Superfood Acai Fruit
November 11, 2008
Acai fruit is the latest superfood listed at the head of the class from past overachievers like blueberries and pomegranates. But why is it so good for us? For many reasons, such as vitamins and minerals or the high concentration of healthy fats. Those are usually lesser known values to the acai berry that naturally grows along the waterways and swamps of the Amazon rainforest. The most publicized power coming from the acai, pronounced AH-sigh-EE for those who do not already know, berry is its above average content of antioxidants. We all know that a healthy diet is through balancing a variety of healthy foods like complex carbs, proteins, low in unhealthy fats, sugars and salts. Some foods give us a much greater extra boost to our health and these are now termed as “superfoods”.
The acai berry is just one of many but seems to outshine the others, even being mentioned as “botox in a bottle”. Aside from its reported anti-aging abilities, it has also many other claims surrounding its super antioxidant quantities. Acai cannot be purchased as a fresh berry outside of the Amazon area, but can be found as a frozen product to use with other foods or already in a food product or as a supplement. The acai fruit remains a popular source of nutrition for the natives of the Amazonian regions as well as locals in the Brazil locale. Acai has both traditional and modern uses in food culture. More traditional uses of the acai fruit is to eat it raw or to use it in a pudding type recipe or mixed with a granola cereal. Modern uses of acai has been greatly varied, including the use of traditional methods. Acai fruit have been used in juices, sodas, sorbets, ice creams, purees, smoothies, liquor, candy and even used in savory dishes. It is only a matter of time before it can be used in another manner. The benefits of the acai fruit berry has been compared most often with red wine with the high level of anthocyanins. The reported theory behind why the French have such amazing heart health is considered to be due to the average red wine consumption in the country. The high consumption of red wine is suggested to be the connection with the French having such good heart conditions. The acai berry is reported to surpass the red grape in antioxidants and the anthocyanins, suggesting that it can do even more for the health of the heart. Another lesser known quality of the acai fruit is the fiber content. Again we know fiber is good for our bodies by way of helping in the digestion process and preventing toxins from developing in the digestive tract. The acai berry through its fame has boosted many financial markets including Brazil and other regions of the Amazon and the USA. The tribes of the Amazon generate revenue through harvesting the fruits. Brazil increases their wallet padding by processing and shipping the fruits and the USA as well as others, benefit from using the acai fruit in products making them available for retail. Apparently the acai berry is super more than just for its nutrition.
