Acai: A cancer-preventing super-food
Chances are, you’ve heard of acai berries and the fact that they have numerous benefits not only to overall health, but to weight loss too.
But just what is this berry, where is it from and what makes it so special? This feature holds the answer to all of these questions and many more, so read on and discover why you should be investing in this miracle supplement!
What is the acai berry?
The acai berry comes from the acai palm, which is a species of palm tree native to Central and South America.
It grows mainly in swamps and floodplains from Belize, southward to Brazil and Peru, producing small, round, dark purple berries.
The fruit can be bought in berry form, but it is most commonly sold freeze-dried or as a frozen pulp or juice and is an ingredient in a number of tablets and weight loss supplements.
Why is it so good for you?
The acai berry contains a very high level of antioxidants, which are molecules that can inhibit the oxidation of other harmful molecules.
It is great for those who are tying to lose weight fast as it is very low in sugar but has a flavour that is similar to a mix between red wine and chocolate – yum!
An acai berry diet is said to boost metabolism, which can help to speed up weight loss.
Dermatologist Dr Nicholas Perricone, who appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s chat show numerous times, has sung the praises of the acai berry.
He even went as far as labelling it as “one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world”.
“Acai is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Although acai may not be available in your local supermarket, you can find it in several health food and gourmet stores, often in juice form,” Dr Perricone added.
He claimed that the berries contain ten times more antioxidants than red grapes as well as monounsaturated fats, dietary fibre and phytosterols, which help to promote cardiovascular and digestive health.
Which diseases can it prevent?
A study conducted by scientists at the University of Florida back in 2006 revealed that the antioxidants in the acai berry can destroy human cancer cells.
The researchers found that an extract from the berries triggered a self-destruct response in the vast majority of leukaemia cells involved in the study.
Stephen Talcott, an assistant professor with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, said: “Acai berries are already considered one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants. This study was an important step toward learning what people may gain from using beverages, dietary supplements or other products made with the berries.”
Mr Talcott went on to say that Brazilians have, historically, used the berries to treat digestive disorders and skin conditions.
The results of a separate study published last year revealed that organic acai berries can also help the ageing brain to stay healthy.
It was conducted by the US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging in Boston.
The researchers found that the berries activate a mechanism in the brain that cleans up and recycles toxic proteins that are linked to age-related memory loss.
So, with the acai berry helping to improve weight loss and fight off cancer and mental decline, what are you waiting for? Order your acai products here now! 
