The acai berry is the latest arrival in the health craze, though it is hardly anything new at all. The Amazon Rain Forest has been dubbed the world's medicine chest because most of the drugs we use are derived from plants found in the rain forest. The Brazilian acai berry, like most of the other 3,000 medicinal plants in the rain forest, has been used by the natives of the area for over 2,000 years. In the western world however, the Brazilian acai berry is just beginning to enjoy its time in the spotlight.
The acai berry is a small, pulpy berry with a large single seed. It is very dark purple in color; this color is very significant. Acai berries are very high in anthocyanins, a plant figment that turns the berries their dark color. This dark pigmentation is the potent antioxidant that is so wonderful about the acai berry. In fact, it is 33 times stronger than the anthocyanins found in red grapes.
Because the Brazilian acai berry is so loaded with nutritional values, its benefits are no doubt numberous. The high content of antioxidants alone makes this fruit incredible. Add to the antioxidants all the fiber, protein, potassium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids in the Brazilian acai berry and you've got a dynamite of a fruit!
The Brazilian acai berry, taken in its more natural state, can be eaten as any other fresh fruit, or drunk as a juice. The Brazilians like to drink it with meals and throughout the day. In fact, some reports state that 42% of the tribes people in the rainforest is made up of the acai berry.
The Brazilian acai berry has long been eaten in the rain forest for its medicinal qualities as well as for its delicious taste. Traditionally, it was drunk before battles or hunting expeditions in order to boost the stamina of the men.
Unfortunately, the acai berry ripens very quickly which means that it also rots very soon after it is harvested. Once it is picked, the acai berry is only good for about 24 hours. Therefore, the acai berry needs to be processed immediately so that those of us not living in the Brazilian Rain Forest can also enjoy the nutritional impact of the acai berry.
The Brazilian acai berry is processed and made into a powder or tablet form. Some companies mix the acai berries with other ingredients, but it is best to be left pure. Although the acai berry is nothing new, it is certainly securing its place in the health industry as one of the newest and most exciting discoveries. We are fortunate that we are now able to harvest and process this small yet powerfully berry.