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There
is a palm tree in Central and South America that has gained
international fame in recent years. This palm grows fifteen to thirty
metres and has giant leaves up to three metres long. The natural
habitats for the famed trees are swamps and floodplains.
It
is the long reddish and purple berry that grows on the tree that is
coveted by so many people. The fruit is a relative of the blueberry and
like that super fruit it has a reputation for aiding in the fight
against aging and weight loss. To add to an already good thing the acai
berry is now being used in cosmetic products.
Similar
to a grape this new elite berry is harvested off from branches that
contain seven to nine hundred fruits. There is only one seed that is
relatively large in comparison to the size of the actual berry. The
locals in the communities the acai berry is grown say that it is the
most important crop they harvest.
It
is the antioxidants the fruit provides that has caused such a stir in
the health community. Antioxidants help fight against stressors and
combat harmful free radicals that can wreck havoc on a body. Heart
disease and cancer are two bodily risks that some believe can be
prevented with an antioxidant rich diet.
There
have been claims now that the acai berry can enhance sexual performance
or increase flagging energy levels. The list of benefits continues,
cementing the fruit as a sought after, even magical ingredient for
different health issues.
The
exciting news for beauty experts and manufacturers is the acai oil has
been proven to have superior antioxidant activity. More studies are
showing that the oil of the acai palm can effectively and safely be
used in facial creams and body creams as well as shampoos and
conditioners. The secret is that even after the oil is processed and
kept long term it is still an antioxidant powerhouse.
The berry is available worldwide in a variety of forms.
There are powered acai options to be used in smoothies and acai tablet
to be taken as a supplement. Still, just consuming the berry itself is
very good for you and what most people, who grow the berry locally,
prefer to do. In Brazil the berry is eaten just as any other fruit,
often in granola or as an ice-cream flavor.
Whether
or not the berry can live up to its rock star reputation remains to be
seen. There have been several eye brow raising claims that have yet to
be proven. Can it actually reverse diabetes or other chronic illnesses
as some proclaim it can? No scientist has been able to prove that. Can
it really expand the penis or increase sexual attractiveness in women?
Still, not yet a proven ability.
The solid truth is that the acai berry packs powerful punch
for such a small fruit and does contain the powerful and proven affects
of antioxidants. Consuming the berry can only be beneficial and
enjoyable.
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