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.

People taking high blood pressure medication have voiced concerns regarding the possible side effects of adding the acai berry to their regiment. Again, as long at it is not mixed with guarana it is completely safe.

Diet pills and weight loss supplements are now containing acai invariably as a minor ingredient but who knows what else? In order to avoid side effects and the ingesting of harmful ingredients, stay with a high quality supplement that contains only acai berry.

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.

Acai dishes are often served in gourds called “cuias.”

A popular way to eat it in southern Brazil is cold, mixed with granola, known as acai na tigela (acai in the bowl”). In the north the preference is mixing it with tapioca, to be served either sweet or salty.

The acai berry is mainly seed surrounded by pulp with the fruit itself only making up 10% of the actual berry. The process of separating the seed from the pulp produces an edible, thick puree. Depending on the destination it can be freeze- dried into powder form, dried, left as pulp or made into juice.

Harvesting the berries is not for those with vertigo issues as the long, skinny trunk can stretch as high as 25 meters into the rainforest canopy. The life span of the berry is only 24 hours so it is vital that the gathering is done quickly and efficiently. Boats, laden with berry filled baskets are usually transported overnight to local towns and processing plants.

The mass production by these small village farmers is shown above, during a trip to Brazil by one of the founders of Innocent Drinks.

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.

The Omega fatty acids found in the acai berry are the same as those of fish oil, olive oil and flaxseed. Because the body cannot produce fatty acids they must be obtained through what we eat. The liver is able to use omega fatty acids in a way that increases the metabolism, instead of just being stored as fat.

Often diets reach that plateau phase, which can be most frustrating and disheartening. Adding some form of acai to a regiment can lend a much-needed boost.

A healthy digestive system requires fiber, found abundantly in the acai berry. Fiber not only cleanses the body by removing fatty foods it also acts as an appetite suppressant giving a feeling of fullness. This helps with cravings and unnecessary snacking.

There has been a certain amount of marketing hype surrounding the acai berry, particularly since its exposure on Oprah when it was purported to produce instant weight loss results. These claims are obviously unrealistic but included as part of a healthy lifestyle it has been scientifically proven to suppress the appetite, boost stamina, help build muscles and energize those work-outs in the gym.

‘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.”

Five Good-For-You Foods That You May Have Never Heard Of (The Today Show)

“Studies show that the acai berry is one of the most nutritious foods in the world…Hidden within its royal purple pigment is the magic that makes it nature’s perfect energy fruit.”

Food For Your Heart (CBS News)

“Acai berries are among the most nutritious foods of the Amazon, rich in B vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Acai berries also contain oleic acid (omega-9), a beneficial fatty acid (often mistakenly referred to as essential).”

Acai – The Number One Superfood (The Oprah Show)

“Studies have shown that this little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world! …Hidden within its royal purple pigment is the magic that makes it nature’s perfect energy fruit. Açaí is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids.”

Superfoods for the New Year (ABC Channel 7)

“The new superstar of super foods, acai (ah-sigh-ee). You’ll be hearing a lot more about this rain forest fruit going forward. Acai is the off the chart for almost everything that kale is, in addition to naturally occurring Omega-3, 6 and 9 oils.”

The Viagra of the Amazon (American Curves Magazine – August 2004)

“The sexual payoffs from eating the fruit are becoming infamous among men-and the women they love… acai is a powerful aphrodisiac. It prepares you for everything physical and puts you in the best possible mental framework.”

Brazilian berry destroys cancer cells in lab, UF study shows (University of Florida)

“A Brazilian berry popular in health food contains antioxidants that destroyed cultured human cancer cells in a recent University of Florida study, one of the first to investigate the fruit’s purported benefits.”

Açaí Replaces Wheatgrass In Blenders at Juice Bars (Wall Street Journal)

“At juice bars and health stores around the country, the hip new taste is açaí, (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) a grape-size, deep-purple berry that grows atop palm trees in the Brazilian jungle.”

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.

Cell damage from free radicals is known to cause cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis, arthritis and even adverse effects on DNA.

Nutritionists and scientists are excited about these new studies proving the acai berry to have unique nutritional benefits and healing properties. Although the acai berry is not proven to cure cancer the data indicates that it at least, because of the extraordinary antioxidant levels, may help fight it.

A University of Florida research study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, estimated that 86 percent of human cancer cells were destroyed by the acai berry.

Assistant Professor, Stephen Talcott reported, “A lot of claims are being made, but most of them haven’t been tested scientifically. We are just beginning to understand the complexity of the acai berry and its health-promoting effects.”

He indicated, “This was only a cell-culture model and we don’t want to give anyone false hope. We are encouraged by the findings, however. Compounds that show good activity against cancer cells in a model system are most likely to have beneficial effects in our bodies.” Further studies will continue on healthy human subjects to show the link between the acai berry and antioxidants.

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.

Fox News – Acai Berry Segment

Fox News chimes in on the recent popularity surge of the acai berry. This videos mentions the University of Florida study about acai berry killing cancer cells in tests.

Innocent Drinks – Acai Berry Trip

One of the founders of Innocent Drinks (healthy fruit smoothies) takes a first-hand trip to Brazil, to showcase how the acai berry is grown and harvested. Quite an interesting story!

Kelly Slater On Acai

Kelly Slater, pro surfer, gives us his insight on the acai berry, and why he’s so stoked to see it becoming popular in the United States.

Dr. Tim in the Brazilian Rainforest

This video shows Dr. Tim, of Dr. Tim’s Juices, traveling to the Brazilian Rain-Forest to get a glimpse at how the acai berry is harvested and manufactured.

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.

Long ago, when food was scarce Itaki, chief of an Indian tribe, ordered the sacrifice of all newborn children. Tragically, when his daughter whose name was Iaca, gave birth, no exceptions were made. One night, under a full moon, after mourning for many days and nights, she heard the sound of a crying child.

She ran to her daughter, and held her close next to a beautiful palm tree laden with dark purple fruit.

The dead body of Iaca was found the next morning. Her eyes were staring up to the top of the palm tree and her arms were wrapped around the trunk. Chief Itaki immediately ordered the tribe to gather the fruit. Not only did it satisfy their hunger they experienced a renewed energy.

Itaki announced that newborn babies would no longer be sacrificed and decreed that this fruit would henceforth be called acai, the name of his daughter Iaca, spelled backwards.

The acai berry although discovered and grown in the Amazon Rainforest, gained popularity, thousands of miles away in Rio de Janeiro. The world- renowned Brazilian soccer teams began using the acai frozen pulp mixed with guarana as an energy booster. The famous Gracie Jiu-Jitsu family also began utilizing it before workouts. Today, part of a typical modern Brazilian breakfast includes acai.

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.

This newfound popularity of the acai berry has been reinforced by best-selling author, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, in his book “The Perricone Promise.” He is known for his anti-aging expertise and in appearances on TV shows such as Oprah even declared it the “#1 super food in the world.”

This may seem like an exaggeration but research studies are revealing that this tiny berry is actually packed with extraordinary amounts of antioxidants. The acai berry is now credited with containing the most optimal nutritional value of any known fruit.

The acai berry (pronounced “ah-sigh-ee”) grows in the Amazon Rainforest. Grape sized and small, the berry has been harvested by natives and used as part of their diet for centuries. Unlike some sources of antioxidants the acai berry actually has a delicious taste that has been described as a blend of berries and chocolate.

Skeptics may well consider the acai berry as being too good to be true and in some ways this is an accurate assumption. Because they are extremely perishable and spoil within a day of being picked they are not freshly available in our local grocery stores.

Conversely, profitable opportunities abound now for large companies to process and package it in bottle form. Products should be purchased with caution as some are produced in such a way that there is little left of the nutritional qualities of fresh acai.

Quality is vital for the acai berry to maintain effective levels of antioxidants so the body can benefit in the following ways:

• Immune system support
• Improves digestion
• Fights aging and inflammation
• Protects against cancer and disease
• Lowers blood pressure
• Aids weight loss
• Increases libido
• Increase energy and stamina
• Reduces pain and soreness
• Promotes healthy sleep

The USDA has devised a method of measuring antioxidant levels in different foods. It is called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. (ORAC) The list above shows the multi-benefits of the acai berry that other fruits do not possess. Information on this site will continue to impart all aspects of acai studies and research.

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.

What are the benefits of consuming the acai berry?

Individual results vary but research shows:

• Improves immune system
• Increases stamina, energy and vitality
• Reduces pain and soreness
• Aids insomnia
• Improves concentration
• Increases libido

What are the origins of the acai berry?

The acai berry is grown in the Amazon Rainforest.

Why is the acai berry considered to be the #1 superfood?

The acai berry contains higher levels of antioxidants than most fruits with perfect amounts of iron, amino acids, monounsaturated fats and fiber.

Is the acai berry a scam?

The health benefits of the acai berry are scientifically proven. However caution is advised when choosing a product.

Does the acai berry improve sex drive?

On a recent trip to the Amazon, NBC’s Matt Laurer, after sampling an acai drink was informed they called it “Amazon Rainforest Viagra.” The acai berry not only increases energy and stamina it enhances sexual response.

Does the acai berry decrease cancer risks?

A University of Florida study recently showed cancer cell destruction linked to the acai berry. The healing power of the antioxidants in the berry will continue to be researched.

Why can’t I get fresh acai berries at my local grocery store?

The acai berry is extremely perishable, spoiling within a day of being picked so it has to be processed immediately. Fortunately, companies are devising more efficient ways to do this so it can be shipped to the United States.

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.

Plant compounds called phytosterols, found in the acai berry, can reduce cholesterol absorption levels in the intestines by as much as 15 percent. Essential fatty acids in the berry also aid in more efficient absorbency of important A,E.D and K vitamins.

Combined, these fatty acids and antioxidants have a positive effect maintaining good cholesterol (HDL) while simultaneously fighting bad cholesterol. (LDL)

A rare type of antioxidant called “anthocyanins,” is found in the acai berry. New studies show a link between the acai berry and protection against eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration. Anthocyanins are also found in bilberries explaining why British World War Two pilots ate bilberry jam in large amounts before missions, claiming a huge improvement in their night vision. In Japan bilberry is also commonly used to relieve computer eye strain.

Enzymes and fiber in the acai berry help the digestive tract process food more effectively warding off chronic conditions such as acid reflux.

Acai contains amino acids important for relaxed muscles furthering good quality sleep. Acai also contains Vitamin B, which is necessary for the regulation of dopamine and serotonin production in the brain, both impacting sleep.

Ideal weight is necessary to keep the body well-balanced and healthy. Inherent in the acai berry is a natural combination of amino acids, phytosterols, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. These work in unison helping process food more effectively and burn fat more efficiently.