Most widely known for its’ antioxidant properties, the acai berry has been gaining a tremendous amount of popularity over the past few years. While the acai berry has been called a "superfood", many consumers are not even aware of benefits you can obtain of this food. Let’s take a closer look at this new superfruit.

The acai was, at one time, only known to the natives of the Amazon Rain Forest in Brazil. Growing at the top of trees known as the Acai Palm, these elusive berries could only be reached by a select few who were brave enough to shimmy themselves to the top of the 25 meter tree to reach them.

Luckily for us, we have the convenience of going to our local health food store or online supplement provider to obtain the benefits of this rainforest fruit, which include:

· Increases energy and stamina

· Fights cancer and disease

· Combats obesity

· Aids the immune system

· Maintains good cholesterol and fights heart disease

· Aids digestion

Probably the most known of the benefits of acai berries is that of its’ antioxidant power. For a long time, blueberries were considered to be one of the most (if not the most) powerful when it came to antioxidants. When using the USDA’s method of testing for antioxidant power - Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity score (ORAC for short) – blueberries tested at a 32. Compare that to the whopping 167 of the acai berry! No wonder acai supplements are taking the health and fitness world by storm.

In addition to it’s powerful antioxidant properties, studies have shown that acai has had a significant impact when it comes to fighting cancer cells. In a study conducted at the University of Florida, acai was able to trigger a self-destructive response in up to 86% of human cancer cells. While this information is promising and exciting, those who conducted the test did not want to give false hope about the cancer-fighting effects of the acai berry. Further study is needed to give more conclusive evidence.

When it comes to weight loss, the acai berry may be an indispensable tool for your fat-fighting arsenal. With their high level of antioxidants and carbohydrates, this can lead to a dramatic increase in energy and stamina. Acai has been a favorite of many mixed martial arts athletes for these very reasons, helping them to train harder and longer, and push themselves to their physical limits. Acai has also been shown to suppress appetite. This is a valuable tool to anyone who is fighting the weight loss fight. Because of its’ weight loss benefits, you will find acai coupled with many weight loss supplements, such as guarana or other herbal stimulants, used in many weight loss products.

With the many benefits of the acai berry, it is no wonder that its’ popularity has been increasing every day. From energy drinks and antioxidants, to a potential cancer-fighting powerhouse, the old saying "an apple a day" may soon be replaced with "an acai berry a day."