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| Common name: |
Acai palm |
| Scientific name: |
Euterpe oleracea |
| Synonyms: |
Asia, cabbage palm, casin, jicara, manac, pinot, wapoe |
Overview: 
The
Acai berry is the fruit of the Acai palm a native of the South American rain forest. Its range extends from Belize south to Brazil and Peru. This palm has adapted to standing water and is found growing in flood plains and swamps. Growing up to 100 feet tall these palms are crowned with pinnate leaves and branched paniciles that hold from 700 to 100 dark purple berries. These berries are resemble purple grapes but are smaller. They range in size from 0.5 pf an inch to 1 inchin diameter. These Acai berries contain one large seed. In the rain forests of South America, the Acai berry made into juice. It is consumed in large quantities by the native population of the Amazon, sometimes over 2 quarts a day.
Active ingredients: The acai berry is extremely high in antioxidents and
phytochemicals. Nutritional/ per 100grams of fruit:
| Carbohydrates |
36 |
g |
| Protein |
13 |
g |
| Fats |
48 |
g |
| Fiber |
34 |
g |
| Vitamin C |
17 |
mg |
| Vitamin E |
45 |
mg |
| Potassium |
932 |
mg |
| Magnesium |
372 |
g |
Chemically active:
- Anthocyanidins
- Beta-sitosterol a phytosterol that competes with cholesterol in absorbtion in the intestines
- Oleic acid an omega-9 fat
- Linoleic acid an omega-6 fat.
Traditional uses: In the Brazilian rain forests, the acai berry is used primarily for its juice and it nutritional value. It is however used to treat diarrhea and other digestive system complaints. The grated rind is used to make a wash to treat skin ulcers.
Clinical uses: The acai berry is new to North America so the studies of its benefits are just beginning.
- The fruit of the acai palm is extremely high in anthocynidins (this is what give the fruit such a deep purple color). Because of this the fruit is an excellent source of antioxidents as well as a good source of omega-9 and -6 essential fatty acids.
- Acai berries contain high amounts of antioxidents, evn higher than red wine grapes
- The essential fatty acids will help lower cholesterol
- The high fiber content will help regulate the digestive system and protect against colon cancer
- A study of an extract of the acai berry showed anti cancer properties in vitro (in the test tube). When tested against leukemia, this extract caused 86% of the leukemia cells to self destruct.
Recommended Dosage: The dosage for Acai berry juice is:
- The juice can be consumed throughout the day or
- Take 2 500mg capsules 2 times/day
Contra-indications:
None
Drug interactions:
None
Web References:
- ibiblio
- Wikipedia
- Rain Tree.com