The berries grow near the top of the tree. In order to get to the berries, an agile and able person climbs the trees and brings down the berries that are ripe. They get the berries down by cutting off branches laden with berries. Then, the acai berries are stripped from the branches.

The ripe acai berries are easily bruised and so, during the harvesting process, extreme care must be taken with them. In addition, once removed from the tree, they begin to decompose quickly. Within one day, the berries are no longer usable. To counteract this, the people who pick the berries rush them to a factory that processes the berries. Once the berries have been processed, they can be stored for a much longer time and are no longer in danger of rotting.

The harvest process remains important for indigenous people, who have expertise and knowledge regarding the acai date palm and the acai berries. The natives know where it grows, where it grows best, and how to harvest the berries efficiently. The acai harvest retains much of their local culture and provides jobs for those living in the area. Also, the way in which the acai berry is harvested is recommended by Greenpeace, who considers it a sustainable way for natives to earn a living.

The most commonly reported side effect associated with the Acai Berry is a decreased appetite. This may not be a problem for those who are on an Acai diet to lose weight, but those who have problems gaining weight and keeping it on may not welcome a decrease in appetite. This effect is largely anecdotal among users; there has actually been little scientific proof that the Acai Berry significantly decreased one’s appetite. Besides, you would have to eat a lot of Acai Berries to notice any decrease in appetite. Because the Acai Berry is so high in fiber, some users have reported having diarrhea while on a diet heavy in Acai Berries and Acai Berry supplements.

It is also entirely possible to be allergic to Acai Berries, as any supplements that you might buy will be food-based products. Naturally, this varies from person to person. If you have any concerns about possible allergic reactions that you may have to Acai Berries, consult a doctor or nutritionist before using any Acai-based products.

Acai berries also have high levels of phytonutrients. These are nutrients found in many types of fruits and vegetables, but not nearly in the concentration found in Acai berries. Phytonutrients act as antioxidants, are able to boost the immune system and are suspected to help detoxify the body.

Acai berries also contain many healthy vitamins, amino acids and some minerals. Unfortunately, as with many naturally healthy foods, the powerful effects of the Acai berry begin to diminish after they are picked. This is why Monavie has created a very special way to harvest and process the berries in order to preserve all of their beneficial qualities.

The process starts in South America. Here Monavie employs skilled local citizens who are able to climb to the top of the tall Acai palm trees and, with their bare hands, take down the berry pods. Once on the ground the large bundles are stripped of their berries by hand and loaded onto a boat where they are quickly transported to a refinery. This is a very eco-friendly process that helps to ensure that the Acai palms are not over harvested and that the local people are fairly compensated for their work.

The refining process uses a special, secret freeze drying process to draw out the nutrients of the Acai berries. When the powder is then reunited with the pulp of the berries, the full nutritional value is restored. This liquid is then strained and bottled.

What the MonaVie Pulse does is deliver a supply of plant sterol to the body. When a body ingests plant sterols is will absorb less cholesterol because the plant sterols will compete with the cholesterol to be absorbed. A person who ingests at least 0.8 grams of plant sterols may reduce the risk of heart disease. The MonaVie Pulse provides a supply of 0.8 grams of plant sterols in two servings. This drink has been clinically shown to reduce levels of cholesterol.

With the inclusion of plant sterols, this health juice also contains a various amounts of different antioxidant rich fruits. There is an antioxidant capacity of thirteen different servings of fruits and vegetables in just four ounces of MonaVie Pulse. Each has been chosen for their ability to support the cardiovascular system. Some of these fruits includes the superfruit acai, blueberries, grapes, pineapples, apples, cherries, cranberries, strawberries, pomegranate, and prickly bear. Each has an incredible amount of different antioxidants that will not only increase heart health but also increase over health in a person. It is also fortified with beneficial fiber and key vitamins such as A,C, and E.

Other benefits of this drink include the featuring of resveratrol. This promotes the protection of healthy blood vessels. The MonaVie Pulse also fights against things such as oxidative damage and aging. A person will only need to drink a glass a day to maintain their overall health.

This drink is not only beneficial it is elegantly packaged. From afar it looks like a high end wine bottle. The labeling is intricate and well placed to provide a very classy aesthetic making it a great gift for any occasion.

Though the MonaVie Pulse is mainly for cardiovascular health, it really does promote general health as well. This delicious drink will provide beneficial nutrients to support and defend against the number one leading cause of death in the United States.

A woman has to be very cautious about her lifestyle and food habits during pregnancy. If she is a smoker, alcoholic or addicted to substance abuse she has to quit the habits. Her body has to be detoxified and acai berry with high content of antioxidants will give best results without any side effects.

The developing fetus inside the womb of a pregnant lady is provided nutritional requirements and oxygen through a structure called the placenta. Food consumed is converted to glucose and utilized by the body for its metabolism. During this process certain chemicals called free radicals are produced that might cause calcification of the placenta and oxidative stress in pregnant women.

Acai berry has abundant antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavonoids that neutralize the free radicals and prevent unwarranted effects on the health of a pregnant lady or the developing fetus. Acai berry is known to prevent nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Doctors routinely prescribe iron and folic acid supplements to pregnant women. Acai berry has lot of iron and folic acid content and therefore the freeze dried fruit in its purest form can be consumed for optimum benefit.

Due to the pressure exerted by the growing fetus on the abdomen pregnant women suffer from constipation. Acai berry will readily relieve constipation due to its high fiber content.

Acai berry has numerous vitamins. If pregnant women consume acai berry it will relieve the cramps and ankle edema that is common during pregnancy.

Omega three fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats are present in abundance in acai berry and they should be consumed regularly by pregnant women. Antioxidant content measured in terms of ORAC is highest in acai berry than in any other fruit in the world.  Therefore regular consumption during pregnancy rids the blood of its toxins and improves the blood circulation.

After pregnancy most women tend to gain weight. The excess weight can be reduced by taking organic acai berry that boosts energy, burns fat and increases stamina by speeding up the metabolism. There are no known side effects till date from using acai berry during pregnancy but it would be better to consult a medical practitioner before starting consumption.

References

1)    http://ezinearticles.com/?Is-Acai-Berry-Safe-During-Pregnancy?&id=2156003
2)    http://ezinearticles.com/?Acai-Berry-and-Being-Pregnant—Is-This-Diet-Best-For-Those-Carrying-a-Baby?&id=1862255
3)    http://ezinearticles.com/?Taking-Care-of-You-and-Baby—Are-Acai-Berries-Safe-For-Pregnant-Women?&id=2138442

The various indigenous tribes that inhabit the thick rainforests in the Amazon River basin are one such group of people. Very little was known about them and their culture, food habits and lifestyle till the Spanish explorers first set foot here about five centuries ago. In the later part of the twentieth century as means of communication and technology made distance irrelevant word spread about the healthy lives led by these tribes.

The secret of their healthy and long lives has been attributed to the food that they consume. Acai berry is a major constituent of their diet. The acai berry is a grape shaped dark purple colored fruit that has a large seed surrounded by pulp.

Sexual performance cannot be perfectly defined. Generally, it is considered to be having a healthy sex drive and achieving sexual fulfillment through intercourse. In males this boils down to achieving an erection, sustaining it long enough through the intercourse and culminating in ejaculation.

Female sexual performance can be assessed by the libido levels, arousal and orgasm. A healthy body, calm and peaceful mind and conducive environment are very essential to ensure good sexual performance.

Acai berry has a high quantity of antioxidants and omega three fatty acids in addition to fiber, iron, vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals circulating in the body and fight cancer cells. The omega three fatty acids increase the good cholesterol content in the body ensuring a healthy heart.

A normal, healthy individual will have a good sex drive and perform satisfactorily in sexual intercourse. The sexual performance can be affected due to diabetes, cancer, hypertension, neurological problems, hormonal disorders or other medical conditions. Marital discord, work-stress, drug abuse, smoking, alcoholism or other psychological problems also negatively affect the sexual performance.

Acai berry has various beneficial phytochemicals that increase the testosterone levels, balance the adrenal glands in humans and fight various diseases. Due to this there is a boost in energy and endurance levels and increase in stamina. This overall well being translates naturally into good sexual performance that gives both physical and mental fulfillment.

The indigenous tribes of the Amazon have been consuming the acai berry for centuries. It is their major source of protein. There are marketers who would like you to believe that there is no upper limit for consumption of acai berry as there are no side effects. Though till date there have been no reported side effects due to consumption of acai berry in pure form common sense dictates that anything in excess could be detrimental.

The quantity of acai berry to be taken daily is determined by the purpose of consumption. If you are sick or recuperating after a major surgery or illness you might have to take large quantities of acai berry to fight off infections and boost immunity levels.

If you are healthy and would like to boost your energy levels and enhance stamina then a moderate dosage would suffice. People looking to cut down flab and reduce weight might have to consume slightly more in addition to regular exercise and a balanced diet.

The whole fruit or pure acai berry juice can be taken three to four times a day along with regular meals. Five servings daily totaling 1000 mg is recommended by some healthcare professionals. However, most people concur with the view that two to four ounces of acai berry juice daily is optimal.

If you are allergic to fruit or suffer from asthma or any other medical conditions then you should consult your doctor before consuming acai berry for the optimal dosage. Some acai berry supplements use caffeine, sodium or other additives. Check the label of the product you are purchasing to know the ingredients as caffeine could be addictive and certain additives might cause allergies.

Excessive consumption of acai berry can cause dyspepsia and diarrhea. It also gives an acidic taste to the mouth due to the vitamin C and vitamin E present in it.

The optimum dosage of acai berry daily could be anywhere between 1000 mg to 4000mg. It is recommended that pure concentrated acai berry be consumed rather than blended versions for best effect.

The antioxidants have the property of destroying the dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new cells. It is however not very easy to extract the berry, but once successfully extracted, it can do wonders to your health and skin! The acai berry reduces the level of free radicals, thus reducing wrinkles, spots and acne. The antioxidants present in the acai berry is considered to be insufficient for the body, hence in order to get enough of antioxidants from the berry, acai products that are frozen is the best resort. These antioxidants are helpful as they contain phytochemicals that slow the aging process.

The berry also contains Omega 6 and Omega 9; the two fatty acids that help reduce cholesterol and restore damaged skin. The berry can be consumed in drinks such as smoothies and sorbets. One of the prime manufactures of edible products containing the acai berry is Sambazon, helping people include the berry in their daily diet.  For those who do not wish to consume the berry in drinks or food items, can turn to various skincare treatments such as facial masks. This is prepared by crushing the berry and applying it directly to the skin.

The famous talk show host, Oprah Winfrey has to be given credit for popularizing the berry and its benefits. After her show on the berry, a number of different acai products have reached the shelves in stores in America. The popularity of the berry is thriving in the US in a number of beauty conscious states like California. A lot of people are turning to the products that contain the berry to pamper themselves and receive its antioxidant benefits at the same time.

The acai berry is rightfully referred to as the super berry as it is far more beneficial than some of  the super fruits like pomegranate, blueberries and grapes, to mention a few. The acai berry helps us to forget our skin problems giving us greater confidence to hold our heads high!

The fatty acid present in this berry is similar to that of olive oil and is extremely rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Omega 3 and Omega 6 acids are the EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) that the body cannot make and so should be derived from food. Oleic acid facilitates omega 3 oils to seep in through the cell membrane making them supple. It is instrumental in making the hormones, insulin receptors and neurotransmitter function effectively. It prevents the high levels of insulin from reaching an inflammatory state thereby delaying the process of aging.

The presence of EFAs in acai berry helps in myriad other ways. Lack of these nutrients could result in skin rashes, infertility, risk of infection and retarded growth. Acai helps in effective functioning of the brain and in physical development. Children who have attention deficit disorder are likely to lack the omega 3 acids which can be considerably supplemented by the acai. Research shows that dehydration of the mouth and eye and certain types of arthritis occur due to lack of omega 3 acids.

Yet another very common health issue, especially in women, is osteoporosis. Increasing the intake of omega 3 acids has been identified to improve the bone density. These fatty acids also improve levels of calcium and help in developing a stronger bone structure. Studies have also shown that menopausal symptoms and PMS have considerably improved by consuming omega 3 acids adequately.

There are many foods that could provide these nutrients at varying levels. The acai berry is a wonderful natural source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. These EFAs also help in lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and maintaining HDL (good cholesterol). The berry also improves the rate of metabolism and prevents hunger pangs thereby aiding weight loss. The presence of healthy fats and dietary fiber helps in promoting digestive and cardiovascular health. There are numerous benefits of EFAs that can be derived from consumption of the acai berry.

These berries are found atop Acai palm trees, often referred to as the ‘Tree of life ‘, that grow in the dense Amazon rainforests of South and Central America. Harvesting them can be a very tough job due to their fragility. Since they are found only at the top of the trees, harvesters have to carefully climb and pick them before the pulp can be extracted from them for further processing. They are extremely rich in fatty content hence when once picked, their potential benefits last for just about a day. The berry gets rancid and loses its nutritional contents after that. Owing to this, the acai pulp is freeze dried and frozen before it can be shipped to other locations for further use.

Acai berry offers a vast range of benefits. Effective weight loss, strengthening the immune system, boosting energy levels, improving blood circulation, flushing out toxins from the body’s system and the list goes on. Acai Berry has the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) amongst the fruits of its category which makes it the most effective in fighting the damages caused by free radicals in daily life. Its antioxidant content is said to be unsurpassable, more than any other fruit in the world.

A 100 gm extract of acai pulp contains 52.2 gm of Carbohydrates, 8.1 gm of Proteins and 32.5 gm of fat. Of the Carbohydrate part, 44.2 gm is Fiber, which is known to be excellent for the digestive system and helps in keeping the blood sugar levels low. It has also been scientifically discovered and proved that Acai berry contains up to 19 different types of amino acids, which help in body metabolism and protein building and a high level of Omega 3,6, and 9 fats all of which acts as appetite suppressants.

Acai berry is even under study for its potential ability to fight cancer cells and is also known to slow down premature ageing, rejuvenate skin, increase libido and many more amongst other benefits. Without a thought, the benefits offered by this ‘Superfruit’ from the Amazon are unrivaled.

References:

http://www.best-home-remedies.com/review/acai-berry/index.html

http://hubpages.com/hub/Acai-Juice—The-Straight-Facts

http://www.ayurvedic-medicines.com/acai-berry/acai-berry.html