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Acai Berry Supplement Facts

The acai berry has been shown to contain high levels of antioxidants and essential fatty acids, both of which help the body fend off illness. Because of its great flavor and multitude of beneficial nutrients, acai berry juice is now common at juice bars and health food stores. So many claims have been made about the benefits of acai berries that it can be difficult to tell which claims are real and which are exaggerations.

  1. Identification

    • Acai berries

      Acai berries grow in the Brazilian rainforests near the tops of acai palm trees that often reach heights of 60 feet or more. Acai berries are dark purple and about the size of blueberries or grapes. They taste like a cross between chocolate and red wine.

    Function

    • Acai fruit contains high levels of antioxidants, which help fight aging and some illnesses. There also contain essential fatty acids in levels comparable to olive oil. This combination helps to increase healthy cholesterol (HDL) in the blood and reduce the unhealthy cholesterol (LDL). The fruit is also a rich source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, E and C, along with calcium, potassium, proteins and fiber.

    Expert Insight

    • According to a study released by Texas A&M University in 2008, the body absorbs the nutrients in the acai berry easily. In a series of double-blind tests, the research team determined that all the nutrient rich goodness is not passed through the body, but taken in and used to increase the antioxidant levels in the blood.

    Considerations

    • Since the fresh acai fruit spoils too quickly to make it practical to buy in its original form, it is best used in juice or capsule form and can be found at most health food stores.

    Ongoing Research

    • Much is still unknown about the properties of the acai berry. According to the Acai Report from Amherst University, a number of unidentified compounds in the fruit are still being studied. Also, even though the acai fruit has been shown to contain many beneficial nutrients and properties, it should be used as a part of a well-rounded diet.

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