2010
6
Feb
What Is Acai And Why You Need To Know
If you’re like many people, a few short years ago you had never even heard the word, much less knew the answer to “what is acai?” Then Oprah talked about the amazing acai berry, it made the evening news, and books were written in its name. But in case you missed the media blitz, here’s a brief summary to answer the question, “What is acai?” and why you need to know.
An Amazon Rainforest “best kept secret”
Though the Amazon is well-know for its wide variety of healing plants and herbs, until the 1990’s the western world was in the dark about one of its best kept secrets – the acai berry.
Found hanging from the branches of a palm-like tree, the acai berry is a violet colored berry with a grape-like shape and is about the size of a large blueberry. Powerful nutrients are found in the pulp and skin. When it comes to taste, it is similar to a blend of berries and chocolate. The taste alone could make it a popular choice in most any diet, but a yummy taste isn’t what makes the acai berry such a sought after fruit.
Some experts claim the acai berry is a superfood full of antioxidants and nutrients. Just so you’re clear on the incredible benefits of the acai berry, it’s 15 to 20 times higher in nutrients and antioxidants than red grapes. Health professionals have long emphasized the importance of a diet rich in antioxidants and now it appears the acai berry can help fill the bill. Here are just a few of the tremendous benefits of acai:
- Increased stamina and energy booster.
- Provides protection from inflammation and anti-aging agent.
- Lowers cancer risk.
- Provides increased immunity.
- Protects the cardiac system.
- Cleanses the colon.
- Increases sexual desire.
When you consider the tremendous health benefits, it’s easy to see why the acai berry has peaked in popularity. But the acai berry has captured the recent attention of Internet surfers because of promising weight loss benefits.
Acai berry and weight loss
Despite the promising weight loss potential, the acai berry isn’t a magic pill for weight loss. There is support for claims that it increases metabolism and burns more calories. Acai is rich in essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, amino acids and phytosterols. When combined, these elements make for a powerful fuel for fat burning.
Though with all the recent media attention one could easily get the impression that this little berry is the weight loss Holy Grail, there is not sufficient scientific evidence to support that idea. Only recently have scientists unraveled the complexities of how acai supports overall well being.
However, weight loss has been observed when acai is combined with a sound nutrition and exercise. And if it proves to be as powerful as other disease fighting plants of the Amazon, the question “What is acai?” will become obsolete.
