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.
For thousands of years, the natives of South America have been eating pure Acai berries. They have been enjoying it as mashed pulp toppings, juice, or just as fruit. The Western world has slowly woken up to the wonderful benefits of this amazing small fruit. It has recently been promoted on the Oprah show and by a handful of doctors.Those who have studied this little berry cannot stop raving about the stunning nutritional qualities of this fruit. Acai berry has been proclaimed as the new “superfood”. The list of health benefits of pure Acai berries is long and stupefying.Relieves Joint PainTo begin with, studies have shown that regular intake of pure Acai juice relieves and puts an end to joint pain. So how does it do this? Acai fruit is rich in antioxidants, which help purify the blood and strengthen the body’s natural ability to fight free radicals. Acai berries have more antioxidants than wine grapes, cherries, pomegranates and blueberries. Furthermore, Acai berries are also rich in Vitamin A, C, and E. These berries also have high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) value. ORAC measures the antioxidant level of food. High ORAC value is beneficial in fighting joint pain. Antioxidants of pure Acai juice help fight super-oxide free radicals, which are known to cause the decrease in the function and mobility of the joints. Drinking antioxidant rich Acai juice helps the body to heal and thereby, reduces joint pain.Other BenefitsStudies have also shown that Acai juice and extracts help fight heart disease. Scientists contend that the Acai fruit has a high concentration of phytosterols, regular intake of which reduces heart related problems. Furthermore, Acai fruit helps maintain good cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol. Acai fruit is also rich in Anthocyanins, which has many health benefits. Anthocyanins have anti-cancer, anti-aging, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Beside its numerous health benefits, Acai fruit also taste great. The taste can be described as a combination of berries and chocolate. So now we have a great super food that tastes lip-smacking as well.
The Acai berry has recently taken the health food industry by storm. You’ve probably already seen ads promoting Acai juice or Acai Capsules. Oprah has featured it on her show; naming it the #1 super food available today. Since the berry is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids it can provide massive health benefits to anyone who takes it.The benefit that Acai is most known for is its antioxidant content. Tests have shown that Acai tops the list Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) Assay, which is a test for determining the antioxidant activity of a food. Doctors say that you should get at least 1600 ORAC everyday and Acai contains more than double that, scoring a 3870.What does all this technical mumbo jumbo mean? Well, it means that taking Acai can help prevent cancer, lowers your risk for heart disease, and keep you feeling and looking younger. Not too bad for a small berry?Taking Acai can also provide a significant energy boost that rivals coffee. Many people report that the boost in energy lasts longer and is stronger than that of caffeine. Acai is also a great source of Omega 3, 6, and 9 which help lower cholesterol, increase circulation, strengthen your memory, and improve your mood.With all of these health benefits it’s easy to see why so many people are jumping on the Acai bandwagon. Acai can provide numerous benefits whether you are young or old, healthy or sick, or just looking for a boost in energyThe Acai fruit does not hold up well to transport, so you will probably never see it available in the produce aisle. That means in order to obtain the amazing health benefits of Acai you must purchase it as Acai juice, Acai powder, or in Acai capsules. If you enjoy the taste of Acai (it tastes like a mixture of berries and chocolate) the juice is great, but Acai capsules are also a good option for those of us who are in a hurry.
acai berry | Acai Berry | 
January 2, 2010 4:28 am | 
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