Anyone who is interested in health supplements has likely seen a thousand different people all asking, “What is the acai berry?” Whether they heard about it from celebrities on television or saw some capsules in a health food store, this little berry has exploding onto the U.S. market. And with good reason. The acai berry (pronounced ah-sah-EE) is gaining attention because of its profound potential health benefits. But what exactly is this newcomer to the health food scene? And what does it have in store for you?

Where did this berry come from?

The acai berry is a fruit the size of a grape, produced from acai palm trees which only grow in certain parts of Central and South America. The edible part of acai is the pulp which is only about 25% of the whole fruit; the rest is a large seed. Acai berries are harvested twice every year and make up for about 40% of the diet of the locals living in these areas. Despite the fruit’s rich nutrients however, it was only known to the rest of the world until a few years ago as the acai berry spoils quickly, making it impossible to transport fresh acai to other countries.

What makes it so good for you?

While Americans may just be getting news of the acai berry, the health benefits have been long prized by native Brazilians. They have used it to treat a wide range of sicknesses. Here in the United States, we have found uses for the acai berry as a health supplement rather than a treatment for ailments. Rich in antioxidants, it may help fight problems brought on by free radicals, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and certain cancers. Acai berries also contain every day nutrients and vitamins important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While many other fruits also contain these nutrients, these berries contain them in greater quantity and concentration.

Are there any downsides?

There are negative to every good thing. However, with the acai berry, the negative aspects don’t come from the fruit itself, but rather from the way it is processed. Some companies process the seed as well as the fruit. While the seed is harmless, it also lacks the nutrition of the fruit, meaning you are getting 80% less nutrition from your product. Some products are also spray-dried which involves adding maltodextrin and removes most of the nutritional value of the fruit.

Acai is arguably one of the healthiest fruits known today. It’s a shame that we can’t have fresh acai available at the downtown fruit store but the good news is pure acai that contains all the healthy nutrients of the fresh berry can be found in high-quality supplements. You just have to make sure that what you’re getting is 100% authentic acai and not some inferior imitation. So the next time someone asks, “What is the acai berry?” you can always tell him it’s one of nature’s best gifts to man.

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