The acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berry is found in Brazil and is harvested from the rain forest in the Amazon. The berry is used in a number of products sold as nutritional supplements. Within this berry there are many health nutrients that have been said to do everything from make you younger to help you lose weight, but all the facts about acai berry are not yet complete.
Health Benefits
Acai has a similar fatty acid content to that of olive oil and is also rich in the healthy omega fats as those found in fish. It contains antioxidants like those in red wine.
Amino acids in acai berries contribute to its protein content. These nutrients improve heart health, help ease inflammation, and can delay aging and benefit overall health, says Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a dermatologist who frequently appears on the Oprah show.
Products
Acai tastes like a mixture of berries and chocolate so it works well in a number of products, including antioxidant capsules, weight loss pills, energy drinks, body cleanse tablets and vitamin waters. It is also sold in powder form so it can be added to smoothies and food to increase the nutritional value of those products.
Harvesting
Even though acai grow wild all over the Amazon, harvesting acai berries is not easy. The acai palm is at least 40 feet high and farmers must climb up to bring down the branches.
The berries are then soaked in water. Once the berries are softer, the pulp is removed from the seed and is analyzed for nutritional value. If deemed safe and full of nutrients, the pulp is pasteurized. The acai is then packaged and sent out.
Ecological Income
The profits from farming acai berry are important to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil where it is harvested. It is a vital source of income for that area and may prove instrumental in helping the area's economic deficit.
Acai berries are actually the only non-wood product that earns income from the Amazon Rainforest, and some of money earned goes back to preserving the land.
Considerations
Acai is used in many products with claims of improving your health and helping you lose weight. The berry has antioxidants, fatty acids and some protein, the same as many other fruits.
There has yet to be any proof that acai berries have an effect on weight loss, though the berries been touted as a diet product. Acai is a beneficial fruit for your health, just like blueberries, red wine grapes and pomegranates. But beware of any website that claims miraculous benefits. See the ABC News reference below for further warnings.
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