Acai
From LoveToKnow Herbs
Acai has become the latest buzzword in super-foods. This may have you wondering what Acai really is. Is it worth all the fuss? Should you be including Acai in your diet? What can Acai do for you?
About Acai
Acai , pronounced AH-sigh-EE, is a small, round berry about the size of a grape. It is blackish-purple in color. Even though these little berries, which grow in large clusters, look appealing, they are not eaten raw. Because most of the berry is a large seed, typically the berries are processed first so the pulp and juice can be used in a wide variety of foods. The seed is not consumed.
Where does Acai come from? These berries are grown on the Acai palm tree which is a native of the Amazon rain forest. Two crops of berries can be harvested each year. In Brazil the Acai is an important crop because the Acai berry makes up a huge part of the diets of Amazonian people—as much as 42 percent according to Wikipedia.
Acai and Nutrition
Acai berries hold a nutritional powerhouse within its tiny exterior. They are a superior source of fiber, omega fatty acids, antioxidants and even protein. Other important nutrients in Acai include vitamins A, B1 and E, calcium and iron. They also contain 19 amino acids and valuable plant sterols which are good for your heart and digestion. These berries are almost like a multivitamin on a tree!
Because Acai is such a valuable food source, it makes sense that it is used in many nutritious foods throughout the Amazon. In Brazil the juice or pulp is frequently mixed into puddings, ice cream or juices, smoothies and other drinks. Outside of Brazil, Acai is also marketed as a juice that is blended with other nutritious fruits and berries such as blueberries, pomegranates and others. You can also purchase Acai berry supplements.
It isn't possible to get fresh Acai berries outside of Brazil because the quality of the fruit deteriorates very quickly after harvesting, so expect to only find it as a juice, freeze-dried or as a supplement at your favorite health food store.
Cancer and Acai Benefits
There are many exorbitant health claims relating to Acai. Which ones can you believe and which should be taken with a grain of salt? As a rule, you should disregard claims that any vitamin or supplement will "cure" any serious illness such as cancer. However, there is evidence that Acai can prove to be helpful when used to improve health. There is also exciting research that is of interest to cancer researchers.
In 2006, the University of Florida did some research on Acai and got some exciting results. According to the research, freeze-dried Acai berry pulp is able to inhibit the growth of leukemia cells. In fact, Acai appeared to trigger a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of the cancer cells in the cell-culture model. While more research admittedly needs to be done, these initial finding are promising.
Other Benefits of Acai
Acai has also been proven to reduce inflammation making it a useful supplement for people with arthritis, fibromyalgia and many other ailments. The freeze-dried pulp may also help strengthen a weak immune system. Brazilians have used Acai more many years as a digestive aid as well as for skin problems.
Other possible benefits of Acai include:
- Boosts energy levels
- Help promote better sleep
- Enhances sex drive
- Regulates cholesterol levels
Some companies that market Acai-based products also claim that their products will slow aging, regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics and improve vision. While these claims may or may not be true, it is important to discuss these things with your doctor before you do anything drastic. If you are under a doctor's care for a serious medical condition, such as diabetes, discuss the possible benefits of Acai supplementation and do not stop taking any medications unless your doctor directs you to do so.
The Bottom Line
Acai is, without a doubt, an amazing fruit that is packed with nutritional value. Taking an acai supplement or drinking Acai juice will certainly not harm your health. However, beware of to-good-to-be-true claims.
Also, be aware that it isn't necessary to buy over-priced juices in fancy bottles to get the benefits of Acai. You can purchase Acai Juice blends at your local grocery store and get just as much benefit as the expensive ones. Look in your produce department, refrigerated juice section and the frozen section of your favorite grocery store for juice blends or find a supplement at your health food store.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,956 times. This page was last modified 18:04, 23 February 2009.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
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