by Marcus C. Evans

The world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon, shares its borders with eight countries. The Amazon River basin contains one fifth of the world’s fresh water supply and the area is teeming with wildlife of all descriptions. One third of all animal and plant species on Earth may be found in the Amazon.

It is in this lush, flourishing environment that the acai berry grows. According to sources, the native Amazon tribes use almost 2,000 of the 3,000 known rainforest fruits for remedial purposes. The acai berry is one of the most potent and powerful of these fruits.

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.

The acai berry was found to be naturally high in antioxidants containing levels ten times higher than grapes and twice as high as blueberries. It also contains omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids which are immensely helpful in reducing levels of cholesterol in the blood. Add to this protein and dietary fibre and you can begin to understand just how this berry can benefit your daily health.

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.

And there are yet more benefits to this amazing tropical fruit; the acai berry is believed to be one of the most effective anti-aging foods. It is suggested by health food enthusiasts that the anthocyanins and the antioxidants found in the acai berry are responsible for these anti-aging benefits.

Acai berries have also been used to prepare wine rich in minerals, to combat schistosomosis (transmitted by snails) and in the preparation of an antibiotic protecting against ‘Staphylococcus aureus’ (an infection usually contracted in hospitals). It is a truly amazing berry.

The berry itself is a round purplish berry which is about an inch around. The acai berry looks a bit like a grape and feels like one too. The incredible popularity of this superfood is because of its many health benefits. An added bonus is that the flavour is also wonderful. The acai berry is best consumed in the form of juice or incorporated into smoothies.

About the Author:
About the author: Marcus C. Evans shares details of the acai berry on his website where you can find more about the positive effects that come from drinking the acai fruit.