What are Acai Berries?

The acai berry is a fruit that grows in the rain forests of the Amazon on the acai tree, which is kind of like a palm tree. These berries have a dark purple color and are small, looking very similar to grapes. They taste sort of like a raspberry except with a hint of chocolate. The nutrient value of these berries is much better than that of other berries as well.

Historical Use

The tribals and natives of the Amazon used acai berries as a remedy for many ailments over thousands of years. Its combination of antioxidants and omega acids makes the acai berry one of the most wanted superfoods on the market. Actually, an acai berry has 10 times the amount of antioxidants in it than a grape does, and this is why the acai berry is now known as a superfood.

Acai Berry Research

There is scientific research being done on this fruit in order to promote its benefits fully. The acai berry is one of the most powerful and nutritious foods around the world, being found in the Amazon’s rain forests. They have received the title of a superfood, making people all across the globe reach for it to reap its benefits.

Acai berries actually have many ongoing studies. Some of the studies have shown that this fruit provides antioxidants that are more concentrated in comparison to other fruits, like grapes, oranges, blackberries, etc. In fact, the concentration of antioxidants in acai berries is 10 times as much in comparison to other types of berries. Additionally, the acai berry is rich in fiber, according to tests and research. The fruit also contains many other vitamins, which include Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, omega-6, omega-9, potassium, calcium, as well as different proteins.

Acai Berry’s Benefits

Acai berries have also been proven to fight against inflammation, as well as keep your levels of cholesterol in check. They are also considered to be a good source of iron and are recommended to the elderly who have colon or digestive problems. There are many benefits that have been established from eating acai berries, which include degenerative disease prevention, vitality and energy increase, disease and flu/cold resistance, healthier skin tone and youthful looking skin, improved vision and healthier eyes, improvement to circulation, etc.

Right now there are many scientists doing research on this fruit for using it in medication to fight against cancer. A study was published recently by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that showed that acai berry extracts can start a response of self-destruction in about 86% of cancer cells related to leukemia.

Acai Berry Taste

You probably think that with all of the nutritional value and antioxidant concentration in acai berries, it must not taste good. However, it is actually the opposite. The flavor of the acai berry has been described as a blend of berries with a hint of chocolate. This may be the reason why they are replacing the wheatgrass that is used in your favorite drink at the juice bar with this fruit.

Where To Get Acai Berries

With the benefits that are accredited to acai berries, this is a fruit that can do wonders for everyone. There are many varieties of acai berries on the market in the form of powder, acai juice, tablets, and other things. Your local supermarket and grocery store may carry these products, but your best bet is to goto a health food or vitamin store to purchase them.

However, this fruit has now been made into juices, powders, and tablets, which you can find at a health food store. The only problem is that these products don’t have the same nutritional value that fresh acai berries have, because they have been processed, but you can still get all of the benefits that acai berries offer through consuming these products.