The previously unknown benefits of acai berry fruit drinks and foods exploded a few months ago after the berry was introduced on American television for its anti-aging properties and being one of the top superfoods. Pronounced as “ah sigh e” it is harvested from palm trees native to Brazil and looks similar to a standard purple grape. Brazilians have recognized and used the acai berry for hundreds of years.

The Oprah show was probably the first mass exposure of acai to the world. It was highlighted by regular Oprah guest, and best selling author, Dr. Perricone, as one of the world’s very top super foods. He went on to outline the great taste like chocolate and berries and explained that it had antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids that we all need.

Dr. Oz, who is another frequent guest on Oprah’s show, also loved acai berries, and shared how important it was for us to consume foods rich with antioxidants. Dr. Oz also used a demonstration where he took two cut halves of apple and applied lemon juice to one of them.

The piece of apple that was sprinkled with the antioxidant rich lemon remained new and crisp looking, while the other half of apple became brown and shriveled. Dr. Oz goes on to explain that this is basically what happens with the human body in that our skin, heart, and eyes begin to shrivel and we get old faster. Acai berries and their antioxidants help to prevent excessive damage caused by exposure to oxygen and free radicals.

Although Dr. Oz has recommended other foods with great antioxidant properties like grapes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and blueberries, he has definitely added acai berry to his list because it can have twice the antioxidant level of a normal blueberry. Whether it be nationally recognized doctors, or celebrities talking about it, the acai berry is becoming more and more popular for consumers interested in better overall health, improved skin, and losing weight.

Acai comes in various forms depending on where you obtain it. The real fruit is readily accessible in Brazil while the liquid drinks, pulp, and popular capsules are seen more often in other areas. Each has its own benefits but the choice is up to the consumer. For example, many prefer the capsule form due to easy of use and no after taste.

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