Acai (Euterpe oleracea) is a palm plant native to the river edges of South America, specifically Brazil. This tall and slender plant is the source of the many acai products widely used in both health supplement and herbal medicine markets. The acai fruit, popularly known as the Acai berry, is a reddish-purple fruit similar to that of the berries. According to Brazilian herbal medicine, this inch-long fruit similar to the berries produces oil that can treat diarrhea, grated fruit rind for skin ulcers, and crushed fruit seeds for fever. Another major product of the acai superfood is the acai juice which is currently being sold all over the world because of the many acai benefits it offers. Acai supplements are hot stuff because they contain very powerful antioxidant properties and very effective weight loss agents.
According to many studies, the acai antioxidant content is very high that it is ten times more than the antioxidants in red wine. These acai antioxidants are anthocyanins and flavonoids. Compared to other sources of antioxidants, acai offers a longer list of health benefits because its acai antioxidants are “slow acting”, meaning they stay in the blood longer. Other important acai health components include an essential fatty acid and oleic acid or Omega-9.
Acai Benefits
- Being the most powerful antioxidant, acai can prevent heart diseases. Heart diseases are result of too much accumulation of free radicals, the end product of the damaging oxidative processes occurring in the body.
- According to experts, acai extract promotes weight loss.
- Women buy acai to achieve a beautiful and younger looking skin.
- Those with arthritis can experience significant pain relief.
- Acai improves libido in both men and women, resulting to a more satisfying sexual performance and experience.
- Acai supplements help to stabilize blood glucose levels, an advantage for patients suffering from diabetes.
- Natural acai treats diarrhea, fever, and skin ulcers.
- Acai extract is also proven to boost the immune system so you become more resistant against common infections like colds and flu.
Acai Side Effects
Acai berry, acai drinks, and other acai products are safe for use. Pure acai berry and acai berry supplements produces no side effects.
Those with known allergies to pollen and other berries should not take acai products without medical advice.
Patients taking medications to treat certain condition should also consult their medical professional as acai may interact with some drugs. Pregnant and nursing mothers should also be very careful when taking acai supplements.
