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 berry increases energy and vitality, western science has recently discovered the key nutritional components of the acai berry. Acai berries contain a number of health-promoting nutrients, including vitamins A, C, E and several B vitamins, and are rich in cancer-preventing antioxidants. Acai berries are a rich source of protein and fiber, making them an ideal appetite suppressant. Interestingly, the acai berry has about a 50% fat content, and is a rich source of heart-healthy fatty acids, including omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. They also contain anthocyanins, a group of compounds giving plants their red and purple colors. Anthocyanins are also found in grapes, giving red wine its heart-healthy properties. In addition to their nutritional properties, acai berries are known to have antibiotic and immune-boosting properties. Mild and pleasantly flavored, they are most often described as tasting like a combination of chocolate and berries, making acai berry powder a popular addition to shakes and smoothies.
Acai Berry Powder
Because the acai berry is grown far from North America in the Amazon rainforest, a popular way of preserving the acai berry is to freeze dry the berries to create acai berry powder. Acai berry powder is used as a dietary supplement, and preserves many of the nutrients found in the acai berry. Since fresh acai berries are not available in the United States, acai berry powders and juices are the primary means of consuming acai berries in North America.
Scam or Superfood?
Because of their unique nutritional properties, acai berries act as an appetite suppressant, creating a fuller feeling even when dieters eat less food. Acai berries have also been shown in medical research to act as a natural vasodilator, increasing blood flow throughout the body. This is likely the primary means by which acai berry powder creates heightened energy when used as a dietary supplement. Acai berries also improve cardiovascular health by decreasing cholesterol and aiding in blood pressure control.
When used as part of a healthy diet, acai berry powder can help you lose weight quickly and improve your overall health and fitness. As with any dietary regimen, you should not expect acai berry powder to function in a vacuum. While it can help you achieve better results in your diet and exercise regimen, you should not expect to lose a lot of weight if you lead a sedentary lifestyle and eat a diet high in harmful fats and low in fiber and nutrients. The bottom line: acai berry powder can help you achieve your weight loss and health improvement goals. The nutritional properties of acai berries enhance a diet and exercise regimen by suppressing hunger and providing a concentrated source of vitamins and nutrients. Acai berry powder can increase your energy level and cardiovascular health, helping you increase your fitness level more quickly and with less effort than through diet and exercise alone.
What to Look for In an Acai Berry Product
In choosing an acai berry powder product, be sure it contains an abundance of acai berry in its ingredients. You might choose a product that is 100% acai berry with no added ingredients, or you might choose an acai berry product that is enhanced with additional vitamins and minerals. Avoid acai berry powders containing high amounts of fillers and artificial ingredients.