Growing to be the latest trend in diet and the claimed to be one of nature's best gifts, the Acai berry is agreed upon even by the scientific community to possess astounding health benefits.
Location: The now famous Acai Berry has its origins in South and Central America mostly in and around Brazil. Consisting of 7 palm species, it is found mainly in swamps and areas with excess water like flood plains and rain forests.
Found mostly along the Amazon River, the acai berries were first observed by the locals and natives for its various medicinal properties. The natives swear on its capacity to improve immune status of the body, protects heart etc. These berries were handpicked and made into wine by the natives. The natives also have local recipes of savoring this delightful berry in various flavors.
Morphology of the Acai Palm
The scientific genus for Acai berry is Euterpe, which are characterized by tall thin trunks (up to 25m in height) which has feather like (Pinnate) shaped leaves . The berries are found clustered as bunches at the top, with each palm having five to eight such clusters.
The fruit in itself is small and black in colour and resembles grapes, only darker. The seeds are large (about 80% of the fruit size) and very little pulp coats the seed.
Acai berry – Chemical Composition
Its chemical composition seems to be varied in possessing
- Vitamins like A, C,
- Flavonoids like Anthocyanins,
- Phytosterols,
- Fibers,
- Amino acids like glutamic and aspartic acids, etc.
- Minerals like iron, potassium.
Researchers have agreed on its potential to be one of the best discovered nutrional fruits.
The Nutrient properties of Acai berry
Acai berries are said to be high in nutrients and other anti oxidant and age defying properties. But, initially the acai berries were not commercialized. This was because oxidation of the fruit occurred within 24 hours of being plucked from the tree. Oxidation of the fruit leads to loss of all its positive effects. But now, processing has taken on a new meaning and acai berries are made into juices, powder and other consumable forms for public benefit. They also come with increased shelf life ensuring delivery of the nutrients.
Originally consumed by the natives, the beneficial effects of Acai berry are slowly coming to light. They are now one of the hottest food supplements of many around the globe. Its various positive effects include;
- weight loss,
- anti viral properties,
- anti – oxidant properties,
- youthful vigour and skin,
- anti - allergic etc.
- The Acai berry also benefits the consumer by lowering levels of bad cholesterol - LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins) and increases good cholesterol – HDL (High Density Lipoproteins).
The commercialized Acai Berry
Realizing the nutrient and commercial significance of the Acai berry, many food based companies have started processing. Processing includes;
- Increasing the shelf life
- Maintaining the nutritional properties
- Making it more palatable
- Different formulations like powder, juices and capsules, health drinks
- Addition with other flavouring agents like yoghurt, banana and apples smoothies
Any commercial product of Acai berry needs to be USDA certified to approve of its quality.
Some products may not have the acai berry at all but just a mixture of other fruit juices. The Acai berry based beverages will sometimes contain added sugars which may increase the level of blood sugar level. So, it is always advised to check the constituents of the drink before consuming it.
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