Acai (pronounced ‘ah-sigh-ee’) berries are dark blue berries that grow on the Acai palm tree – a tall thin palm tree that grows in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, Guyana and Surinam. Acai berries taste like berries with a hint of chocolate. Healthy People have combined acai berries with summer fruit to create a delicious and wonderfully healthy juice drink..
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The acai berry and the Indians
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The Indians who live in the Amazon have recognised the acai berry as a superfood for centuries and are well aware of its health-giving properties. The Anomabi Indians in Brazil consumed acai berries during their hunting expeditions because they knew it would enable them to keep running for 3 days. New mothers where given acai berries after giving birth to promote a quick recovery. Today, the locals use acai berries as an important food source that grows everywhere and is widely available. Acai berries are a source of protein, healthy fats, essential vitamins and minerals and polyphenols. The people of Belem, a little town situated at the mouth of the Amazon in Brazil, consume 400 litres of acai juice daily.
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Acai berries are packed with antioxidants and healthy nutrients such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, E, phosphorous, calcium, fibre, protein and omega 3, 6 and 9. Various studies have shown that acai berries contain a higher level of antioxidants than any other food. A handful of acai berries contains the same quantity of antioxidants as five portions of carrots, apples or broccoli.
The active substance in the thin skin of the acai berry is known as anthocyanine - an antioxidant that gives the berries their dark blue-black colour. The darker the berries, the higher the level of anthocyanine.
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