The Acai berry has recently become popular as an effective dietary addition and part of weight loss programs. The berry by itself is side effect free, however caution should be used if the acai product also contains guarana.
Guarana, another Amazon Rainforest “wonder plant” is a syrup, known for its stimulant and appetite suppressant properties. Because it contains caffeine, those prone to caffeine sensitivities should avoid acai products that are mixed with guarana.
Due to popular demand, large companies in the United States and other countries are now importing the acai berry from the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil. The resulting products are wide ranging, tapping into the expensive juice, smoothie and supplement market.
Fortunately, the destruction of trees is not necessary, because twice a year the acai palm produces hundreds of tiny, purple berries, so growth is actually encouraged. Aside from a valuable export crop the acai berry continues to be a large part of the traditional native diet.
The acai berry can be an effective weight loss aid when combined with exercise and a sensible diet. Inherent in this berry is a natural combination of antioxidants, amino acids, phytosterols and essential fatty acids. These all work together helping to process food easier, burning fat more efficiently, promoting better overall health in general.
Because the levels of antioxidants in the acai berry are so high, large meals comprising of the pulp, are routinely eaten by Brazilian soccer players before a game. It is known to increase energy and stamina, providing an excellent source of carbohydrates. The amino acids combined with the fatty acids help with muscle growth due to the efficient fat burning properties.
It seems like everyone and their mom are talking about the acai berry these days. Find out what news outlets and talk shows are saying below.
‘Miracle’ Berries Can Help You Live Longer (ABC News)
“There’s a miracle berry that can help you live longer and healthier and chances are you’ve never heard of it. It’s called acai and it could help you ward off cancer, protect your heart, even prevent Alzheimer’s disease, according to some research.”
Current research shows that huge levels of antioxidants are found in the acai berry. Using the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity score (ORAC) a method devised by the USDA, the acai berry scores ranked as high, if not higher, than the more commonly known antioxidants.
Estimations have revealed that globally 80-90 percent of the population does not consume anywhere near the recommended levels of antioxidants needed to fight free radicals. These are invasive molecules caused by pollutants such as pesticides and cigarette smoke.
It seems as if the acai berry has taken the United States by storm. This wonderful berry has been mentioned and showcased on many different news broadcasts, and talk shows. Below are a few clips to give you a good idea of what the media and news outlets are saying.
NBC’s Matt Laurer – Acai In The Amazon
Matt Laurer, reporter for NBC, finds out about the energy benefits of the acai berry, as well as it’s libido-boosting qualities.
Recent media coverage showcasing the amazing health benefits of the acai berry has piqued the interest of more and more health conscious Americans. TV shows like Oprah presented scientific evidence promoting the acai berry’s exciting health benefits. It is now extremely popular in juices and smoothies.
The acai berry is relatively new to the western world but has been used for centuries by natives of the Amazon. They call it the “fruit that cries,” locally known as “ica-ica.” It has a long history of use by native healers for curing common ailments and there is even a legend that explains the origin of the berry’s name.
The acai berry has been well known for years in Brazil, but it is only recently become popular in America. Scientists, nutritionists and countless media outlets are all espousing the health benefits of its superior nutritional content.
The fruit is only 10 percent of the actual berry with the other 90 percent made up of the seed or pit. When the pulp is separated from the seed a thick edible puree is produced.
The Wall Street Journal published an article stating that in health bars all over the country, the acai berry is replacing wheatgrass as the beverage of choice. It has become the newest addition to weight loss regiments with scientific evidence proving that several key ingredients in the acai berry suppress the appetite, build muscle tone and raise metabolism.
Why, what, how? Acai queries are answered here, quick, short and to the point. If you haven’t found your question answered on another page, you should be able to find it here.
What is the acai berry?
Grape sized, small, with high concentrations of antioxidants, omega fatty acids and fiber. Acknowledged through research to be possibly the new superfood of the world.
Why is the acai berry good for you?
The acai berry, aside from its nutritional value contains high levels of antioxidants known to protect cells from free radical damage that cause many diseases including cancer.
The acai berry contains powerful antioxidants that work as an anti-bacterial and ant-viral agent. Combined with essential fatty acids this combination has been scientifically proven to boost the immune system.
Pollutants, pesticides and cigarette smoke are full of free radicals causing diseases by attacking cells in the body, and can even damage DNA. The high antioxidant content of the acai berry strengthens cells, helping to fight off these free radicals. Encouraging new research can be found on the Acai and Cancer page.
The acai berry taken on a regular basis aids the immune system in fighting off disease and infection. Studies show large increases in stamina and energy. This has been known for years in Brazil where professional soccer players and Jiu-jitsu fighters routinely eat large meals containing acai berries before competitions.