Acai Berry – A Healthy fruit
Posted on 31. Jul, 2010 by admin in MonaVie EMV
The vast basin of Amazon is the habitat for innumerable variety of plants and animals, and acai berry is one of them. The acai palm tree which grows abundantly in South and Central America produces acai berries regarded as the panacea by the West. Acai berries look like any other berries and attain deep purple color when they ripen. They contain a large single seed which constitutes majority of the berry’s weight covered by the fruity pulp. The native Indians of South and Central America have been using these berries for hundreds of years, and only in the last decade, it has caught the attention of health freaks, endorsed by Oprah Winfrey as the number 1 super food.
These berries are mostly found in Brazil, Peru, Columbia, and Venezuela. Acai berries are consumed and used in many ways, starting from the pulp, the seed, and its rind. The fruity pulp can be consumed as fresh juice and added in the preparation of ice creams, jams, and other delicacies. It is found that native Indians use the seeds to treat fever and diarrhea. Its rind is used as a topical remedy for skin ulcers.
What makes these berries unique among variety of treasures of the Amazon rainforest?
Research indicates these berries contain extremely high percentage of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and omega fats, which are the monounsaturated fats. Regular intake of acai berries is found to be extremely beneficial in warding off bacterial infections, losing weight, increasing stamina, and achieving optimum health. Acai berries contain highest level of Anthocyanins which makes them the highest antioxidant fruits in the world. Antioxidants negate the effects of free radicals and help to lose weight by burning unwanted fat. In addition, they are rich in amino acids, plant sterols, vitamins, and fibers. These fruits are considered to be great colon cleansers and detoxifiers.
Acai berries are highly perishable. Being a very high fat content fruit, they are not suitable for storing unless they are frozen and processed. This super food is taking different forms such as freeze-dried acai powder, pills, capsules, juice to meet the demands of customers worldwide.
Acai berries in the purest form is just a very nutritious fruit free of any side effects; however, numerous companies have sprung up to meet the increasing demand claiming to deliver 100% pure acai products. Adding ingredients like sugar, other fruit juices, and other inert substances greatly reduces the health benefits of these berries. To ensure maximum benefits and value for money, acai products need to meet stringent quality standards and come out as a sustainable food source.
