The Wonderful Acai Berry

You’ve heard about it on Oprah and on Rachael Ray, even the news is raving about it. But the question remains: what is acai berry?

Pronounced “ah-sigh-EE”, the acai berry is nothing short of the “number one super food in the world.” The crop is produced twice a year from the large acai palm tree in Brazil, Peru, Central and South America.

The acai berry, rich in antioxidants and nutrients, is a dark purple fruit, almost like blueberries. It is approximately 1 inch in diamater with a large seed in the center. However, despite the seed, the acai berry tastes like a cross between a bowl of berries and rich chocolate. Because of not of the berry’s flavor as well as nutritional value, the juice and pulp of the acai fruits are used in smoothies, juice blends, and other beverages. The berries can be mixed with granola, or be made into muffins, or even top off ice cream.

Studies are coming out more and more that promote the acai berry as a super food. So far, this amazing berry has been discovered to:

• Fight cancer
• Fight heart disease
• Boost the immune system
• Improve vision
• Fight insomnia, promote sleep
• Maintain good cholesterol
• Promote weight loss
• Increase energy