The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world containing one fifth of the world’s freshwater and bordering eight different countries. The Amazon River basin is a vast region which is home to one third of the world’s plants and animals, some of which are relatively unknown outside the area.
It is here that you will also find the acai berry. The peoples native to the Amazon basin use nearly 2,000 of the region’s native plants for medicinal purposes – and the acai berry is considered to be one of the most potent of these.
People in the Amazon region have known of the benefits of the acai berry for a long time now- but around 1990, this fruit began to gain some exposure to the outside world as well. Now, the acai berry and its health and nutritional benefits are available to the world.
Naturally rich in antioxidants, the acai berry contains ten times as many if these compounds as do grapes and twice as many as do blueberries. They also contain fibre, protein and minerals.
Another benefit of the acai berry is its high level of anthocyanins. These compounds are said to be responsible for some of the health benefits of red wine. The acai berry however, contains higher levels of anthocyanins and eliminates other risks associated with alcohol.
There are more benefits to the acai berry. This incredible tropical super-fruit is thought to be one of the most potent foods in the war against ageing. The antioxidants and anthocyanins contained in the acai berry give this fruit its anti-aging benefits.
Acai berries have been used to create wine which has a higher nutritional value, to battle schistosomosis and in making antibiotics to fight staph infections, amongst other health and nutritional benefits. This is a berry which is very versatile and has a wealth of nutrition and other beneficial uses.
The acai berry is a little, round, black-purple drupe about 1 inch in diameter. There is a similarity between this and grapes in look and feel. Whilst the immense popularity of this fruit lies in the fact that it provides incredible health benefits the flavour is also simply superb. Perhaps the easiest way to enjoy the benefits of the acai berry is by drinking it as a juice or in smoothies.