The acai berry, native to Central and South America, is considered a super food. The berry originates from the acai palm tree in the Amazon rain forest. It is an inch long, reddish purple fruit that is related to the cranberry, blueberry, strawberry and other dark fruits. Within the Central and South American culture, the acai berry is often used to prepare food. It is commonly used to flavor meat and fish dishes or squeezed into a pulp and layered atop food.
This berry has been deemed a super food due to its anti-aging and weight loss properties. The acai berry is filled with antioxidants. The acai pulp has the highest antioxidant concentration of any other dark fruit. It is thought to help prevent diseases caused by stress such as cancer and heart disease. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants may interfere with the aging process and disease because the berry neutralizes free radicals.
The acai berry contains other healthful properties as well. Omega fats, amino acids, electrolytes, proteins and vitamins all give this berry its versatility as a super food. Acai oil is used as one of the ingredients in beauty products. Even when the cosmetics are pressed and stored for a while, the antioxidant content remains high. Anthocyanines and flavanoids are powerful antioxidants that give the red, blue and purple hue to fruits.
The acai berry has become mainstream in American society. It has been found in Vitamin Water, different juices, Jelly Belly beans and even in Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Other benefits of this berry are that it clears the digestive track, improves eyesight, increases energy and other factors.
Most people are searching for a way to build their immune systems. Without a strong immune system, the slightest cold could cause despair. A diet rich with with the acai berry is known to support and strengthen the immune system.
Many do get the proper amount of nutrition to lead a healthful life, but why stop there? If we study the ways the people of Central and South America have utilized the acai berry, we may learn more about our health.
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