The Mystic History of Acai Berry
Are you looking for ways to improve your health through nutrition? Have you thought about looking in the Brazilian rainforest for the answer? You do not have to book a flight because a miracle fruit from this mystical region is now available to all of us in various acai berry products. You are going to love what this super fruit can do for your health!
Acai (pronounced Ah-SIGH-ee) berries have become quite popular in the past few years, but the people of the Brazilian rainforest have long revered this gorgeous purple fruit that grows on a palm tree.
There is a story told about the discovery of the acai berry. An Amazon Indian girl was the daughter of the tribal chief. The tribe had grown so large that they did not have enough food, and the chief was forced to create a rule that made it necessary to kill any newborn babies. He was unable to spare even his grandchild when his daughter, Iaca, gave birth.
Desperate and incredibly sad, Iaca mourned her child for days, weeping in her hut. Finally, she heard the cries of a newborn in the forest and raced to find what she hoped was her precious child. What she found was a palm tree that bore bright purple berries. She lay down at the base of the palm tree and died.
When the tribe found her, they also found the berries. The berries were so nutritious and plentiful, that the tribe never had to worry about food again. The chief banned the law and all newborns were now safe. He named the berries Acai after his daughter (acai is Iaca spelled backward).
Folklore aside, modern science has discovered some truly magical qualities about the acai berry. Acai berries contain super antioxidants, essential amino acids and omega 3 fatty acids.
Antioxidants are all capable of fighting cancer by fighting free radicals that damage cells and are the prelude to cancer and the aging process. The super antioxidant in acai berries that gives the berries their royal purple color is called anthocyanin. This super antioxidant has been found to slow and stop the growth of tumors. Antioxidants are also necessary for repairing damaged cells and replenishing tissue.
Free radical damage is also responsible for the aging process, so acai berries are capable of fighting premature aging at the cellular level.
==>> Check out our favorite Acai Berry brand
Animal protein contains a complete balance of essential amino acids, but plants do not. Acai berries, however, contain a nearly complete blend of essential amino acids making them a potent protein source without the saturated fat contained in animal protein.
Speaking of fat, acai berries contain good fat called omega 3 fatty acids, which are capable of lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and raising good cholesterol (HDL). You may have heard of omega 3 fatty acids in regard to the benefits of eating fish or taking fish oil supplements.
Fox News coverage on Acai Berry:
If you are searching for ways to optimize your health, prevent disease and slow the aging process, there are many ways to incorporate acai berries into your diet. There are supplements made from natural acai berry extract, powders that can be blended in smoothies and pre-made smoothies. 
Read labels carefully and make sure that you are not purchasing an acai berry that is not pure or a juice that is mostly corn syrup with very little acai berries.
==>> Check out our favorite Acai Berry brand
Cheers
Caitlin
Filed under: Acai Berry, Weight Loss on April 15th, 2009 | No Comments »

















































