What is Acai

It has been only recently that the acai berry had been marketed as a dietary supplement, most commonly as a weight loss product. However it has also been touted as having the ability to improve energy levels, sexual performance, digestion, skin appearance, heart health, good sleep, cholesterol levels, and detoxification capacity. Aside from being a good source of fiber and antioxidants the berries also have significant amounts of calcium, iron, vitamin A, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and some vitamin C. In a recent study acai juice had an antioxidant capacity equivalent to that of black cherry and cranberry juice and higher than that of orange juice, apple juice and tea.

Acai Origin

Acai or acai berries are from the acai palm tree. The berries have often been known for their healthful properties. The berries contain natural flavonoids and antioxidants that help enrich the vitality of the body and have recently become one of the most sought-after berries of all time. Global demand for the berries has expanded rapidly in recent years, and acai is now cultivated for that purpose primarily.

Acai Culinary Uses

The juice and pulp of acai berries are used in various juice blends, smoothies, sodas and other drinks. Acai is also traditionally served in South America with tapioca, granola, and ice cream and is also made into a liqueur.

Acai Berries

The acai berry is a small, round, black-purple drupe about 1 inch in diameter, and looks like a grape and has a single large seed about a quarter to a half inch wide. The berries are produced in branched panicles of about 700 to 900 berries. Two crops of berries are produced each year.

Acai Palm Tree

The acai palm is a species of palm tree that is native to Central and South America. These palms, usually found in exotic locales, grow mainly in swamps and floodplains. Acai palms are fast growing and reach the height of about 50 to 75 feet, the tallest sometimes reaching close to 100 feet with leaves measuring close to 10 feet long. They are cultivated for both their berries and for their superior hearts of palm. The soft inner tip of the palm or “heart” is typically eaten in salads.

Related Health Benefits of Acai

• Brazilian acai berry (slideshare.net)
• Acai superfood (slideshare.net)