What Is Acai Berry Juice?

A palm tree that grows primarily in Brazil, the acai tree thrives in the warmth and humidity of the Amazon rainforests. This palm often grows 50 feet tall or more and has leaves that may measure up to 9 feet long. Like other fruits, the acai's fruit provides certain health benefits, but don't expect it to be a miracle solution for your health problems.

The Facts

The acai palm, or Euterpe oleracea, produces a small, blueberry-sized fruit known as acai berries. Grown and harvested in bunches, acai berries have been consumed by the native inhabitants of Brazil for hundreds of years. Once softened and squeezed, the small purple berries produce a dark, rich juice with a berry taste that has a distinct hint of chocolate, according to Dr. Jonny Bowden, a nationally known nutrition expert and author of the book "The 150 Healthiest Foods in the World."

Features

The high antioxidant content of acai berry juice makes it an attractive beverage option for people looking for a healthy alternative to sodas and other calorie-packed drinks. Antioxidant-rich juices help your body fight free radicals--harmful molecules produced in your body that could contribute to health problems, such as heart disease and cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Bowden states that acai berry juice is also rich in anthocyanins, a specific type of flavonoid known to reduce inflammation and protect other parts of your body, including your blood vessels and nervous system. Other vitamins and minerals found in acai berry juice include vitamins B, C and E, potassium, magnesium and copper.

Considerations

Proponents of acai berry juice proclaim its benefits far and wide, often stating that you can use the juice to improve ailments ranging from arthritis and weight loss to cancer and erectile dysfunction. Dr. Bowden cautions against believing most of these claims, noting that many of the ringing endorsements of acai berry juice come from various companies that sell the juice. That being noted, new studies and research will play a key role in revealing which of these supposed health benefits of acai berry juice are valid and which are nothing more than a marketing boast.

Identification

Look for pure acai berry juice at natural health stores. Although you can drink it by itself, consider mixing it with other juices or beverages to create your own specialty juice or energy drink. Many people also blend it with ice cream or fruit to create nutrient-packed smoothies.

Expert Insight

Katherine Zeratsky, a registered dietician who has worked with the Mayo Clinic since 1999, states that there is limited research examining the claimed health benefits of the acai berry. Zeratsky notes that other fruits also provide the antioxidants and health-boosting nutrients that acai berry possesses. If you're hesitant about trying acai berry juice, consider trying another juice that you're more familiar with, such as cranberry, and make sure the blend you choose is 100 percent juice to maximize the health benefits.