Acai extract is made from the berry of the acai palm. It is traditionally harvested as food by natives in the Amazon region of Brazil. The acai berry and it's extract have been marketed as a dietary supplement to promote health. Marketers claim it possesses qualities which will increase energy levels, improve digestion and aid in weight loss, among many other things. Acai extract is available for purchase from a variety of sources.

The Acai Fruit

The acai berry is small, round and blackish purple in color. It is similar in appearance and size to a grape. Acai is popular in southern Brazil where it is consumed with granola. It is also widely consumed as an ice cream flavor or juice. Comprising 80 percent of the fruit mass, açaí seeds are often ground up and feed to livestock. Acai seeds are also used as a component of organic soil for plants.

Composition of Acai

A 100 gram powdered preparation of freeze-dried açaí fruit pulp and skin was scientifically tested and reported to contain 533.9 calories, 52.2 g carbohydrates, 8.1 g protein and 32.5 g total fat. The powder was also shown to contain dietary fiber, vitamin C, calcium, iron, vitamin A, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, amino acids and beta-sitosterol.

Health Benefits

Studies about the health benefits of the acai berry and it's extract are ongoing. So far, however, acai has no proven health benefits different from that of similar fruits like cranberry, raspberry, blackberry or strawberry. Research does support eating a diet rich in antioxidants, and berries and other fruits are traditionally nutrient and antioxidant dense.

Negative Reactions

People who have allergies to pollen or have a strong sensitivity to acai or similar berries should avoid consuming this fruit in any form. When ingested in moderate amounts, however, acai is likely safe.

Extract

Acai berry extract is marketed as an alternative to ingesting acai juice, which is a tart wine-grape flavor, and not suitable for every palate. Acai berry extract supplements are made by many different manufacturers, and potency levels will widely vary. Make sure you do research and comparison shopping before deciding on a brand that will complement your needs.

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Acai Palm

Web MD