There are many great natural supplements in the market place today. But the unfortunate thing is there are a lot of so called supplements out there that simply do not measure up. It is like anything you as a consumer buys or tries, some will work, some will not. Do your homework and research to find the best for you.

The one I want to discuss today is called the Acai berry, ( AH-SIGH-EE) . Found high atop the towering palm trees in the lush Amazon rainforest of South America. Largely unknown at the time, this nutrient packed berry has now achieved celebrity status.

The health benefits of the Acai berry has recently been validated by modern science. Taken from the USDA data, the Acai berrys total ORAC (antioxidant) activity is 200%-750% higher then an other fruit or vegetable. Thus with all that is now known, the Acai berry is considered as one of the worlds most healthful and nutrient dense fruits.

Featured in the book The Perricone Promise, by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, as one of the top 10 superfoods in the world. So you can see by combining the Acai berry along with other nutrient dense fruits, the health benefits are scientifically proven.

Here a only a few of the nutritional benefits found in the Acai berry.

-Antioxidants are known for stopping the free radicals from causing permenate damage to your cells. Once a cell is damaged, it reproduces a damaged cell, so antioxidants are essential for maintaining good health.

-Essential fatty acids(omega 3, 6 & 9) EFA play an important role in your bodies metabolic process. EFA is required by the body, and can only be obtained from food as you body can not produce it internally.

-Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, basically they are the building blocks of our cells and body tissue.

Some of the others are: phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals, complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and more. You can research these and more on your own and see their importance to a healthy body.

Balance is the key to anything, and it is no different when talking about your health. Just like balance in work and play, balance is better then relying on a single ingredient. A balanced diet along with exercise is absolutely necessary in maintaining optimal health.
The good news is that we now know more then ever, what is good for us and what is not, it is up to you to use that information for a healthier longer life.

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!