Acai Berry:

The Amazon Acai Berry

Until recently, the acai berry was little known, but times are beginning to change. Today more and more people are discovering the health enhancing power of this antioxidant-rich berry from the Amazon.

The acai berry is a dark purple berry that is rich in nutrients, including antioxidant vitamins. The acai berry grows naturally on the top of certain palm trees found in the rain forests of Brazil and the Amazon. The fruit is harvested in the wild by local farmers and then frozen to preserve its nutritional value.

Acai berries contain high concentrations of anthocyanins -- the same substance thought to give red wine its many health benefits. The acai berry also contains large amounts of protein and fiber, as well as healthy omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.

It's not hard to see why the acai berry and its fruit pulp has been gaining popularity. You always hear health-conscious individuals talking about things like antioxidants, protein, fiber, and fatty acids, and the little acai berry contains a ready source of all of them.

You don't have to go on safari to purchase acai berries and their juice. Health food stores, whole food retailers, and online outlets sell acai berries in different forms, including fresh frozen juice made from the berry's rich pulp. As the acai berry grows in popularity, it won't be surprising seeing traditional grocery stores carrying the exotic fruit in the future. But until the acai berry appears on Oprah, you can find it regularly at specialty and organic grocery stores.

When shopping for acai berry products, be sure that the acai berry is wild harvested and quickly frozen to retain its maximum nutrient value. Products that have sat on the shelf too long or were packaged improperly will lose a significant portion of their health benefits.

Disclaimer: Throughout this website, statements are made pertaining to the properties and/or functions of food and/or nutritional products. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and these materials and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.