Acai is a dense source of a particular class of flavonoids, which are a group of phytochemicals found in red wine. Additionally, the Acai fruit is noted to contain an abundance of valuable polysterols that are currently being used to treat symptoms associated with high blood pressure.

The health benefits of Acai are currently being used for treatment of a number of conditions including inflammation, arthritis, cardiovascular health, potency, nutritional deficiencies and to fight visible signs of aging. The Acai fruit contributes to lowering instances of heart disease and cholesterol and exhibits potential therapeutic effects including treatment of diabetic retinopathy and fibrocystic disease of the breast in humans. Other potential physiological benefits of anthocyanins include radiation protective, chemoprotective, vasoprotective and anti-inflammatory agents.

Acai… An Energizing Super Fruit !

December 13, 2003

by Cheryl Roth and Mara Engel, Modern Organic Divas

Exotic, exhilarating atmosphere. Warm, sandy beaches. The rainforest of the Amazon. And, what some may consider one of its most important of attractions, Gisele -- super model extraordinaire.

We’re talking, of course, about Brazil; and while riveting visions of carnaval (as it is spelled in the native tongue, Portuguese) comes to mind, and probably more images of Gisele flashing before your eyes (as Modern Organic Divas, we also appreciate the loveliness of Gisele and frankly anyone that snags the yummy Leo DiCaprio is absolutely okay with us), there is something else very unique about Brazil that will really grab your attention, too.

Grown in the wilds of the rainforest from trees the locals refer to as “The Tree of Life” is a small, dark purple palm berry that is considered the healthiest fruit on the planet.

Acai (ah-sigh-ee) is an energizing super fruit (which has a sweet flavor of berries with a hint of chocolate) that is rich in proteins, fiber, vitamin E, minerals and important essential fatty acids. (Disclaimer: the Modern Organic Divas represent Sambazon for marketing and public relations, the leading producer of Acai). Acai’s antioxidant concentration surpasses even blueberries and it is also a valuable, natural cholesterol controller – which reduces the bad and increases the good. Additional studies on Acai have also discovered that it builds the immune system, fights infection, protects the heart, and can control prostate enlargement.

So, where does one get their hands on this super fruit that is actually a superfood (that even makes wheatgrass seem so yesterday)? Not to worry if Brazil is not in your immediate future.

The Acai berry is delicate and perishable. It actually comes to the United States by way of a puree that is typically made into a smoothie or juice cocktail.

In addition to enjoying Acai as a smoothie, it also packs a punch as a great way to start your day or even as a pick-me-up in the afternoon when it is served in a bowl and topped with granola and sliced banana.

As one of the many treasures of Brazil, coupled with its surmounting health benefits and nutrients, Acai has certainly proven to be the berry on top of the cake.

The Açaí Berry from Brazil that offers vital nutritional benefits for people over 40 years of age. The Açaí contains 33 times the cholesterol fighting anthocyanin than a glass of red wine, a daily value of calcium, twice the daily value of the antioxidant Vitamin E and a substantial amount of dietary fiber.

Anthocynins are cholesterol regulating compounds with well researched data. Elevated blood cholesterol is one of the major modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease (5) and the leading cause of death in the US. The fact is that 490,000 Americans die of Coronary Heart Diseases each year (3) with cost of over $60 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity. ( 4)

Regulating and reducing cholesterol through dietary means can contribute to prolonging life and reducing medical expenses. Low cholesterol foods and exercise are only a part of the natural program to prevent and help lessen the affects of cardiovascular diseases. The consumption of foods rich in compounds that reduce cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and carry antioxidant protection completes the program.

Açaí is an excellent example of such a functional food that is now accessible to food, beverage and supplement markets in an economical and convenient form. Calcium rich Açaí also provides several cardiovascular health benefits. According to a research summary by the Just-Food.com editorial team. More than maintaining skeletal strength and reducing the impact of osteoporosis, studies have shown that people who suffer from high blood pressure often also have diets low in calcium. When calcium is added to their diet, blood pressure drops. Some research also suggest that calcium may help reduce cholesterol levels. Also the lower risk of stroke, found in a study of 86,000 women, was attributed to calcium. Diets rich in calcium have also been linked to reduced occurrences of colon and breast cancer in various laboratory studies.

The generous amount of Vitamin E in Açaí, is essential for regeneration of damaged tissue and as a protective antioxidant. Cancer prevention and Intestinal function: "Açaí" high fiber content is very favorable to the consumers proper intestinal function, " reports Dr. Herve Rogez , "Fiber accelerates the intestinal processes and has a very important role in avoiding colon cancer, The daily value is 35g of fibers/adult a day, Açaí consumers reach this dose very easily," (2)

Works Cited

(1)Claire Madden, VP Marketing at MarketResearch.com,

(2)"Biochemical and Technical Studies on Açaí" by Dr. Herve Rogez 2, Sofia Pascal 2, Jesus N.S. de Souza, Arlete R. Aquino & Raphaele Buxant Dept.. de Engenharia Quimica - Centro Tecnologico, Diaouiweir ria I niinnin, Beligica)

(3) National Contor for Health Statictice. Annual summary of births, marriages, divorces, and deaths United States, 1993, Monthly vital statistics report-, vol 42 no 13. Hyattsville, MD: Public Health Service, 1594.

(4) American Heart Association. Heart and stroke facts 1995 statistical supplement. Dallas, TX: American Heart Association, 1994,

(5) National Cholesterol Education Program. Second report of the Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults Adult Treatment Panel II). BeM6sda National Heart, Lung.