What is the Acai Berry?

WHAT IS THE ACAI BERRY? 

Acai is a fruit that grows on the acai palm trees in the Amazon rain forests of Brazil.  For centuries it has been a staple for the people of Brazil, yet virtually unknown outside the region until now.  The Brazilians call the acai palm “The Tree of Life”.  The berry is dark purple in colour and about the size of a grape.  ACAI BERRY PURE contains many beneficial ingredients:

• Vitamins B1, B2, B3, E and C
• Minerals such as Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron and Potassium
• Fibre and proteins
• Good fatty acids such as OMEGA 6 and OMEGA 9
• 16 different amino acids!

WHY IS ACAI GOOD FOR ME?  -   Acai has been recognised around the world as a SUPERFOOD.  The high concentration of a main component called Anthocyanins is the reason for the high antioxidant characteristic of the acai berry.  These anthocyanins are the same compounds that give red wine its health benefits, but acai berries contain even higher concentrations of these healthy chemicals than wine, with none of the health risks associated with alcohol.

Here are some of the health benefits associated with this amazing berry:

• Increases energy and stamina
• Boosts the immune system
• Increases metabolic rate
• Promotes heart health
• Improves blood circulation
• Promotes healthier looking skin
• Regulates and lowers cholesterol levels
• Reduces free radicals that cause cancer and other diseases
• Reduces the effects of ageing caused by inflammation
• Improves the digestive system
• Improves vision
• Improves mental clarity
• Helps to promote sound sleep
• Super antioxidant – helps rid the body of harmful toxins

ACAI BERRY IN THE NEWS -  Acai has been a focus in many shows and programs throughout the world, but particularly in America where it has been popular for some time.  The Oprah Winfrey show, ABC, NBC and CBS news have all focused this berry and it has also been featured in several books.  In fact, Dr Perricone calls this berry THE NUMBER ONE SUPERFOOD in his book “The Perricone Promise”.  The berry is extremely rich in antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids.

NUTRITION FACTS – The yardstick for comparing antioxidant properties of foods is the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC).  According to date published in 2005 by the USDA in the journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, one could compare acai’s results to common fruits and vegetables on a gram basis as shown below:

• FRUIT                           ORAC

• Acai                                610
• Cranberry                        94
• Blueberry                         92
• Plums                               73
• Blackberry                        53
• Raspberry                         48
• Apple                                43
• Strawberry                        36
• Cherries                            34
• Avocado                             19
• Pears                                 19
• Orange                               18