The Oprah Winfrey Show caused a massive furor around the Brazilian acai fruit. Ever since Dr. Nicholas Perricone talked about the acai berry on Oprah, this 2-centimeter purple fruit has sparked interest in every health-conscious American. What exactly is inside this berry thatâs being hailed as the number one superfood on the planet?
Staggering antioxidant and anthocyanin levels The antioxidant content of the Brazilian acai fruit is 10 times than that of grapes and twice that of blueberries. Anthocyanins in acai are up to 30 times more than that of red wine. The ORAC score for 100 grams of freeze dried acai is over 50,000 â a number that no other fruit or vegetable can even come close to.
A complete range of vitamins and minerals The acai berry is a rich source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E. Potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc are also present in the acai fruit.
Healthy unsaturated fat Almost 50% of the Brazilian acai fruit is fat – and 74% of that is Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acid thatâs good for your heart.
Strong fiber profile For every 100 grams of freeze dried acai, your body receives around 14 grams of fiber.
Excellent source of amino acids and plant sterols Acai contains 19 different amino acids, supplying your body with more than 8 grams of protein for every 100 grams of acai. Three plant sterols that maintain a healthy heart and digestive system can be found in the acai berry: beta-sitosterol, campesterol and sigmasterol.
The Brazilian acai fruit is 90% seed and 10% pulp. Only the pulp and skin are edible, but some unscrupulous manufacturers are adding crushed seeds to their acai products. Stay away from any acai drink, capsule or powder that has seeds in it.
The acai berry is not only valuable for its health benefits. Unlike most fruits that lose their nutrients when processed, acai puree juices retain most of the antioxidants that make the fresh berry the number one superfruit in the world. While Amazon natives have long used acai to improve their health, now the rest of the world can avail of these advantages in the form of acai puree.How can acai puree change your life?It squelches your appetitePersistent craving for fat- and sugar-rich snacks is the biggest challenge for those trying to lose weight. Fiber and protein in the acai berry sends messages to your brain, making it believe you’re not yet hungry.It burns your extra caloriesBy drinking acai puree, your metabolism works hard even when you’re just sitting around in your office. Accompany that with regular exercise and you get to burn more calories.It breaks down food fasterAcai keeps your digestive system in tip-top shape, effectively grinding food and eliminating toxins that cause diarrhea and other stomach or intestinal disorders. Because acai puree helps wash down the food you just ate, it doesn’t build up as fat in your system.It jolts you with a boost of energyFeeling sluggish? A bottle of acai puree in the morning gives you a jolt of energy more than several cups of coffee can, without the negative side effects of caffeine. Acai will keep you on your toes the entire day, leaving you with enough energy to run those treadmills after work.It drops your cholesterol levelsAcai berries do not contain trans or saturated fat. And with high anthocyanin content, acai protects you from atherosclerosis or coronary heart disease.Although you can’t consume acai berries fresh unless you live in Brazil, advanced technology has found a way to bring you all the acai goodness and health benefits via acai puree juices.
Many people have not even heard of an acai berry diet – something that is fast catching on as a super food across the world. Harvested from the rainforests of Brazil, the acai berry is definitely the most powerful and nutritious food created by nature. This blackish-purple berry has a rich flavor that tastes like a blend of berry and chocolate. However, the berry is held in high acclaim today for something more than just its amazing taste. Why is Acai So Special?The acai berry is an unbelievable storehouse of nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, protein and essential fatty acids. In fact, an acai berry diet gives you more antioxidants than blueberries, plus lots of calcium, Omega fats and dietary fiber. This makes acai berry products a great organic option to provide a natural, energy boost to your body or to satisfy hunger cravings. Did you know that one serving of acai juice contains about 2 grams of dietary fiber? In addition to promoting smooth bowel movements, dietary fiber also helps to maintain a healthy digestive system. New studies suggest that soluble fibers in acai berry diet greatly aid in lowering blood cholesterol. The insoluble fibers in acai also play an important role – reducing the risk of certain kinds of cancers. The combination of Omega fats and antioxidants makes acai a real wonder food. Studies show that Mediterranean and French diets are especially beneficial for the body due to the high concentration of olive oil and red wine. An acai berry diet is a blend of the best of both these diets – with essential fatty acids similar to olive oil and 30 times the antioxidant content in red wine.No wonder acai is widely used by the Brazilians in all imaginable forms – from drinks and smoothies to breakfast dishes and energy bars. The pulp of acai is used in flavoring their fish and meat entrees. Best of all, acai has long been used as an effective remedy for skin irritation, digestive diseases, sexual dysfunction, lethargy and even insomnia.
acai berry | Acai Berry | 
January 5, 2010 10:38 am | 
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