History of the Acai Berry
The acai berry is a fruit native to the Amazon rainforest where it has been enjoyed for thousands of years by indigenous peoples of the region. Acai berries are similar in appearance to blueberries, and are harvested from the acai palm, a tall, thin tree with branches that carry streamer-like leaves and clusters of acai berries. Among the healers of indigenous Amazonian peoples, acai berries are well known as a medicinal plant that improves energy, stamina, and mental focus. It wasn’t until the 1990s that acai berry began gaining popularity in North America, and the acai berry has recently been gaining favor as a weight loss aid and dietary supplement, especially after being featured on the Oprah Winfrey show and being touted by Oprah's frequent guest physician, Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Properties of the Acai Berry
Though indigenous peoples have known for centuries that the acai …