The acai berry, aka: amazonian palm berry, cabbage palm, palm berry, has been around for thousands of years, yet not until the 1990’s was it introduced to the mainstream.  The acai berry was found to possess great health properties. The acai berry was first used by the tribes of the Amazon jungle as a cure for various ailments.

The acai berry is one of the fruits that has been discovered in the vast rainforest region. The Shuar tribes, one Amazonian tribe who have used acai berries for medicinal purposes, have healers called uwishin who know all the secrets of the rainforests. Uwishin, have a great deal of knowledge about medicinal plants and their cures.

The acai berry was discovered to have natural antioxidant properties, as well as to be a natural cholesterol controller. When eaten, it helps to reduce  bad cholesterol in the blood and increase good cholesterol. The tribes of the Amazon knew of these properties and found that it helped build the immune system, fight infection, protect the heart, and control prostate enlargement. It was also a great energy food for the tribes’ people.

The acai berry was traditionally pulped to make wine that was rich in minerals.  It comes from a palm that has a long, thin trunk with a group of branches at the top from which hangs ribbon-like leaves. Now that the acai berry has been discovered to be a highly sought after crop it is being mass produced.  However, the acai berry has only a 24 hour after being picked from the tree.  Therefore the acai berries must be placed in baskets and loaded onto boats soon after picking. Acai berries are then depulped and freeze dried in order to maintain its nutritional value.  It is then made into tablet and capsul form.

Each acai palm tree produces about 20 kg of fruit per year.  Brazil now employs over 130,000 people on a daily basis to keep up with its enormous demand.  Acai juice is marketed as a dietary supplement to help lower cholesterol, prevent cardiovascular disease, allergies, and cancer. In vitro studies have shown that acai also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and apoptotic effects.

Proported Uses

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diarrhea
• Autoimmune disorders
• Allergies

Mechanism of Action

Acai fruit has been shown to have powerful antioxidant effects.  Many studies have shown the potential effects of acai in inflammatory diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and allergies.

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