The Acai palm is primarily found in central and south America along the Amazon, and is cultivated for its fruit. Although it was originally used for its heart of palm, it has recently been discovered that the Acai berry is an extremely beneficial dietary supplement, and is now the main reason for cultivation. Not only is it a key source of diet in countries such as Brazil and Peru, but since this health discovery the berry has become economically important as interest grows rapidly around the world.

The native populations of Brazil have developed a variety of ways of including the acai berry into their diets. They commonly include it in yogurt and ice-cream, or drinks such as soda, juice and smoothies. Outside of Brazil the berry it freeze-dried before being turned into powder so that it can be easily introduced as a dietrary supplement.

The Market

Since Acai berry has gone onto the market it has been extremely popular worldwide. However marketers of the product have been heavily criticised for their exaggerated claims that the berry is a miracle product that sheds pounds and cures cancer. However it is still considered a super food, containing many health and weight loss benefits and is highly regarded as a fruit that should be included into any healthy diet.

Weight Loss

Acai berry has recently hit the world market as a weight loss aid. The berries have a very low Glycemic Index which makes you feel fuller for longer, helping in the reduction of food intake. Due to its many health benefits, people who eat the berry claim that their energy levels have increased which has made them more motivated to exercise. It also boosts the body's ability to consume calories. Consequently the body burns more calories than usual during exercise. Acai berries contain these valuable weight loss properties, however to extract its full benefits, it must be accompanied by a sensible diet and regular exercise.

Health Benefits

Acai berry also has a vast number of health benefits. The berry:

-Boosts energy levels

-Improves digestive function

-Improves alertness

-Is Anti-bacterial

-Promotes sound sleep

-Provides vital vitamins

-Contains high levels of fibre

-Cleanses and detoxifies

-Holds anti-mutagenic compounds

-Strengthens the immune system

-Good for the cardiovascular system, Improving circulation and strengthening the heart

-Reduces and regulates cholesterol increasing good lipids in the blood

-Reduces inflammation

-Enhances vision

The Acai berry is considered a super food, essentially because of its vast range of health benefits. Firstly, the berry is packed with up to 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes. Antioxidants play an essential part in treating and preventing diseases. It also contains amino acids and fatty acids, both of which are important in our diets. The fatty acids it contains, including omega 6 and omega 9, work to lower and maintain the cholesterol levels in our blood. Acai berry is also antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic (helps fight cancer and cellular degeneration).

Acai berry holds an astonishing amount of other health benefits which protect our eyes, blood vessels and nervous system. The enzymes it contains assist the body in digestion and the transfer of nutrients. Due to all these health features, Acai berry is believed to be, and has been used as a means of detoxifying the body.