If there is one supplement that is getting a lot of press at the moment it has to be the acai berry. It has become a popular weight loss supplement after many celebs seemed to endorse the product and now has even been dubbed a super food. So just what is the acai berry?
The acai berry comes from the acai palm which is found growing in the South American rainforest. It is a small purple drupe, which means it has a pit in the middle of it and this is surrounded by flesh, and looks quite similar to a grape although it is slightly smaller.
The berry is an important food group in the Brazilian Amazon. In fact in a study of three traditional Caboclo populations, it was found to make up to 42 per cent of the total food intake by weight. It is also a popular drink and flavouring in Southern Brazil.
But what makes this little fruit so special?
Well, acai has a whole host of nutritional benefits. It is a rich source of the essential fatty acids Omega 3, 6 and 9 which have been proven to help the body remain healthy. It is also high in amino acids which are the building blocks of our bodies. Amino acids play a vital role in the makeup of protein which we need to repair our cells and muscles. In addition these benefits, the acai berry is also a good source of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc. These are all important in keeping our bodies healthy; vitamin E in particular is known to have a powerful antioxidant affect.
In fact acai juice is said to have between 10 and 30 more antioxidants, which are important in fighting free radicals which can damage cells and cause aging, than grapes, pomegranates and even the well-known super food blueberries.
Until recently the fruit was only found in the Amazon because it goes off within a day of being picked but thanks to flash freezing it is now available all over the world.
Tags: Acai Berries
