The Many Benefits of Acai Berry Juice

For centuries, the Acai berry was a staple food of native tribes in the Amazon rainforests of Brazil. It wasn't until the 1980's, however, that local fruit suppliers finally recognized the many benefits of the Acai. In time, the berry would become a popular ingredient in ice cream, smoothies and cocktails throughout South America. It even became a family favorite that most Brazilians consume with dinner or for a late night snack.

Years later, a few enterprising companies brought Acai to America. With a little help from Oprah Winfrey, who called the berry a super fruit on her show, Acai became an overnight sensation. Supermarkets and health food stores across the country reported that they were inundated with requests for the so-called miracle berry-the public literally couldn't get enough of them.

Dietary Supplement

In America, the Acai berry quickly established itself as a popular dietary supplement. It was and said that the little wonder fruit could help to increase the metabolism and burn calories. Today consumers can find the acai in everything from tablets to juices to smoothies to powers.

Fact vs. Fiction

Since the berry came to the States, companies that sell Acai products have made a number of bold claims. They insist that the wonder berry can increase energy levels, improve digestion, help the heart, improve sexual performance and even can help you get a good night's sleep. Some even say that the berry can cure cancer, reverse diabetes and other chronic illnesses.

While it is true that Acai berry juice (the most popular Acai product) does have a considerable amount of antioxidants, it has never been proven that antioxidants alone can make you a healthier person. There is also scant evidence to suggest that the Acai berry facilitates weight loss.

Nutrition

In the end, whatever the experts might discover about some of these more extravagant claims, it is clear that the Acai berry is one of the most nutritious fruit on the face of the earth. They are extremely high in protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber and iron.

It must be noted, however, that the freeze-dried and powder forms of Acai does contain far lower levels of antioxidants than fresh Acai berry juice.

Acai Berry Juice

One of the main criticisms from experts when it comes to the Acai fad is that consumers aren't really getting the full benefits of the amazing little berry. Though doctors may argue over some of the more amazing Acai claims, none of them dispute the fact that it is one of the healthiest and most nutritious fruits you can find. The problem, however, is that most of the Acai products sold at the supermarket or at your local health food store come in either the dried or powered form. And most nutritionists agree that to get the full benefit of the berry you must consume the juice and the pulp. But getting your hands on real Acai berry juice isn't always easy and it certainly isn't cheap.

So what's all the fuss?

Perhaps it's because the little berry assuages two typically American fears: the fear of aging and the fear of gaining weight. In fact, when the Acai berry made its television premier on the Oprah Winfrey show, it was promoted as a food that could help you achieve age-defying beauty. A little later, the fruit became even more popular as a dietary supplement that could help consumers drop the fat in a hurry.

No Miracle, Just Healthy

In every nook and cranny of the planet, American marketers are busy searching for the next big thing. Whether we're talking about a teen music star, a matinee idol or a delicious berry from the rainforests of Brazil, it really doesn't matter much. In the end, all that matters is that they can label, package and sell it. And when it comes to the Acai berry juice, there is clearly more fiction than fact. But that doesn't mean it's all fiction.

As we mentioned, fresh Acai berry juice does contain a number of important vitamins and minerals and it does have a lot of antioxidants. It is a great addition to any healthy diet, but it is not a panacea for all that ails you.

Caveat Emptor

Genuine Acai pulp is expensive because it must be imported from Brazil and has to be kept fresh. Therefore, you should be skeptical of any online website that is offering this product at a cheap price. In all likelihood, it is a scam and you will probably receive blueberry or cranberry pulp instead.