Where Acai Berries Are Grown

The acai berry has recently been generating a lot of buzz. It has been touted as a "super food" that has incredible health benefits.

Features

• The acai is a reddish purple berry that is related to the cranberry and blueberry. Acai berries have been reported to contain a high amount of antioxidant properties.

Geography

• The acai berry grows on the acai palm tree. The scientific name of the acai palm tree is Euterpe oleracea. The acai palm tree only grows in Central America and the Amazon in South America.

Fun Fact

• The acai berry is a deep reddish purple color because it contains a substance called anthocyanin. Anthocyanins are responsible for the blue, red and purple hues in foods such as red wine and blueberries.

Benefits

• Acai berries may contain lots of antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight against free radicals, which are harmful byproducts produced by the body. Acai berries are said to fight against diseases and the signs of aging.

Considerations

• The acai berry is a supposed "super food," the benefits of which have been enjoyed by the people in it's native regions for hundreds of years. Science has yet to prove acai berries antioxidant properties as extremely beneficial.