Until
recently, the acai berry was little known, but times are beginning
to change. Today more and more people are discovering the health
enhancing power of this antioxidant-rich berry from the Amazon.
The
acai berry is a dark purple berry that is rich in nutrients, including
antioxidant vitamins. The acai berry grows naturally on the top
of certain palm trees found in the rain forests of Brazil and the
Amazon. The fruit is harvested in the wild by local farmers and
then frozen to preserve its nutritional value.
Acai
berries contain high concentrations of anthocyanins -- the same
substance thought to give red wine its many health benefits. The
acai berry also contains large amounts of protein and fiber, as
well as healthy omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.
It's
not hard to see why the acai berry and its fruit pulp has been gaining
popularity. You always hear health-conscious individuals talking
about things like antioxidants, protein, fiber, and fatty acids,
and the little acai berry contains a ready source of all of them.
You
don't have to go on safari to purchase acai berries and their juice.
Health food stores, whole food retailers, and online outlets sell
acai berries in different forms, including fresh frozen juice made
from the berry's rich pulp. As the acai berry grows in popularity,
it won't be surprising seeing traditional grocery stores carrying
the exotic fruit in the future. But until the acai berry appears
on Oprah, you can find it regularly at specialty and organic grocery
stores.
When
shopping for acai berry products, be sure that the acai berry is
wild harvested and quickly frozen to retain its maximum nutrient
value. Products that have sat on the shelf too long or were packaged
improperly will lose a significant portion of their health benefits.
Disclaimer:
Throughout this website, statements are made pertaining to the properties and/or
functions of food and/or nutritional products. These statements have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and these materials and products
are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.