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The medical benefits of the acai berry, as most recently touted by Oprah's pal Dr. Oz, are all over the news. It's amazing to consider how wildly popular the acai berry has become. In fact, despite how often we hear about acai, very few people actually know what acai is. More specifically, most are unclear on exactly what the medical benefits of the acai berry actually are.

The acai berry has some pretty impressive qualities. Let's analyze what is known about the acai berry and try to separate the truth from the hype. What is acai berry? Even if you've heard of acai you still may be a little vague on exactly what acai is. Deep in the Amazon rain forest, a dark purple berry grows in the tops of a certain species of palm tree. The acai berry itself is the size of a grape, and ranges in color from deep purple to black.

The acai palm is also found in Belize and Peru, but most frequently in the floodplains and swamps of the Brazilian rain forest. For centuries, the native peoples of the jungle harvested acai berries as a staple crop. The traditional Caboclo tribes get as much as 40% of their food supply from acai - and because of the incredible nutrition density of acai berries, they stay healthy! The nutritional benefits of acai Acai berries are one of the most nutritious foods known to mankind. Acai berries contain the following:

- Anthocyanins: antioxidants found in brightly-colored fruits and vegetables

- Flavonoids: powerful antioxidants - acai contains twelve flavonoid compounds

- Resveratrol: for a healthy heart

- Omega 3 and 6 oils: great for the cardiovascular system; improves the skin - Amino acids: the raw materials the body uses to create proteins

- Calcium: for strong bones and teeth; vital for proper nervous system function Acai berries are a complete food, containing all the nutrients listed above, along with carbohydrates, fiber, protein and fats.

That's why the Caboclo Indians of Brazil can stay healthy while eating nothing but acai. The medical benefits of acai In the United States, acai berry supplements are promoted for weight loss, as energy boosters, and as a source of antioxidants. There has been very little clinical research to back up the former claims. Virtually all clinical research on the acai berry has focused on its potential as an antioxidant.

To determine the medical benefits of acai, we must turn to Brazil, where acai is much more well-understood and integrated into society. In Brazil, acai is frequently consumed as an energy booster as well

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