What is Acai?
The Acai Palm that thrives in the swamps and floodplains of Central
and South America produces berries that create a refreshing beverage
with numerous healthy qualities. With an interesting history, Acai
berries have been boosting the health and sustaining inhabitants
of the Amazon region for many centuries.
Decorating the branches of the Acai Palm, between 700 and 900
fruits are found. Acai berries are small and round, measuring about
1 inch in diameter. They carry a blackish-purple hue when ripe,
highlighting an appearance and size much similar to a grape (with
less pulp). Inside of the fruit, there is a large seed that constitutes
a great deal of space within the fruit. The seeds usually measure
about 7 to 10 millimeters in diameter. The harvesting of the Acai
comes in waves of two crops per year.
Typical Uses of Acai
While many individuals outside of the South American region tend
to concentrate on the health benefits of Acai berries, there are
many different uses for the fruit. The berries are often harvested
as food, while the juice and pulp of the fruit regularly appear
in a variety of juice blends, carbonated drinks, smoothies, and
other beverages. In some parts of the Amazon, many regard the fruit
as a major part of their diet.
A trip to northern Brazil introduces you to a traditional dish
consisting of Acai berries, tapioca and sometimes sugar. In southern
Brazil, the inhabitants eat their Acai cold, as they freeze and
mash the palm fruit, which is then served similar to a sorbet – typically
paired with cereals and other fruits like bananas.
Acai is not only consumed as food, but the Acai palm is a pretty
resourceful item on the market. The berries have been used as a
natural ink or dye. The leaves make attractive hats and baskets.
Acai brooms are used to clean, while the leaves also create roof
thatch for homes. The trunk wood is immune to pests, making it
a hearty and durable construction material. The seeds are grown
to feed livestock and also cultivate the growing of other plants
by creating a nutrient-rich organic soil. Sometimes, the seeds
are used to generate jewelry and souvenirs to boost tourism.
Health Benefits of Acai Berries
Acai berries have been used in many traditional medical procedures
and treatments, including gastrointestinal concerns. The oil of
the fruit has treated diarrhea, while infusions consisting of grated
fruit rind has washed away the symptoms of skin ulcers. Fevers
are also treated when preparing an infusion containing toasted
crushed seeds of the fruit. Additional health benefits linked to
Acai includes the treatment of diabetes, menstrual discomfort,
muscle aches, hair loss, hepatitis, jaundice, malaria, hemorrhages,
as well as liver and kidney diseases.
Getting Acai
In order to experience the wealth of benefits associated with
Acai, it is important to consume immediately after harvest, as
the berries are known to spoil at a fast rate. The only way to
enjoy raw Acai outside of the growing region is to purchase the
juice or fruit pulp, which has been frozen or freeze-dried. Today,
a handful of manufacturers now offer juices, frozen desserts, and
other healthy beverages made with Acai berries (often blended with
other fruits).
More Acai Health News Acai Articles
Acai Berries – the Antioxidant Food
While many people are singing the praises of Acai berries, many
are puzzled as to what exactly makes this fruit such an important
part in the diets of inhabitants throughout the Amazon region.
With an assortment of healthy properties, the berries of the Acai
possess a great deal of antioxidants – molecules that slow
down or prevent the process of oxidation of other molecules.
read
more ... Acai Berries - the Antioxidant Food
Acai Berries and ORAC
Over the years, Acai berries have been gaining quite a reputation
due to the many benefits associated with a high level of antioxidants.
Through the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods, one may combat
fatigue, illness, and disease, including heart ailments, cancer,
and other degenerative concerns. To better understand the health
benefits associated with Acai berries, it is important to become
familiar with ORAC values.
read
more ... Acai Berries and ORAC
Acai Berries and Anthocyanins
Acai berries are known to possess a wealth of desirable components
that aids an individual's quest in becoming healthier, stronger,
and motivated during activity. While the high levels of antioxidants
found in the fruit are one of the most talked-about characteristics,
there are many other components that create beneficial results
in the body. One of the lesser-known advantages associated with
Acai berries are called anthocyanins – the flavonoid pigments
responsible for the vibrant colors of fruits and flowers.
read
more ... Acai Berries and Anthocyanins
The Acai Superfood
Health professionals, doctors, and nutritionists often make suggestions
on what their patients should do to boost their level of health
and quality of life. A variety of dietary recommendations are made
and patients later decide whether or not they will abide by the
advice. Today, an increasing amount of individuals are taking the
opinion of their doctors and now seek out the health benefits associated
with what is known as a "superfood."
read more
... The Acai Superfood
Acai Health Benefits
With a high level of antioxidants and other beneficial components,
consuming Acai is good for your health. Today, the market offers
a range of Acai products with varying levels of potency and effects.
With a high amount of "good" fats, fiber, amino acids,
protein, vitamins, minerals, and plant sterols – products
containing Acai are connected with many desirable health benefits,
including boosting heart health and maintaining important organs,
muscles, and tissues.
read
more ... Acai Health Benefits
Where Can I Buy Acai?
In order to enjoy the health advantages of fresh Acai, you'd have
to live in the rainforests of the Amazon, where the trees are plentiful
with fresh Acai berries. Since only select populations are privileged
to everyday access to the fruit, others must buy Acai products
from companies who offer frozen Acai pulp and freeze-dried options.
read
more ... Where Can I Buy Acai?
What to Look For in an Acai Supplement
While enjoying fresh Acai berries outside of the Amazon is impossible
and frozen Acai presents portable limitations, manufacturers use
other ways to supplement Acai to the rest of the world. In addition
to the commonly produced Acai berry powder supplement, other methods
of production (spray-dried and extracts) are also available for
purchase yet tend to carry less-than-desirable results.
read
more ... Choosing an Acai Supplement
Why You Should Consider Only Buying Freeze-Dried Organic Acai
When it comes to receiving the nutritional benefits associated
with the Acai, an assortment of supplements and frozen products
are available. As you examine the varying Acai selections, you
will come across spray-dried items and extracts that promise the
world. In order to take advantage of the whole Acai berry, company
choice makes a great deal of difference. When choosing supplements
and products that enhance your overall health, it is important
to select reputable options.
read more
... Why You Should Consider Only Buying freeze-dried Acai
Beat Swine Flu By Improving Your Immune System With Acai Berries
Swine flu has hit pandemic levels. That have been outbreaks of it occurring around the globe, with a rising death toll. The World Health Organization has rated it one of the most serious outbreaks of contagious illness in the last few decades, and considers it a major threat. But it is not just the initial outbreak that needs to be worried about. The swine flu virus has the capability of combining genetic material with other flu viruses to create whole new outbreaks. Experts consider a 2nd 'wave' of illnesses likely, whilst any vaccines are still awhile away and will need to be tailored to any additional outbreaks.
read more ... Beat Swine Flu By Improving Your Immune System With Acai Berries
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