About Acai

Acai (pronounced "ah-sigh-EE") is a small fruit harvested from the acai palm tree (Euterpe oleracea), which is native to Central and South America. The acai berry is a relative of the cranberry and the blueberry.

Health Benefits

There are many health benefits to taking acai as a dietary supplement. The weight loss and detoxifying qualities of the acai berry have been heralded by Oprah, Rachel Ray, Barbara Walters, Dr. Oz, and many others.

Research on the acai berry has focused on its possible antioxidant activity. Theoretically, that activity may help prevent diseases caused by oxidative stress such as heart disease and cancer.

Acai contains several substances called anthocyanins and flavonoids.

The word anthocyanin comes from two Greek words meaning "plant" and "blue." Anthocyanins are responsible for the red, purple, and blue hues in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Foods that are richest in anthocyanins -- such as blueberries, red grapes, red wine, and acai -- are very strongly colored, ranging from deep purple to black.

Anthocyanins and flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that help defend the body against life's stressors. They also play a role in the body's cell protection system. Free radicals are harmful byproducts produced by the body. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants may interfere with aging and the disease process by neutralizing free radicals.

By lessening the destructive power of free radicals, antioxidants may help reduce the risk of some diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

Some studies show that acai fruit pulp has a very high antioxidant capacity with even more antioxidant content than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, or blueberry.

Weight Loss & Detox

Scientists are learning more about the functional power of superfoods, such as the acai berry. Research supports eating a diet rich in antioxidants and fruits like the acai berry.

Part of that stubborn belly fat is actual build-up in your digestive tract. Acai berry supplement naturally detoxifies your body, melting away those hard-to-lose pounds.

Better than any chemical metabolism booster, acai berry naturally boosts your metabolism – without the unpleasant side effects (e.g. jitters, anxiety, and insomnia).

Side Effects?

If you have pollen allergies or have a known hypersensitivity to acai or similar berries, you may want to avoid this fruit. When consumed in moderate amounts, though, acai has no known side effects.

What is the best way to take acai?

Acai comes in many forms. Unless you live in the Amazon, fresh acai berries with their nutrients intact are impossible to come by. The easiest and most convenient way to get the most out of acai is in pill form. Compressed acai powder is known to be the best form of acai in terms of ORAC count – aside from fresh acai berries. Better than juice, or frozen berries, acai berry pills deliver the best benefit and are the easiest to consume.

Author’s Pick: VieNue Acai Berry Supplement Pills

Before you begin taking acai supplements, you should compare products and choose one you feel comfortable with. My acai berry supplement pill of choice is VieNue Acai.