by Samantha J. Adkins

Created on: May 18, 2009   Last Updated: May 22, 2009

Just like pomegranate a few years ago and oat bran a few years before that, suddenly Acai Berry is found in everything from tea to juice to supplements. If you haven't tried it yet or maybe if you just want to know more about what you are eating or drinking, here are some facts about the acai berry.

History

The acai berry only can only be found in the Amazon River region. It grows high in a palm tree and has been eaten by people in the Amazon for centuries. In fact, locals who harvest the acai berry in the Amazon get as much as 42% of their food intake in the form of raw berries. However, the berry is only harvested twice a year and spoils within 24 hours, so this 42% would only occur during a short time of the year. The acai berry available in North America, therefore, is either freeze-dried or frozen pulp. It is very important, then, to make sure you are getting a quality acai product to get the most health benefits.

What is it?

The acai berry consists mostly of a large seed and a small amount of fruit, but that fruit packs a punch. The acai berry has very strong antioxidant properties, when served fresh and pure. The USDA has rated the acai berry at 500 - 1000% higher in antioxidant activity than all other fruits and vegetables. Acai berry is available in many forms in North America, but caution must be used to obtain a quality product. It is recommended that a first time buyer begin at a trustworthy natural food store to find a product that is well-preserved and high in acai berry content. A person can also buy acai berry through a respectable on-line site, but care and research should be taken so that a person is not signed up for expensive, on-going obligations and that the product is good.

Who benefits most from acai berry?

Acai berry has many healthful properties that can be enjoyed by all people. As it is a relatively new product to North America, much is still unknown about acai and care should be taken to ensure a person is not allergic to acai before purchasing large qualities. It is also advisable to consult a doctor if you are considering acai to make sure there are no hazards in mixing acai with current medications.

The known benefits of acai are available to us via Dr. Schauss, who now works for the MonaVie brand of acai berry. However, much of his research was conducted before he worked for MonaVie, and so is reliable. He found that acai berry is very high in protein content, higher in fact than an egg. Many forms of

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