noun
definition
Any of several South American palms, of the genus Euterpe, having a dark purple drupe.
definition
The fruit of these trees, harvested for its juice.
Examples of acai in a Sentence
Chlorella Mercury Detox... Acai natural energy fruit Acai is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential omegas.
Acai has become the latest buzzword in super-foods.
This may have you wondering what Acai really is.
Should you be including Acai in your diet?
Acai , pronounced AH-sigh-EE, is a small, round berry about the size of a grape.
These berries are grown on the Acai palm tree which is a native of the Amazon rain forest.
In Brazil the Acai is an important crop because the Acai berry makes up a huge part of the diets of Amazonian people-as much as 42 percent according to Wikipedia.
Acai berries hold a nutritional powerhouse within its tiny exterior.
Other important nutrients in Acai include vitamins A, B1 and E, calcium and iron.
Because Acai is such a valuable food source, it makes sense that it is used in many nutritious foods throughout the Amazon.
Outside of Brazil, Acai is also marketed as a juice that is blended with other nutritious fruits and berries such as blueberries, pomegranates and others.
You can also purchase Acai berry supplements.
There are many exorbitant health claims relating to Acai.
However, there is evidence that Acai can prove to be helpful when used to improve health.
In 2006, the University of Florida did some research on Acai and got some exciting results.
According to the research, freeze-dried Acai berry pulp is able to inhibit the growth of leukemia cells.
In fact, Acai appeared to trigger a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of the cancer cells in the cell-culture model.
Acai has also been proven to reduce inflammation making it a useful supplement for people with arthritis, fibromyalgia and many other ailments.
Brazilians have used Acai more many years as a digestive aid as well as for skin problems.
If you are under a doctor's care for a serious medical condition, such as diabetes, discuss the possible benefits of Acai supplementation and do not stop taking any medications unless your doctor directs you to do so.
Acai is, without a doubt, an amazing fruit that is packed with nutritional value.
Taking an acai supplement or drinking Acai juice will certainly not harm your health.
Also, be aware that it isn't necessary to buy over-priced juices in fancy bottles to get the benefits of Acai.
You can purchase Acai Juice blends at your local grocery store and get just as much benefit as the expensive ones.
From local television stations to talk shows, everyone is talking about acai berries.
Acai berries are native to Brazil and tropical rainforest areas.
The acai palm, part of the plant genus Euterpe, provides purple berries the size of blueberries which are harvested and processed before eating.
Natives have consumed acai berries for centuries.
You may also find Acai referred to as jussara, the local name for the plant and berries.
Because acai berries break down rapidly after harvesting, outside of Brazil you will find acai as frozen berries, freeze-dried powder, or juice.
Acai products provide the same healthy properties as fresh acai berries yet preserve the fruit for its journey from rainforest to table.
Much has been made of recent stories on television and in the news about acai and its health benefits.
Preliminary research indicates that acai provides some exciting health benefits, but long-term studies have yet to prove any one miraculous benefit of acai.
Consuming acai appears to be safe and healthy, but it should be included as part of an overall healthy lifestyle and diet.
Among all fruits and berries, acai scores the highest ORAC value.
The University of Florida released results of a study in 2006 that presented preliminary evidence suggesting that acai can prevent some types of cancer, including inhibiting leukemia cell growth.
Acai berries also stem the signs of premature aging.
Acai contains as much or more anthocyannins as grapes, and is great for encouraging health, radiant skin.
Acai is also rich in essential fatty acids, particularly the omega-6 fatty acids.
Acai contains a high proportion of omega-6 fatty acid, or linoleic acid.
Other benefits attributed to acai berries include cardiovascular benefits.
Acai's monosaturated fats, similar to that found in olives and other plant-based foods, raise HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol.
Acai fruit provides a healthy dose of fiber, also useful in lowering cholesterol.
Research published in the print version of the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry in 2006 indicates that freeze-dried acai fruit pulp inhibits Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes.
Acai provides an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
When you consume acai pulp, berries or juice, you are consuming as much Vitamin C as if you ate a cup of blueberries and over 1,000 IU of Vitamin A for every 100 grams of acai.
Acai is a rich source of many B vitamins too.
Acai also provides plenty of potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc.
Brazilians enjoy acai in everything from smoothies to ice cream.
Acai retains its health benefits even after freezing or freeze-drying, so don't hesitate to purchase it as a processed mix-in and include it with your favorite smoothies, beverages, and snacks.