ACAI SUPERFRUIT

The diseases of modern times like tumors, cardiovascular diseases and allergies are growing in number and increasing stress levels are prompting people to seek food from untouched areas of the Earth, far away from industrialized, polluted environment, in order to help us preserve our health. That is how acaï (Euterpe oleracea) – a delicious berry, rich in nutrients got into the focus of attention and gained high popularity in a short time, as well as earning the name “King of the Superfruits.”

Almost half of the diet of some Amazonian tribes is composed of this fruit, which grows on the top of palm trees more than 25 meters high and is harvested twice a year. It is of dark lilac color, has an almost regular spherical shape, and consists of berries slightly smaller than those of a grape. Many compare its taste to the blend of red wine and chocolate.

Acai is extremely rich in antioxidants, and contains vitamin B1 , B2 , C and E, as well as iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, niacin and different amino acids. It has a high fiber content, while it is low in sugar. In 24 hours after harvesting it loses most of its nutrient value, so in order to prevent this from happening, acaï is processed immediately and we can ingest it in the form of mash or juice.

Natives used acaï for treating several problems such as: skin diseases, as an antifebrile, against menstrual pains and indigestion. But they also applied it in the case of diabetes, heart diseases and different tumorous diseases. Acaï enjoys unceasing popularity among those on a weight loss program and many people share their experiences about in on the internet. Although studies are still at an early phase, scientists continuously strive to support acaï with research, primarily focusing on its high antioxidant content.

According to rules of organic farming and sustainable development, the acaï crop of the jungle should remain where it is. That is why the highest quality acaï products can only come from an organic farm. In these farms they take care not to exhaust the soil by not using pesticides or chemicals, or applying genetical engineering.

Do you know the story of Acaï?

Legend has it that once upon a time an Indian tribe had to face drought and famine for a long time. Their chief commanded to kill every newborn child in order to curb the increase in population. But soon his own daughter, Iaca bore a wonderful, beautiful girl. But her father’s law struck her down as well and her baby was murdered. Iaca cried for 3 days and 3 nights, and then one night all of a sudden, she heard a baby crying.

She followed the sound and finally she saw her daughter in the moonlight under a palm tree. She went up to her and hugged her, but the baby disappeared and Iaca died in her sorrow. The next morning her father found her, with her arms around the palm tree, smiling, holding her palms upwards under the tree. The chief looked up and saw the branches covered with lilac fruit. He immediately ordered to pick them and it turned out that the fruit is delicious and nutritious and the tribe escaped famine. The chief named the fruit after her daughter, Iaca, read the other way round, acaï. That’s the origin of its other name, “crying fruit”.

Source:
http://brazilbotanicals.com/the-legend-of-acai.aspx
An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Acai (Euterpe oleracea) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Journal of Dietary Supplements, 9(2):128–147, 2012
Pacheco-Palencia LA, Mertens-Talcott S, Talcott ST (Jun 2008). "Chemical compositio , antioxidant properties, and thermal stability of a phytochemical enriched oil from Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.)". J Agric Food Chem. 56 (12): 4631–6.