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Sunday, March 29, 2009

What Does Acai Fruit Look Like?

By Carter Sinclair

The Acai berry comes from the Acai Palm tree, native to Central and South America. The fruit that grows on these palms is a small, round, blackish-purple berry about 1 inch in diameter. It looks similar to a grape, but has less pulp and is slightly smaller and darker. There is one large seed in the center of each berry, making up about 80% of the fruit.

Since there is so little edible fruit on the berry, it is necessary to use many to get any usable amount of pulp. Luckily, each tree can produce up to 900 berries, which can be harvested twice each year. Even the large seed does not go to waste. Instead of being tossed aside the seed is ground up and used to feed livestock, made into jewlery, and of course used to make more acai palm trees.

Those who are lucky enough to live near the acai palms have been using this special fruit for years as a great source of omega fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants. The local athletes also use the berry to get the energy they need to get up for training and competitions. Being one of the most nutritious fruits on earth, it is also a great source of protein, iron, and fiber.

In a recent test on the ORAC scale, the acai fruit came out on top. The ORAC tests the antioxidant capabilities of all types of foods. Antioxidants help repair the day to day wear and tear our bodies cells are faced with. This means that they help ward of cancer and other diseases, boost the immune system, and help restore a youthful appearance. The Anthocyanins found in acai help improve eyesight and protect the nervous system.

The high protein levels in the Acai berry could be very beneficial in lowering cholesterol. The amount of fiber in the berry is great for aiding the digestive system.

The omega fatty acids also help with weight loss, protect against hypertension, and improve overall brain function.

We are just now finding out about this remarkable berry, but the Brazilians have been in on the secret for decades. Because it is only grown in the Amazon, it can be hard to get the purest form of the Acai here in the states.

The research on all the potential benefits of this fruit are still quite young, but both scientists and nutritionists are very excited about the results. - 17273

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