By Ann Bloomquist

If you haven’t heard of the benefits of acai berry, chances are you are missing out.  This berry looks very much like a grape and is harvested from acai palm trees.  These trees are native to the rain forests in South America.

What are the health qualities of the Acai berry?
The berry has grown in popularity over the years.  It is becoming increasingly well known for its health benefits, including enabling weight loss, lowering cholesterol, improving erectile dysfunction and promoting a healthy glow to your skin.

These berries are chocked full of antioxidants and fiber and helpful in mitigating the progression of arthritis and comes with natural detoxifying abilities.  Antioxidants are well-known for their ability to neutralize the otherwise damage caused by free radical cells found throughout the human body.

How do you eat acai?
Most health and super food enthusiasts consume crushed acai berries in beverages, like fruit smoothies, juices and energy drinks.  However, acai berry is also available in tablet form and in certain food products such as ice cream, jams, and jellies.

A teaspoon contains 1 gram of fiber, six milligrams of calcium and only 20 calories.  The acai berry, though low in protein, also contains 19 amino acids and campesterol (helps lower bad cholesterol), stigmasterol (lowers risk of cardiovascular disease), and beta-sitosterol (helps lower cholesterol and improved symptoms of an enlarged prostate).

What makes Acai a super food?
Acai contains healthy fats, trace minerals and plant compounds, including anthocyanins (anthocyanins may offer anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer benefits).

Acai is rich in antioxidants and contains three times the amount known to be present in other berries.

As an anthocyanin, acai can help counteract inflammation and oxidation in the brain.  This can mean the lowering of risk tied to developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, which have no known cure.