The acai berry is one of the world’s most interesting and unique foods. It may also be one of its healthiest. Chock-full of antioxidants, amino acids, AND essential fatty acids, the tiny little acai berry packs a nutritional wallop rarely seen in the natural world. In fact, some experts consider it to be the world’s most “complete” natural food.

Acai berries come from the acai (pronounced ah-SIGH-ee) palm tree of South America. The native peoples of Brazil have eaten the berry for centuries and there are, in fact, many local legends about acai’s incredible healing and sustaining powers. It remains a popular “health and energy” food in that country today. Fortunately for North Americans and Europeans, in the last few years acai berry products have made their way to foreign shores. Now just about anyone can (and should) try this incredibly healthy food for themselves.

To give you an idea of just how powerful this fruit really is, consider the nutritional profile of acai berry pulp:

- 10-30 times the anthocyanins (strong antioxidants) of red wine
- an almost perfect essential amino acid complex (the “building blocks” of protein)
- 60% Oleic acid, an omega-9 monounsaturated essential fatty acid
- 12% Linoleic acid, an omega-6 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid
- a full array of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements
- large amounts of plant sterols (phytochemicals with numerous health benefits)
- significant amounts of natural dietary fiber
- natural calcium!

As you can see, there aren’t many things that the acai berry doesn’t have! But the good news doesn’t end there. Acai has a vibrant taste that most people find very, very pleasing. Though difficult to describe, some people compare the flavor of acai to tart, chocolate-covered cherries or blueberry ice cream with a hint of chocolate. Not bad for something so healthy!

A few of the more common benefits reported by people who consume acai berries on a regular basis include:

- Greater energy and vitality
- Increased stamina
- Improved circulation
- Improved digestion
- Better sleep
- Improved sexual function
- Healthier, better-looking skin
- Increased sense of overall “well-being”

By now you’re probably aching to try this super-fruit for yourself. Fortunately it’s becoming more and more widely available throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia. Look for acai smoothies and acai berry juices at your local health foods shops. There are also several health supplements on the market which contain dried acai berry powder… but it would be a shame to miss out on the delicious and unique taste of this amazing berry!

One of the most important reasons why the small purplish grape-sized berry fruit from the Brazilian rainforest has gotten so much publicity in the press, recognition and fame in a few short years of coming out in the public spotlight, is because of its super antioxidant property. In fact, acai berry is now considered one of the foremost fruits in the world that contains super powerful antioxidant properties. This little fruit has proven to have up to 10 times the antioxidants of grapes and at least twice the antioxidant power of blueberries. In addition to that, acai berry is quite rich in Vitamin E, protein, fiber, trace minerals, and contains a high degree of three kinds of omegas and essential fatty acids.

Why are Antioxidants So Important to Us?
The National Cancer Institute have stated that there is actual a lot of laboratory proof revealing that antioxidants can in fact slow or even stop the dangerous growth of cancer. Antioxidants are believed to possess the incredibly unique ability to protect cells from the potential damage that is caused by molecules widely known as “free radicals.” Know that enough damages that are caused by free radicals can eventually lead to some form of cancer in your lifetime. So the many antioxidants in the acai berry fruit can truly help to prevent the destruction that free radicals often cause.

Acai is a Crucial Source of Anthocyanin
The acai fruit is widely becoming well-known as an important source for its antioxidant anthocyanin. Anthocyanin belongs in a group of phytochemicals that are found in red wine and that have almost been proven as fact to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. This particular antioxidant has demonstrated itself to help improve circulation, fight cancer, and prevent both blood clots and artherosclerosis. In addition, the acai fruit contains oleic acid which helps maintain a healthy heart.

At the heart of anthocyanin in acai fruit is something called cyaniding-3 glucoside, which is about 3.5 times more powerful in comparison to the anthocyanin that is found in red wine as shown in an ORAC examination. ORAC actually means Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity. This is a method that is used to test the level of antioxidant activity of a property in question. It has been said that the average human being needs around 1670 ORAC everyday. The amazing acai berry provides an astounding ORAC level of 3871.

So now you know why this amazing little fruit from the Amazon rainforest of Brazil has grown in wild popularity in such a short period of time.

The smoothies are undergoing a recipe revolution. Normal fruits such as bananas, strawberries, and peaches are no longer the only ingredients used in these energy surprises. More and more health aficionados are transitioning to exotic or at least versatile fruits to make their smoothie concoctions.

One of the fruits often used is the Mangosteen. This sweet crown is not marketed for sale in the United States. This is because of the tremendous risk of the Mediterranean fruit fly infestation upon its importing. However, fruit enthusiasts are able to purchase the byproduct of this fruit in juice or capsule form. Mangosteen is an exotic fruit from Indonesia. It’s about the size of a small apple and contains a sweet white interior that breaks off in wedges similar to a mandarin.

Professionals found it has energy, anti-swelling, mood enhancing, and free radical eliminating uses. Garcinia Mangostana research moving forward and there is evidence that this exotic surprise is full of many properties that improve wellness to say the least.

One research review indicates positive reduction in leukemia:

“We examined the effects of six xanthones from the pericarps of mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana, on the cell growth inhibition of human leukemia cell line HL60. All xanthones displayed growth inhibitory effects. Among them, alpha-mangosteen showed complete inhibition at 10 microM through the induction of apoptosis.”(Matsumoto K, Akao Y, Kobayashi E, Ohguchi K, Ito T, Tanaka T, Iinuma M, Nozawa Y: Gifu International Institute of Biotechnology, 1-1 Naka-Fudogaoka, Kakamigahara, August 2003)

Another exotic fruit applied used in smoothies is the Noni. This tropical grows best in Southeast Asia as well. Found in India and the Tahitian Islands, the fruit of the Noni tree has powerful antioxidant properties, anti-depressant capacities, and immune system enhancing properties. This fruit has shown promise as a free-radicals eliminator as well.

“In laboratory research, Noni has shown antioxidant, immune-stimulating, and tumor-fighting properties. The National Cancer Institute is funding preliminary research on Noni for breast cancer prevention and treatment.” (NCCAM Publication No. D398, 2007)

Acai Berry, a juicy delight is grape-sized and a dark deep purple color. The Acai Berry contains fiber and is believed to have the capability to free the body of toxins. Clinical studies into this berry’s uses show it is also applicable for enhancing circulation, promoting vitality and minimizing inflammations. The fruity surprise from western tropical areas, the Acai berry, conquering the world from Central and South American tropical regions is another antioxidant mix of vitamin.

Blueberries aid in the fight against the damaging effects of chronic diseases that come from the aging process. Rich with Vitamin C and E, Blueberries are another good choice to mix in. They also contain anthocyanins and phenolics, which contain inhibiting cancer-cell properties. The above three tropical’s are possible add-ins one can consume to come up with their own individually preferred creation. These are exotics that one can add-in in combination with blueberries.

With all the options available today from health food stores offline and online, the ingredients can be had, even if not in whole fruit form. Blueberries can be found more easily, exotics are not so easy to obtain. Therefore, a fruit smoothie using combinations of these fruits is a great suggestion to enrich a wellness. Some of the fruits can be found in processed juice or powder form, which can be added into one’s smoothie beverage.

The enhanced power resulting from vita-fruit mixes full with free radical eliminators are motivation enough for trying them. Exotic energizing fruits can enhance system wellness that enables them to be more productive throughout the day. Energized own the world they walk in; they feel their self-esteem. This leads to a better mental attitude, which can halt depression in its tracks. People that feel better about themselves are able to develop more positive thinking and action. Ultimately result they improve their performance and gain enhanced social skills.

When it comes to smoothies, foods with a high ORAC value are the best ones to include in its recipes. Fruits that have a high ORAC rating (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) are the ones that have the most antioxidant power. These ingredients all contain antioxidant properties, which are healthy and tasty.

It’s official-the Acai fruit is officially an energy fruit. A particular celebrity show host has said so. Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of acai fruit before, most people are still discovering the little berry. This little berry, though, is soon going to be world famous and in high demand. This fruit is actually a berry that comes from an Amazonian palm tree that is harvested in the Brazilian rainforest.

The acai fruit is a drupe that measures about an inch in diameter and looks sort of like a grape but does not have as much pulp. It grows in panicles of seven hundred to nine hundred and two crops of these fruits are produced each year. The fruit has a seed that is less than ten millimeters in diameter. The fruit is harvested as a food and is considered to be one of the most important species of three different Caboclo tribes in Brazil. The juices from the fruit are often blended into sodas, smoothies and other drinks and are traditionally served in a gourd alongside tapioca and sugar. In Brazil it is popularly served in a bowl where it is mixed with granola. This concoction is often thought of as an energy meal. The fruit has also been made into ice cream.

It is a very nutritious fruit. One hundred grams of this powder contains almost five hundred and forty calories, fifty two grams of carbohydrates, eight grams of protein and thirty two grams of fat. It has forty four grams of fiber, which makes it incredibly valuable as a macronutrient. It is also rich in fatty acids like oleic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid. It is thought to reduce blood cholesterol. It contains nineteen amino acids and is very high in aspartic acid and glutamic acid content.

The most important part of this fruit, though, is its anti-oxidant content. Anti-oxidants can slow down the aging process by keeping our cells healthy. Many authorities find that acai fruit is one of the most powerful anti-aging foods in existence. This small fruit contains more antioxidants than grapes and blueberries.

This fruit also has the potential to help people’s digestion (thanks to its high fiber content), keep their cardiovascular system healthy, and helps with muscle regeneration and contraction.

Acai-rich foods are hard to find, as the fruit is rare. You probably will not find anything with acai as an ingredient in your local grocery store, but you might be able to find it in a health food store or a gourmet store. Because the fruit is becoming more popular, largely thanks to a popular magazine, it will slowly start becoming easier to find and people might find ways to grow the “super fruit” somewhere outside of Brazil.

The acai fruit is probably one of the healthiest fruits on the planet. It may help your muscles, your heart, your digestion, your energy levels and even can prevent early aging and slow down the rest of the aging process.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Find out how different nutritional products stand up to their major competitors, and why it should be a concern for you. Only three extremely well known companies are compared side to side because of space limitations in this revealing one of a kind comparitave study. This study is designed to give you the tools you need to do your own comparisons on any and all nutritional products that you are currently considering.

While searching for a liquid supplement, you should take the time to do comparisons on as many different products as needed to make an intellegent decision that is right for you and your family. I should also mention the fact that all three of these companies are multi level business opportunities too. We won’t go into the businesses or pay plans in this article, thats altogether another subject. The purpose of this article is to give you the feeling of what a comparison should look like.

Therefore, I have purposely left the companies names out so as not to give them undo advertising benefits but rather to give you the reader a look at how extremely different nutritional products can be. And so, I have nicknamed them Company A, Company B and Company C to provide anonimity. The main exercise here is to bring up the ingredient lists side by side plus compare the cost factor to obtain the best value.

The nutritional facts of the three companies products collected right from their websites are as follows:

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Company A, a recognized leader and well known, Liquid nutrtional, long established company.

Mangosteen Plus” Supplement Facts Serving Size 2 Tbsp (1 fl oz / 30 mL) Serving Per Container 32 Calories 20 Total Carbohydrates 5 g 2%* Sugars 5 g Vitamin A (100% as beta carotene) 2500 IU 50% Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) 300 mg 500% Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol) 1000 IU 250% Vitamin E (as d- alpha tocopheryl acetate) 60 IU 200% 64 Trace minerals Thiamin (as thiamine hydrochloride) 1.5 mg 100% Riboflavin (as riboflavin U.S.P.) 1.7 mg 100% Niacin (as niacinamide) 20 mg 100% Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride) 5 mg 250% Folate (as folic acid) 800 mcg 200% Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin) 15 mcg 250% Biotin (as d- Biotin) 300 mcg 100% Pantothenic Acid (as calcium d-pantothenate) 10 mg 100% Selenium (as selenium amino acid chelate) Proprietary Wildcrafted Mangosteen, Glyconutrient-Rich Aloe Vera and Organic Green Tea Blend 25.2 g Reconstituted Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) (fruit), Aloe Vera Gel (leaf), Green Tea (leaf) (decaffeinated), Mangosteen Extract (pericarp) (standardized 10% xanthones) Other ingredients: natural fructose, natural flavors, potassium sorbate (flavor protection), sodium benzoate (flavor protection), malic acid and xanthan gum.

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Company B, one of the more popular liquid supplmental companies.

ACAI BERRY, ACEROLA, APRICOT, ARONIA, BANANA, BILBERRY, BLUEBERRY, CAMU CAMU, CRANBERRY, KIWI, LYCHEE FRUIT, NASHI PEAR, PASSION FRUIT, PEAR, POMEGRANATE, PRUNE, PURPLE GRAPE, WHITE GRAPE, WOLFBERRY (Goji). The potassium level in their Original and new Active formulation is approximately 62-66 mg per one ounce. Company B’s products contain no potassium additives, grapefruit, or cantaloupe. The potassium in their products comes naturally from the fruits.

The vitamin K level in Company B’s Original and Active Formula is approximately 12.4ug per one ounce.

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Company C. A well known Vitamin company.

Vitamins A, C D, E, K, B-Complex, Folic Acid FULL NUTRIENT PROFILE OF FAT & WATER-SOLUBLE VITAMINS Minerals Calcium; Magnesium, Boron, Selenium, Copper, Zinc Manganese, Potassium ESSENTIAL & NON-ESSENTIAL MINERAL COMPLEX

Trace Mineral Complex 100 MG BLEND Rhodiola rosea; Alpha Lipoid Acid; Grape Seed Extract; Co-Enzyme Q-10 BODY-DEFENDING IMMUNE ENHANCERS

Super Energizing Blend L-Carnitine; Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) from Green Tea Leaf Extract, Acai Fruit, Glucoranolactone, Schizandra Seed Extract, Eleutherococcus senticosus Root Extract plus Vitamin B-12 Calcium;Magnesium; MSM; Quercetin; Boron, Copper; Aloe; Bioflavonoids, C BONE & JOINT SUPPORT

High ORAC PhytoNutrient Blend: Wolfberry (Goji Berry), Mangostene, Pomegranate; VegActiveTM & HiActiveTM Complex: Broccoli, Broccoli Sprouts Extract, Tomato Powder, Carrot Powder, Spinach Powder, Kale Powder, Brussel Sprouts Powder, Onion Extract; Sulphoraphane; Acai; EGCG 2500 ORAC UNITS OF POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT

Rhodiola rosea; Alpha Lipoid Acid; Grape Seed Extract; Co-Enzyme Q-10 BODY-DEFENDING IMMUNE ENHANCERS

Aloe Leaf

Calcium; Magnesium; MSM; Quercetin; Boron, Copper; Aloe; Bioflavonoids, C BONE & JOINT SUPPORT

l-Glutamine; Vitamin B-12; L-Theanine; Co-Q-10; Rhodiola SUPER ENERGIZERS L-Theanine; B-12; B-Complex; Chromium Picolinate; Rhodiola *

Rhodiola rosea; Vitamins C & E; Grapeseed; ALA

Vitamin A; Carotenoids; Lutein;

Vitamin E; Rhodiola; Co-Q-10; Grapeseed; ALA HEALTHY HEART NUTRIENTS B-Complex; Vitamin C; Rhodiola rosea; L-Theanine

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Now for the price comparison which is equally as important when considering a nutritional supplement to increase your energy and keep your body’s internal systems functioning at their optimum level.

These prices are also taken from their respective websites and are the lowest possible prices which usually means that you are purchasing the product as a company representative on autoship every month.

Company A – $60.00 for a one month supply per person. Company B – $39.00 for a one month supply per person. Company C – $20.00 for a one month supply per person.

To sum it all up, I hope that this comparitive study will encourage you to do your own side by side comparisons of any and all vitamin, antioxident or nutritional products that you may be considering purchasing. It’s important for you and your family to get all the daily nutrition that they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As you can see, In this particular comparison we feel that Company C gives “the most bang for your buck.” A little research can go a long way and doesn’t take that much time. The benefit to you in the long run will be to get the best product at the most cost effective price that is available anywhere. Here’s to your health.