Health Benefits of Acai

The health benefits of acai are almost too numerous to count. This amazing berry grows wild in the Amazon, and for centuries its benefits were largely unknown to those living outside the rainforest. The fruit grows atop native Amazon palm trees and is harvested by local farmers. These farmers then turn the acai berries into a nutritious pulp. The pulp is frozen for shipment to other parts of the world. As long as it's frozen quickly the fruit will retain its incredible antioxidant powers.

The acai berry is also known for its small size and deep purple color. Following is information about the many health benefits of acai.

Acai berries can do wonders for your heart. This fruit has a large concentration of compounds called anthocyanins. These compounds are the same as those found in red wine, which make the beverage so well known as being healthy for your heart. However, acai berries contain even higher concentrations of these desirable compounds and come with none of the associated risks of alcohol.

The fruit is also full of protein, dietary fiber and high levels of both omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. All of these nutrients are known to have a very positive effect on the heart. Omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids may even have a role in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.

Although more research needs to be done, the acai berry is known as one of the most powerful anti-aging super foods in health food circles. This effect is attributed to the fruit's high levels of anthocyanins and the strong antioxidant vitamin content. It is a fact that acai berries have ten times as many antioxidant vitamins as grapes and two times the amount of blueberries.

Again, more research needs to be done but some studies have revealed promising results. According to one study by the University of Florida, acai berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested in vitro.

In reality there have been very few studies done on acai berries and weight loss, but lately many Americans have taken the plunge and gone on all sorts of acai berry diets. Many Americans have also reported significant results.

The theory is that the fruit's natural mixture of essential fatty acids, fiber, phytosterols and amino acids will cause you to burn fat more efficiently. While this means you will still need to diet and exercise to lose weight, using acai may help you lose weight faster. Furthermore, the fatty acids and amino acids in the fruit help muscle development and proper digestion. These are each essential components for fat loss.

Although this theory still needs to be tested through scientific study, many acai enthusiasts report that the fruit has helped them shed excess pounds. They say that they've lost weight quicker than they ever have before and even have had more energy during the process.

Unless you have a specific allergy to acai, the fruit is thought to be very safe. This however, applies to taking the fruit by itself or as a juice and not in pill form. Doctors even say that the berries by themselves are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Overall, acai berries have many benefits. Science has proven some of the benefits, while it has lent just theory to others. Still, only those who eat the berries support some other purported claims. Since the fruit is safe, there seems to be no harm in trying out acai and seeing what it can do for you.

• Photographs of Wild Berries
• Herbs for Pets
• Health Benefits of Tumeric

• Boil Drawing Salve
• Black Drawing Salve
• Black and Blue Cohosh to Induce Labor
• Homemade Herbal Hair Dye
• List of 40 Spices

• Health Benefits of Tea
• Benefits of Acai
• Cranberries: Health Benefits
• Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice
• Health Benefits of Ginger