Acai Fruit: What are the health properties behind it?

The Acai (pronounced Ah-sigh-ee) fruit is one of the fastest growing fruits being used. Many praise its antioxidant properties and disease fighting factors. This was a known element in the Amazon rainforest and to tribes who lived there for centuries. This fruit is harvested down in Belem which is the capital city of Para-a Brazilian state. This came after a long standing story was told about a tribe that was suffering starvation and disease due to the surge in population. The tribal leader called for all children born to be killed, and it just so happened that his daughter had become pregnant and after the order went out to kill all children born and no exceptions made. The daughter had become distraught and was later found dead under the Acai berry tree and that’s when the tribe discovered this fruit. The Acai berries grow identical to Concord grapes from a palm tree, and is called the ‘Tree of Life’ by Brazillians. It was said that surfers were the ones who introduced the use of the fruit into the western world. They would drink the juice and feel energized and allowed them to surf longer. Two American surfers had actually brought the concept to the United States after surfing in Brazil and found that the juice of the berry could be made into an energy drink.

After endless testing trials and other clinical testing periods researchers had finally concluded that this berry had some excellent health properties. It was found that the Acai berry has twice the amount of antioxidants than red wine and most say the berry has a mixed taste of fruit and chocolate which can also be beneficial for weight loss since the taste can trick the body into eating when in fact it’s not and can trigger weight loss. It also contains key amounts of amino acids and essential fatty acids which is good for cardiovascular health. This fruit’s popularity has taken over the health industry by storm since now many companies are creating their own line of Acai fruit juices and supplements to stay ahead of the demanding market for them. Everyone from cancer patients to professional and Olympic athletes are taking full advantage of the new found health benefits from drinking the juice and taking the supplements.

The popularity of the Acai fruit caught the media attention by storm in known publications and television shows such as The Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated ,The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Oprah Winfrey Show, ABC News, NBC’s Today Show, and CBS’s Early Show. All the publicity this unknown fruit has brought companies such as Tropicana had released a line of fruit juices with Acai berry and passion fruit which has garnered mega popularity in organic food stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market. Customers who buy juices that don’t contain artificial sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup and other artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors are getting just that in Tropicana’s line of Acai berry juice blends.

The primary health benefits of drinking Acai fruit juice is that it does a lot of things from boosting energy to cleansing and detoxifying the body of impurities and toxins that cause disease and illnesses. Other health benefits was a decrease in cholesterol levels and weight loss along with increasing sexual drive in both men and women which can minimize the use of drugs such as Cialis and Viagra. Other health properties that were noted from users found they had increased recovery time from illness or injury and promotes healthy skin and balances blood sugar in diabetics. It also reduces the occurrence of seizures for those who are living with epilepsy and other medical conditions that can induce seizures.Also with the increased number of people throwing in thousands of dollars into anti-aging treatments such as Botox, Juvederm, and Restalyne injections and other procedures that are several hundreds of dollars a pop.

Those who drink or use Acai berry products found they look a few years younger because it slows down the aging process. The Acai berry has a place in holistic and conventional medicine and it’s taking a lot of time to get people to really see this as a beneficial fruit that can help people stay healthy and to wean them off dangerous drugs that have long term side effects.