Acai: The True Story

In the Rain forests of Brazil there grows a type of Palm the Brazilians call " the tree of life". Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee), is the fruit of that palm tree.Acai is a deep purple berry that tastes like a combination of wild berries and chocolate.

The news about acai has been exciting and the evidence of nutritional and health benefits just keeps growing.Think about this: a 100-gram serving of acai contains only 90 calories, only two grams of fat and absolutely no cholesterol. Plus, it delivers over 3 grams of dietary fiber, something we could all use more of .

Research has shown that in addition to the anthocyanins and essential fatty acids, acai also contains a significant amount of plant sterols, a class of phyto-chemicals that reduce cholesterol, protect the immune system, and relieve prostate enlargement. The acai is in the same family as saw palmetto, which is a common herbal treatment for prostate enlargement. Currently we know, the acai berry provides more anthocyanins than red wine and also that acai has antioxidant concentrations that outweigh blueberries.

Researchers at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro have discovered that acai extract can be used to fight infection. It is effective in fighting the parasitic infection schistosomosis which affects approximately 10 million Brazilians each year and also the common bacterial infection staphylococcus aureus

Health and science Institute panelist Jon Barron, say's that, "fresh from the tree, Acai can provide over 30 times the amount of anthocyanins as red wine and all the beneficial fatty acids of olive oil in one delicious, all-natural package."

Studies On Acai conducted at the University of Florida and published on January 12, 2006 are very promising. Initial research shows a very positive effect on cardiovascular disease, anti-aging, cancer and weight loss.A later study Published in 2008 confirms that the nutrients of Acai are readily absorbed into our bodies and can be of much benefit to us.

These studies have caused marketing companies to spend a fortune on campaigns touting Acai as a miracle weight loss product. But experts say, is that acai At best can be part of a weight loss plan that includes a calorie-controlled diet, but by itself, it's just another fruit. If you really want to lose weight, experts say, choose an eating plan that you can stick with long-term, and be sure to get regular exercise. Michael Roizen, MD, chief wellness officer for the Cleveland Clinic, suggests the so-called DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet.This diet plan"contains an abundance of richly colored, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables along with low-fat dairy, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, and lean meat that has been proven to promote weight loss and lower blood pressure," according to Dr. Roizen.

In conclusion,The Acai berry is a healthy food that is certainly worth more research and you will not regret adding it to your diet.

References:

Acai berry products: What are the health benefits?, Katherine Zeratsky, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 23 May 2008.

Gitte S. Jensen et al., Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 22 August 2008.