There are probably only a few people who haven’t heard about the acai berry and its many health benefits. It has existed for centuries primarily in the Amazon rainforest, and became known in the western world in the 1990’s. It was used by the tribes of the rainforest as a treatment for many illnesses.
The acai palm is from a group of seven palms found in Central and South America. The actual family of palms contains about 1200 species. It grows to about 15 to 25 m in height and can be found mostly in wetlands and floodplains.
When acai berries are harvested, it is made into pulp which must be frozen quickly to preserve its nutritional content. It has been found that acai berries have a higher antioxidant content than grapes. Grapes are known to have extremely high levels of antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the body’s cells from free radicals, which can cause various types of cancer.
Acai berries also contain anthocyanins, which are also found in red wine. Not only does acai contain higher levels of these substances, but they also pose none of the dangers of alcohol use.
Looking to add more fiber to your diet? Acai berries are a great source of fiber, and have been found to have high levels of protein as well. The berries also promote heart health, with omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. It is well-known that acai berries can reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.
Other benefits of acai berries are: enhanced sexual function, increased concentration, higher energy levels, improved circulation, and combating sleeplessness. They also have detoxifying properties, and have been known to help people suffering from diabetes.
It can be agreed that very few foods can offer the vast array of health benefits of the acai berry. Now a mass produced product in Brazil, it can be found in various products.
It is important to note that acai palms are grown organically, without the use of chemicals or pesticides. The leaves of the plant are woven into hats, baskets, and mats and used as thatch for roofs. Check your local health food store or supermarket to see which acai products they carry. Remember that not all these products are created equal, so you may want to check the labels or do some research before buying.
Recommended Products
- Acai Blush by Dr. James Chappell & QCI Health Products, LLC - 60 Vegetarian Capsules
- Acai 100 100% Acai Juice Supplement by Genesis Today - 32oz.
- Amazon Thunder Acai Fruit Concentrate by Amazon Thunder Inc. - 32oz.
- By: Kasey
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