What is the Acai berry?

Everyone has heard of the Acai berry if they have watched Oprah. It is said to be a weight loss phenomenon! First off, I will tell you about it. The Acai berry is actually an Acai Palm. Each part has a specific use and the berry has been found for healing qualities.

It is round and black much like the size of a grape. It has a very thin layer of pulp/skin that surrounds a seed. They produce only two crops a year. It can be deep purple or green in color depending on what age it is. The seed takes up almost the entire berry, about 80% of it. They are used as a fruit in Brazil in the Amazon region. This has been said to be the most important plant in the region.

The people of Brazil use it in juices, smoothies, and sodas for their drinks and also use it in tapioca and add either salt or sugar to it for a meal staple. It is mainly put with granola and served cold. This many say is an energizer for them. Some use it as a flavoring in their ice cream and some use it to flavor their liquor. It has a very fruity taste with a sweet allusion of chocolate to it.

There is some antioxidant value to the Acai berry but it is lower than Pomegranate and grape juices. There are different values between the juice and the raw pulp. Each showing different effects. Extracts from the seed show higher levels than the pulp. It also contains more protein than an egg and also has high fiber content.

The Brazilians seem to enjoy drinking it. They consume more of the Acai juice than milk in this country. Being brought to the US there are now studies being done on the effects on humans. The University of Florida was one of the first to do studies besides Brazil. With more and more products popping up everywhere it has brought out the attention to it two fold. Everyone wants to know if what they hear about the Acai berry is true.

They want to know if it will help them lose weight or improve their memory like they have heard. Some of the other things people have heard that it has been shown to cure cancer, high levels of antioxidants, improve muscle regeneration, keeps cholesterol at the right levels as well as blood pressure. It is hard to say since studies are just starting in the last 4-5 years. Rumor has it the studies are looking good. Do your own research and talk to your doctor if you have health issues before taking anything. It has been shown to help many but you still do not know everything about how it would interact with some medications you may be taking.

The Acai berry can be found in powdered, frozen, or as a supplement which is easily available. Whether you want it for losing weight or just as a supplement to your diet, you should check it out.