The Acai berry, pronounced Ah-Sigh-EE, is a fruit quickly gaining popularity in North America for it’s abundant nutritional value, and can often be heard referred to as a “superfood.” It is mostly harvested in Brazil and other South American countries, where these berries have been a staple in the populations diet’s for years. The berries are taken from the Euterpe Oleracea, also known as the Acai palm. They must be processed within 24 hours of harvesting, or the fruit will spoil and become useless.
The acai berry fruit is actually available in two colors, white and purple, but the purple one contains the most sought after antioxidants. The little fruit is said to taste like a mix between berries and chocolate.
The large levels of antioxidants in the Acai berry have been said to produce many positive effects in the body. These benefits are said to include increases in energy, digestive help, increases in sex drive, and help with vision. The berry also supplies an abundant amount of protein without the unhealthy level of high cholesterol other foods with this amount of protein provide. The Acai berries are extremely high in essential fatty acids, which provide healthy skin, hair, and maintain a healthy metabolic system.
Because of it’s increased popularity, the demand for products containing the “superfood” has been overwhelming. Since it is not native to our area, manufacturers have devised ways to produce it, while keeping as much of it’s nutritional value in tact as possible. The most most natural and sought after forms of the Acai berry are products featuring it’s unsweetened pulp.
Most gourmet and healthy food stores are carrying this product now. Because it is the most raw formed it is easily consumed, and is often mixed in a juice product. The berry can also be found in produced in pill form, smoothies, and is now being added to skin care products because of it’s anti-aging properties.
There are not many known side effects of the Acai berry. Some people who have pollen allergies have reported some aggravation when using the products, but symptoms have been mild. People taking prescription medications, as well as pregnant and nursing mothers, should always be cautious and speak with their physician before taking any Acai berry supplements. People native to the countries where the Acai berry are found have been consuming it for years with no real reported risks or side effects.