Acai Berry

What is the acai berry?

The acai berry or açaí berry, pronounced Ah-Sigh-EE, is the fruit of the acai palm tree called Euterpe oleracea. This berry contains a large amount of powerful antioxidants as well as many nutrients. The picture of an acai berry is shown below.

Acai Berry Description The acai berry is a small, almost rounded, deep purple fruit. The color of the acai berry can vary from deep purple or black to brownish. The diameter of an acai berry is about an inch (25 mm) or less. Inside the acai berry, there is one large seed measured 0.25 to 0.5 inches.

Uses of the Acai Berry

In countries where the acai berry is native to, the berry is used as a food source. However, since the acai berry has been discovered to contain many medicinal properties as well as nutrients and vitamins, the acai berry is used as, among many others:

• a great energy food
• a great source of protein
• a main ingredient in wine production
• a great source of essential fatty acids and omegas
• a great source of phytonutirents and antioxidants
• a great source of anthocyanins
• a great source of dietary fiber
• a great source of phytosterols
• a great source of essential amino acid complex
• a great source of plant sterols, particularly beta-sitosterol
• a great source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E
• a great source of minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus
• a great source of micronutrients
• a great source of glucosamine
• and much more

Nutrients in the acai berry has been linked to helping many diseases and illnesses as well as helping the body remain healthy. The phytosterols help reduce blood plasma cholesterol amounts, for example. The sterols in the acai help treat benign prostate hyperplasia as well as help control cholesterol.