Brazilian Berry
Acai
The Brazilian berry
acai
is
the fruit from the acai palm (Euterpe
oleracea). Pronounced ah-sigh-ee, the acai berry is described as a
round, grape-sized fruit, black or purple in color, which contains a
large pit that makes up more of the berry than the fruit itself. The
palm is native to the rainforests of Central and South America in the
Amazon basin, but mainly harvested in and around Brazil. Acai is fast
becoming one of the most popular dietary supplements of the decade. And
there is good reason for this. Brazilians have been extolling the
virtues of acai for hundreds of years. Research is beginning to reveal
the multitude of health benefits that are packed into this little berry.
Get
Real Facts Brazilian Berry Acai
Low
in calories, high in fiber, the fruit from the Brazilian berry
acai is brimming with important nutrients. Studies have proven that the
antioxidants in acai – anthocyanins and flavinoids
– are important weapons against free radicals and the damage
they can wreak on the human body. Ounce for ounce, you will have a hard
time finding a better source of antioxidants. Unsaturated Omega 3,
Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids make this superfood one that is hard to
beat.
Brazilian Berry
Acai - What You Should Know
Much
of the berry is made up of the seed (or pit), but just around the pit
is a lovely skin and flesh that many find delicious. The fruit is
harvested, the skin and pulp are separated from the pits, then
processed into a puree. Because fresh Brazilian berry acai
spoils quickly once picked, it is not available outside of Brazil. In
the US, acai is readily available as a frozen puree, juice and powder.
Although levels vary, each form remains excellent sources of the
antioxidants and Omega fatty acids that acai is famous for.
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