The Acai Berry

Site Introduction

The Acai Berry (ah-sigh-ee), a fruit that has been dubbed a super fruit, has revolutionized the supplement market.  Some claim this fruit has the healing power to cure some cancers and some believe it can shed away those unwanted pounds.  Whatever the claim, we will explore it here at "The Informative Acai Berry Site."

Where Does The Acai Berry Come From?

Brazil.  Twice a year, the people of the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil harvest the fruit that grows in the tops of the acai palm tree.  In a study of three traditional Caboclo populations in the Amazon region of Brazil, the Acai berry makes up 42% of their diet by weight.  Due to the recent increase in popularity it has become a very important part of the economy.

The Acai fruit, a dark purple berry, is clustered at the top of the tree and someone will climb to the top and collect the fruit.  Because of the massive interest in this berry from other countries, entire villages are becoming involved in the harvesting of the fruit. 

What Happens To The Acai Berry After It Is

Collected?

Despite the health benefits of Acai berries, they are a  remarkably fragile fruit.  The berries will spoil twenty four hours after harvesting so the countdown begins immediately to get them to the processing plant.  After picking the berries, they are loaded and then taken away to the processing plant to separate the pulp from the seed.

Once at the plant the pulp can be made into juice, freeze dried and turned into powder, or dried for further processing.  All of these products are soon made into the Acai items you see in the store.  With Acai being a staple in the diet of the locals the pulp itself is sold to them and used to make a number of delicious dishes. 

Does Harvesting The Acai Berry Effect The

Amazon Rain Forest?

The harvesting of the Acai berry has no impact on the Acai palm.  As a result of the popularity of the fruit, it prevents people from cutting down the tree to acquire the heart of palm.  The people of Brazil also benefit from its popularity.  With more people enjoying this fruit, it keeps the region employed and economically successful.  Therefore, buying this fruit benefits your health, stimulates the economy of the Amazon region, and prevents these trees in the Amazon Rainforest from being cut down. 

What Are Some Of The Heath Benefits Of The Acai

Berry?

You might know the Acai Berry as the supplement that can help you lose weight.  Although there are Acai Berry weight loss products out there, it’s the high level of antioxidants that provide the true healing powers of this super fruit.  With double the antioxidants of blueberries, Acai Berries can lead an all out attack on your body’s free radicals.

When the Acai Berry is taken as a supplement, there is a major effect on the natural aging process.  As the body ages, more free radicals are producted and as a result they destroy cells.  As cells are destroyed, the body begins to age.  Antioxidants can elimimnate the free radicals and put a halt to the damage bing caused inside the body.

Other Benefits of the Acai Berry

• Improved Cancer and Disease Fighting
  
• Boost to the Immune System
  
• Aid The Body In Weight Loss
  
• Improve Vision
  
• Fight Heart Disease
  
• Improve Energry
  
• Increase Stamina
  
• Improves Sleep

Most of these benefits can be attributed to the high levels of antioxidants, but the fruit also contains high levels of fiber and vitamins.

Pictures below are of the Acai Berry palm (left) and the actually Acai Berry fruit (right)