The rainforests of Central America and Brazil are home to many natural plant wonders which are slowly and steadily being discovered by modern researchers. However, the natives have known about the wonders of these plants for ages without going into the complex paths of scientific research. One of these wonders is the acai berry (pronounced Ah - SIGH- ee). Now unless you are familiar with this fruit, you may be wondering what exactly are acai berries. Well, read on to find out.
Description of Acai Berries
The acai berry is a tiny berry, about an inch in diameter, that grows on the tops of palm trees in Central and South America. It is purple in color and consists of a big seed in the middle surrounded by pulp. The natives of the land have used acai berries as a major part of their
diet, but it wasn't until recently that other parts of the world starting to catch on to the benefits offered by this exotic fruit.
The nutritional properties of this purple colored fruit is gaining lots of importance in the natural health market today. This is because the acai berry is a fruit rich with beneficial nutrients. While studies are still being done, scientists have already found it to be a source of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and a number of vitamins. Many cosmetologists have even begun to use this juice in their products to rejuvenate the skin and give it a fresh, youthful glowing look.
Antioxidants From Acai Berry
Apart from this already apparent benefit of rejuvenating and toning the skin, the acai berry has another very important use. It is a great source of potent antioxidants. In case you are unfamiliar with antioxidants, let me explain; antioxidants play a vital role in fighting off bad chemicals called free radicals. If these free radicals roam our body, they can break down cells, cause illness, and may increase the effects of aging. The deep red colored anthocyanins present in this berry are responsible for its antioxidant properties.
Some of nature's most antioxidant-rich fruits are blackberries, red grapes, and acai berries, which are full of anthocyanins. Apart from this antioxidant property, anthocyanins are quite useful for building up the immune system in the body. Any diet that is rich in anthocyanins is going to do wonders for the physiological and biological functions of your body. It is also going to flush out the harmful free radicals and toxins that accumulate periodically in the body. So, the natural conclusion is that a diet of acai berries is good for your general well being.
The acai berry has a natural oil, which is holding its own against cocoa butter and other natural oils. These oils are often main ingredients of beauty products. This comparatively safe alternative is getting to be very popular because of its antioxidant qualities, as well as its staying power in products like face creams, lotions, and anti-aging remedies and therapies.
Different Ways To Consume Acai
One of the most popular methods of consuming the acai berry is by drinking the juice of it. The juice has a delicious taste, which people often refer to as a mixture of chocolate and berries. Now that sounds pretty darn good! But, if you are shopping for acai juice, be sure to read the nutritional labels on them to see just how much real juice is in them. Some companies and manufacturers are selling drinks that have very little to no real acai juice in them.
If you are looking for a more simple way to get the benefits of acai, you may want to check out supplements that contain acai berry extract. These are great because they contain actual powdered acai, allowing you to get the benefits offered by the fruit, without having to search for it all the time. You can find these supplements online or at a number of different health stores across the country.
People use the acai berry juice and even its pulp in a variety of drinks like sodas, splits, fruit juice mixes, and blends. The native Brazilians mix it up with honey, or add salt to it before they serve it in a gourd. It is also very popular flavoring agent in ice creams! The possibilities with this delicious fruit are simply endless.
The rainforests are a tropical landscape that hosts a number of exotic plants and fruits, many of which are still being discovered. We must do what we can to protect this land so that other beneficial foods like the acai berry can thrive.