ACAI Berry and Nutrition
October 28, 2009 
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ACAI Berry and Nutrition:
The Acai is a berry about which not many people have heard about. Despite being a little berry, the Acai is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods found in the world today. This is a high energy berry that comes from a special Amazon palm tree that is harvested in the rainforests of Brazil.
Acai is a fruit having a short post harvest period, before it tends to deteriorate. That is why Acai is available only as juice fruit pulp outside Brazil. This juice and pulp is used in numerous juice blends, sodas, smoothies and other beverages.
The Acai has a combined taste of a blend of berries and chocolate and is royal purple colored. It is packed with antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Acai may not be available in the local supermarket, but is found in health and gourmet stores, in the juice form. You can also find its unsweetened pulp today which is a great form of acai.
The Acai pulp has a high concentration of antioxidants, about ten times more than red grapes and about thirty times the anthocyanins of red wine. It is these antioxidants that prevent premature aging. Acai also has a synergy of dietary fiber, monounsaturated fats and phytosterols that promote cardiovascular and digestive health. It also has an amino acid complex with trace minerals that induce muscle contraction and regeneration.
Acai has fatty acid content similar to that of olive oil and is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. This oleic acid helps the penetration of the cell membrane by omega-3 fish oils with which it is possible to make cell membranes supple. A supple cell membrane helps in the efficient functioning of hormones, neurotransmitters and insulin receptors. The anti oxidant properties of Acai also helps in the prevention of heart and vascular disease. This is why Acai is used extensively in the production of dietary supplements and other products.
The antioxidants in Acai are known to improve eyesight and to fight and regulate the cholesterol levels in the body. Acai is also important in maintaining the cardiovascular system to promote better blood circulation. These antioxidants are effective in removing free radicals from the body and improving cell growth. With the damaging effects of free radicals removed from the body, the Acai berry boosts the bodys immune system and provides it with protection from free radical damage.
Acai is used extensively as a powder extract, which is its most powerful form. There are also some supplements containing Acai like resveracine. This is a popular supplement for those wishing to lower their cholesterol levels and in improving their cardiovascular health. This is because Acai has fiber content equivalent to 44% of its total fruit mass; making it one of the most fiber rich fruits. Acai also has strong antibacterial properties, to make it useful for using as an astringent. It is because of all these nutrients and properties that Acai berry is considered to be one of the most concentrated forms of fruit nutrients.
