What is an Acai Berry?

As reported on the Oprah Winfrey show, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, MD calls the Acai (Ah-Sigh-Ee) berry as the #1 Superfood in the world today. Dr. Perricone states:

....studies have shown that this little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world! Açaí (ah-sigh-ee) is the high-energy berry of a special Amazon palm tree. Harvested in the rainforests of Brazil, açaí tastes like a vibrant blend of berries and chocolate. Hidden within its royal purple pigment is the magic that makes it nature's perfect energy fruit. Açaí is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Although açaí may not be available in your local supermarket, .....A new product featuring the unsweetened pulp is now also available, and I highly recommend that you choose this form of açaí.

Açaí pulp contains:

1. A remarkable concentration of antioxidants that help combat premature aging, with 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes and 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins of red wine.
2. A synergy of monounsaturated (healthy) fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols to help promote cardiovascular and digestive health.
3. An almost perfect essential amino acid complex in conjunction with valuable trace minerals, vital to proper muscle contraction and regeneration.
Oprah.com

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The antioxidants in the acai berry counteract destructive free radicals.

Free radicals are destabilized molecules that can be dangerous in the body because they "steal" electrons from healthy cells. Once healthy cells are damaged they can then create a domino affect by causing a chain reaction of cellular mutation and biological damage. Scientists believe that 1-3% of our daily oxygen intake results in free radical production and although the effects are not felt immediately they do accumulate over time.

Some of the diseases linked to free radicals: Aging, Asthma, Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease, High Cholesterol, Respiratory Dysfunction, Neurological Disorders, Headaches, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Immune Dysfunction....among others.

The acai berry has been known to increase energy levels, relieve stress, improve sexual health, lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol levels, relieve headaches and migraines, reduce inflammation, improve sleep, protect blook vessels, aid in weight control, improves skin, and, in general, promotes overall wellness!!