Acai berry juice is sourced from the acai palm fruit found in abundance across most of Central and South America. The berry contains a large seed around which a thin (usually less than 1 mm) layer of pulp is formed. This pulp is removed from the seed in a special container filled with the appropriate amount of water. The container is shaken in such a manner that the two separate, after which the puree of pulp and water is processed to make the juice (or powder). While acai berries have been around for possibly thousands of years, and has formed a part (sometimes major) of the diet of many native Indians of these areas, it is only recently that there has been a worldwide interest shown in the fruit as a dietary supplement for weight loss, among other things. After getting some positive exposure on top rated TV talk shows, cultivation of the acai palm has started in a more professionally commercial way in the countries where it is found, especially Brazil.
Additional feedback from athletes and health care professionals, which have been better than neutral if not downright positive, has resulted in this rich berry flavour finding a place in nutrition bars, smoothies, ice cream, tablets, etc., besides the juice already mentioned. A number of websites state that the acai berry juice has more antioxidants than pomegranates, cherries, red wine, different kinds of berries; blue-, cran-, etc. However, there have been very few independent controlled scientific analysis and experiments on this fruit to arrive at any definite conclusion, and the claims can be considered as speculation, at best.
Taking this fact into account, other qualities assigned to the acai berry juice, such as it having a high dietary fibre content, phytonutrients, essential omega fats and branched chain amino acids can be given due importance. The same applies to benefits like improved libido, being good for the heart and skin, better digestion, heightened energy levels, reduced cholesterol, etc. However, some indisputable facts have emerged from scientific studies of the acai berry juice and other forms of the processed berry and these are;
• It works well as a contrast agent in MRI scans.
• It is a stable natural colouring agent and
• Tests have shown that its use may bring about a reduction in the proliferation of experimental leukaemia cells in the laboratory.
It is therefore correct to reserve judgement despite all the hype on whether the acai berry juice is really as much of a powerful fruit as it is made out to be. Whatever independent scientific studies have been done show the acai fruit to be average or slightly better than that in terms of nutritional content, anti-oxidant levels, essential vitamin content, etc. as compared to other fruits of a similar nature. In fact there have been a lot of complaints lodged about scams being perpetrated by manufacturers and wholesalers alike regarding the quality of acai products being sold, especially over the internet and also regarding refunds during the free trail periods. Be sure to buy only pure organic acai products this way you can be sure your getting the most nutritional value from the acai.
