immune system. Acai acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and helps reduce pain and soreness. It can help rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. (Wow!) While there are no miracles, Acai is an incredibly healthy superfood that can help you maintain healthy bodily functions across the board.

Although Acai may not be available in your local supermarket, you can find it in several health food and gourmet stores (often in juice form). Several companies now manufacture acai juices, other health drinks, and sorbets made from acai berries, often in combination with other fruits. Look for purees and juices that list acai puree as first the ingredient. True, authentic acai juice is thick -- no water added, no sugar, no preservatives, no sodium, just pure organic acai pulp.

Antioxidants are compounds found to prevent tissue damage and consequently reduce diseases caused by oxidation. Naturally potent in antioxidants, acai berries topped the list as the #1 recommended superfood of prominent anti-aging and weight loss researchers. While there are many nutrients in the Acai berry, clearly the antioxidants are the major reason for the health benefits of Acai. Acai superfoods are full of amino acids and essential fatty acids.

The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) is a method of measuring antioxidant capacities of different foods. The Acai superfood is one of the highest ORAC value foods. High quality acai products have high ORAC levels. Look for acai juice that has at least 3000 ORACs per one ounce serving.

Acai is everywhere - celebrities are drinking and eating the berries, doctors recommend it and of course tons of companies are in business to capitalize off the acai berry juice. Acai is something that I will use for the rest of my life, just like a multivitamin, in order to reap the antioxidant benefits. Acai is safe to consume every day and should be part of every healthy regime. Acai truly is a Superfood!

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%C3%A7a%C3%AD_Palm
http://onlyacai.com/acai-berry-benefits.php