Reviews Last Updated: 04/04/2009

Acai (ah-sigh-EE) is a kind of fruit that is smaller than grape in size and dark purple in color. It grows on the acai palm trees that are found mostly in the rainforests of Brazil. It is 90% seed covered in some pulp. It is small in size but has a great nutritional value. It has all the vital vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, and E, proteins, fiber, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, Omega 6, Omega 9, and other fatty acids content rolled into one.

Omega 6 and Omega 9 are essential nutrients in body’s metabolic processes. They also help lowering the cholesterol levels. They can only be obtained from our nutrient intake, because the body is unable to produce them naturally.

Acai also consists of amino acids and protein that are vital for energy. The berry's high protein content makes it an attractive supplement for athletes and their trainers. The acai berry cleanse also contains dietary fiber which aids digestion.

They were consumed by the ancient people to increase their internal strength to fight diseases and nowadays they are used for health benefits such as for losing weight and overall fitness.

It is rich in anti-oxidants which help in nullifying the damaging effects of free radicals on the cells of our bodies. These free radicals are responsible for many diseases and premature ageing. In fact these Acai berries have nearly 200% more ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) than any other known fruit or vegetable.

These berries have a mixed taste of wine and chocolate. Acai berries are perishable commodities which tend to spoil within 24 hours of being picked from the tree. So, it is difficult to find these in your nearby markets and if you are able to do so these are really expensive due to the additional costs involved in preserving these.
Acai berry supplements

The best way to get Acai berries is in the form of supplements. The three main forms of the Acai berry supplements are -:

* Freeze Dried Acai supplements
* Spray Dried Acai Supplements
* Acai Berry Extract

Freeze Dried Acai supplements

Acai supplement available in this form in the market is best in quality. The Acai berries have to undergo a process called freeze-dry process. In this process the berry pulp is dehydrated and then frozen before turning it into a powder form. Very low temperatures are maintained during this process in order to retain the maximum nutrients. No preservatives or carry agents are added to it.

The dried Acai berry powder has much more ORAC score than the Acai Berry with pulp. If compared with same quantity of acai berry with pulp the powder will be having nearly four times the ORAC score of the Acai Berry with pulp.
Spray Dried Acai Supplements

This is a quicker and less expensive way of getting acai berry powder. This process involves heating the berries to a very high temperature to dry it. The dried berry is then sprayed with a carry agent like Maltodextrin.

This form of supplement is less desirable because the heat destroys the large percentage of berry’s nutrients which are sensitive to high temperatures. Also the final product will be having Maltodextrin as a side product which will be almost 40% of the final product.
Acai Berry Extract

During the process of making herbal extracts a single chemical element is extracted from the plant. For the Acai berry this extract is taken from the spray dried acai powder as explained above. So, this is an even less desirable form of an Acai berry supplement because it has very few nutritional benefits than the original Acai Berry.

Whenever there is a need of buying these acai berry supplements freeze dried acai supplements should always be preferred over other forms for the obvious reasons.
The Benefits of Acai Berry Supplement

There are number of benefits of these Acai berry supplements which are making more and more people to take these supplements.

* Helps in increasing the energy levels
* Improves the digestive system
* Enhances the mental focus and clears the mind
* Provides all the vital elements needed by the body
* Helps in fighting free radicals and thus helps in detoxifying the human body
* Strengthens immune system
* Promotes better sexual desire and improves performance
* Fights cancer cells
* Reduces premature ageing
* It helps in maintaining a younger-looking and healthier skin
* Helps in controlling diabetes, high cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels
* Keeps heart healthy and improves blood circulation
* Speeds up recovery from injury
* Helps in weight loss and in fighting depression.