With loads of antioxidants, the Brazilian Acai berry (AH-sci-EE) is considered to have the best nutritional value of any fruit in the world.

The reported health benefits are simply amazing. With the symmetry of a grape and the size of a giant blueberry, the Acai fruit tastes a bit like wild raspberry with a hint of grape. Most people have trouble putting their finger on the taste because it's so different.

The Acai Berry is truly a wonderful plant. Acai Berries grow on an Amazon Heart of Palm Tree and have been prized for hundreds of years by Brazilian natives for its high nutritional content. Acai Berries are high in essential fatty acids & omegas -- 60% Oleic (omega 9) - a monounsaturated essential fatty acid. 12% Linoleic (omega 6) - a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid. Acai also contains many valuable Phytosterols. Sterols are compounds of plant cell membranes which provide numerous benefits to the human body.

The Acai Berry is a dense source of a particular class of flavonoids called anthocyanins. Acai Berry's ORAC value (a measure of its antioxidant properties), is higher than any other edible berry on the planet. The Acai Berry is also an excellent source of dietary fiber!

About the tree

The Acai Palm is a tall slender South American (concentrated in Brazil, Guyana, Suriname) palm grown for its fruit as well as for the "cabbage" (the cluster of new leaves more commonly called the "heart of palm"). It prefers swampy areas, and grows quickly. The fronds were (and still are) used for thatching and weaving. Each Acai palm tree produces small deep purple, almost black, fruit (berries) in groups of 3-8 per bunch. The fruit is edible, and its pulp is used in wines, liqueurs, as flavoring, as colorant, and on its own as a juice.

Current (Western) Use - Acai is currently being tested not only for its health properties, but also as a dyeing or contrasting agent in the human body in preparation for MRI scans of the gastrointestinal tract.

How the Acai Berry Benefits Your Health
 
It is the hottest supplement in the marketplace right now; the acai berry is being hailed as the world’s #1 super-fruit, and for good reason.  This tiny berry is filled with so much quality nutrition for the body that it can’t be ignored.  Research has shown that the acai berry is a fruit that is much deserving of its distinguished reputation.
 
Where does it come from?
The acai berry is not new; as a matter of fact, the acai berry has been known to residents of Central and South Brazil for centuries.  Its purplish berries grow in clusters and is native to the Amazon rainforest.  Inhabitants of this region of the world know all too well what the acai berry can do for the overall health of the body.  Acai berries have long been a regular part of the diet for those who have access to fresh acai from the acai palm tree.
 
Unfortunately the acai berry has a very short shelf life once it has been harvested.  This may account for why it took so long for the rest of the world to become aware and take part in the benefits of the acai berry.  It wasn’t until supplement manufacturers developed a freeze drying process to preserve the nutrients in the acai berry that the rest of the world was able to take part in the healthful benefits of the acai berry. 
 
Health benefits one can expect when taking the acai berry regularly
 
•         Increased metabolism
•         Increased energy
•         Immune system boost
•         Cleansed digestive system
•         Healthier cells
•         Balanced blood sugar
•         Improved cardiovascular health
•         Younger, healthier looking skin
•         Weight loss
•         Overall detoxification
 
You may be wondering what is it about this little berry that has its name being called before the blueberry on the list of super-foods.  It is hard to believe that such a small berry can have protein, iron, Omega fats, calcium, fiber, and a high amount of antioxidants. 
 
Speaking of antioxidants – the acai berry is packed full of them.  Antioxidants are critical to helping the body rid itself of the damage done by free radicals.  Free radicals do their damage by causing oxidation in the cells; to the cells, oxidation is like rust on a car (and we all know the damage rust does to a car).  The antioxidants in acai help to keep the cells replenished with them in order to fight the ongoing battle your cells will have with free radicals.
 
Many ways to try acai berries
 
These days you can find a plethora of products on the market with acai berry included as an ingredient.  There are juices, powders, capsules, power bars, and a host of other products.  For this reason it is wise to use your due diligence in deciding which product will be the best for you.  Keep in mind that all supplements are not created equal; therefore checking out the reviews on a product you are thinking about purchasing is always a good idea.

Select a link below for more information about each of the forgotten fruits.