Acai Super Fruit from the Amazon Now Available in the West

The South American acai berry is a small, round fruit, not so unlike our purple grapes. They grow deep in the Amazon rain forests and natives climb the tall trees to harvest these delicate berries by hand.

The berries taste is absolutely delicious; a delicate blend of mixed berries and dark chocolate. Acai berries are only an inch or so in size with little pulp to the berries since the seeds are large and account for the majority of the fruit. The Caboclo peoples of the Brazilian Amazon have long enjoyed the health benefits of this fruit.

This one berry amazingly accounts for almost 50% of many natives’ dietary intake. The Acai has gained a reputation as being a miniature super fruit. This stems from the fact that it is capable of providing people with great levels of energy and promoting health and overall strength in those who consume it. Some people also believe that it helps to control weight. Native people consider these super berries to give users strong hearts, clear minds and long lives.

The acai juice and pulp have been used in juice blends and other drinks throughout Peru and Brazil, but have only recently become available in Western countries. People in Brazil eat the fruit fresh but they also share the mashed fruit after it is mixed with tapioca, sugar, and honey. It can even be mixed with granola and added to ice cream. Numerous reports have been carried out in South America with results confirmed by others. These reports document the superior energy that people enjoy when they eat or drink something containing acai berries.

Acai berries contain a remarkable amount of healthy fats, and it’s for this reason they are a incredibly perishable food. Because of this in Western countries acai is enjoyed in yogurts, juices and a healthy energy drink. It’s available as fruit pulp frozen or as a freeze-dried powder. To eat the actual fruit of the berry requires you to be in close proximity to where it was harvested.

The fruit contains anthocyanins and resveratrol and studies have shown it to have several benefits to the human body. One of these benefits is that antioxidant levels in the bloodstream increase significantly within 2 hours of drinking a product containing acai pulp or juice. This increase of antioxidants in the bloodstream heightens the body’s ability to fight free radicals that attack cells.

There are also ongoing studies that suggest that this fruit is good for the heart and blood circulation. Other studies are showing great promise that active ingredients in the berry may even be useful for fighting certain cancers.

For Australians and others throughout the world who live fast paced lives, acai fruit not only provides a reservoir of energy but a whole host of other health benefits for them.

The energy levels and endurance experienced have turned a number of high profile sporting figures into serious proponents of the acai berry. People living athletic lives such as runners, swimmers and others who enjoy the outdoor life will find this supplement gives them all the energy they need to really enjoy their healthy and active life style.

Last 5 posts by Marcus C. Evans

• The Acia Berry: A Health and Vitality Explosion from the Amazon - March 21st, 2009
• Need a Pick Me Up That's Healthier Than Coffee? - February 25th, 2009
• Finally, a Healthy Alternative to Energy Drinks - February 24th, 2009
• Rare Exotic Berry Provides Secret to Health and Longevity - January 28th, 2009
• Amazonian Nutrition Secrets Revealed At Last! - January 2nd, 2009