The Acai berry comes from the Acai Palm tree, native to Central and South America. The fruit that grows on these palms is a small, round, blackish-purple berry about 1 inch in diameter. It looks similar to a grape, but has less pulp and is slightly smaller and darker. There is one large seed in the center of each berry, making up about 80% of the fruit.

Because the seed is so large in a berry so small, a number of berries have to be used to get a sizable amount of pulp. Fortunately the Acai berry grows in clusters of 700-900 berries. Two crops of the fruit are harvested each year. The seeds are not wasted though. They are ground up and used as livestock food, organic soil for plants, or to plant more Acai palms.

South American countries have used the Acai berry for years as a powerful source of antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. This makes it a very high-energy superfood. The Acai berry is also rich in iron, protein, and fiber. It could very well be one of the most nutritious foods in the world!

High amounts of antioxidants in Acai berries could even prevent you from getting cancer. There are also small amounts of every known mineral in Acai fruit. There is glucosamine and even high levels of anthocyanins. The anthocyanins improve eyesight, protect your nervous system, repair collagin, and protect blood vessels.

A very beneficial way to lower your cholesterol would be to eat Acai berries because of their high protein levels. The fiber in the berries is also great for the digestive system. Omega 9 and omega 6 essential fatty acids are also present. The acids help absorb vitamins D, A, E, and K. This can also help prevent hypertension and cancer.

We are just now finding out about this remarkable berry, but the Brazilians have been in on the secret for decades. Because it is only grown in the Amazon, it can be hard to get the purest form of the Acai here in the states. Research is just beginning on all the benefits of the Acai berry, but enough has already been done for us to know that this is a very powerful health food.