What Are These Acai Berries?

We have heard much about this berry on the news and in magazines. But what exactly are they and what can they do for you? It is commonly pronounced ah -sigh-ee. I don't know about you, but I was a bit off in that pronunciation. This little blackish purple berry has been around for a thousand years but didn't come into popularity in the west until the 1990. It has 10 times the antioxidant benefits of grapes and twice that of blueberries. So what is up with this little berry from Brazil and why exactly is it so good for us?

The Acai Berry has a berry taste with a hint of a chocolate taste. It has proteins, fibers, minerals, vitamin E and essential Omega oils. These omega oils have been known to reduce bad cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol. It also has a fatty acid ratio similar to that of an olive and we have all heard how good the olive is for us when reducing heart disease in the Mediterranean people.

The Acai Berry is sold in gyms and health food stores. You can now find it in energy bars and drinks. It is rich with antioxidants that the western nation is lacking in due to the fast food diet most consume. And while the western world is now toting this as the miracle berry, much research is being done on it as it is being consumed.

The major benefits of the Acai Berry are:

The Acai Berry has more proteins than one average egg.

Acai berries have essential minerals like potassium, iron, phosphorus and calcium, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.

Acai berries have up to 33 times the Antocyanine as compared to red wine grapes.

Acai has a high concentration of fiber. Westerns are always looking for good sources of fiber.

Acai berries have fatty acids called Omega 6 and Omega 9. These help promote healthy cholesterol levels.

Acai berries have anti-oxidants to promote heart health.

Because of the berry's amino acid complex and valuable trace minerals, it contributes to proper muscle regeneration and contractions.

Acai berries cleanse and detoxify your body.

Acai berries boost your immune system.

Fighting cancer cells is thought to be aided by the Acai berry.

Acai berries promote younger and healthier looking skin.

Acai berries are thought to improve digestion and mental focus and to enhance sleep.

While much research is still being done on the Acai berries as they are new to the western world, we only have to look at the lives of the Brazilian tribesmen that have known their benefits for hundreds of years. There are many supplements out there now with the Acai berries. These might be a worthwhile supplement to add to your diet.