Thought to be packed with 10-20 times the level of antioxidants of a glass of red wine and twice the amount of blueberries, the antioxidant fruit Acai, is considered a “super food”. Before this latest superfood began sweeping the world though local tribes of the Amazon knew of it’s health properties and used it’s pulp to make wine. The Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berry and antioxidants health in general are hot topics in natural health circles. Native to Central and South America this small round dark blue fruit, similar in size to a blueberry is produced by the Acai Palm. Considered to be one of the healthiest fruits on the planet the palmberry pulp is claimed to have more anitioxidants than blueberries or pomegranates. Covering a large seed is a berry containing a thin layer of edible pulp. Acai has an extremely high level of Anthocyanins, which are members of the flavonoid class of antioxidants help streamline how the body works. ORAC assay is used to rate the antioxidant power of foods. To defend our bodies against free radicals it is believed that we should consume at least 1700 ORAC per day (an arbitrary number I’m sure). It is thought that the Acai fruit contains between 3000 – 4000 ORAC (depending on quality). This amount can be obtained in just one serving. Acai is very concentrated with nutrients that it may have a stronger impact than other fruits. Antioxidants are contained in many dark colored fruits at some level of but the level in the Acai berry is thought to be higher than other antioxidants fruit.
The Acai berry is said to taste like a blend of berries and chocolate. I personally can’t confirm this because I have my Acai antioxidants in a shake mixed with other high antioxidants fruit. The pulp is said to be rich in the following – B vitamins (this was not listed on the package of organic Acai that I have), minerals, protein (quite low = 2 grams out of a 100 gram serving), Vitamin E (again, not listed on the brand I use) caffeine, fiber and essential fatty acids such as Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 (I only saw Omega 6 = 860mg and Omega 9 3360mg).
Apparently the fruit deteriorates quickly upon harvesting with some reports stating that the active properties can disappear after 24 hours (yikes). So it needs to be frozen quickly to preserve it. The brand I have been using for about 3-4 years now is Sambazon. The package claims that no sugar is added as a sweetener, it’s organic, and it bears the Fair Trade label. I have always had luck finding this product at Whole Foods Market. Acai mixes quite well with other fruits and helps make a delicious shake. Enjoy!
