101 Foods That Could Save Your Life

Chapter One Acai (Euterpe oleracea) ORAC ATTACK! Did you know . . . the antioxidant capacity or "ORAC" value for a four-ounce portion of Acai is 6576? That is more than blueberries, strawberries, and red wine combined! What's the Story? Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berries are produced by a palm tree grown in the floodplain areas of the Amazon River in Brazil. It has a unique tastelike wildberries with a hint of slightly bitter chocolate yum! The berry, about the same size as a blueberry, is ninety-five percent seed. The seeds are discarded, leaving the skin alone for acai products. A Serving of Food Lore . . . In the Amazon, acai palms cover an area equivalent to half the size of Switzerland. Acai is a primary food staple of Amazon River communities. It is served as a beverage and is a main part of the meal, much in the same way as bread or rice in other cultures. In the city of Belem in Brazil, more of the fruit is drunk than milkan estimated 200,000 liters of acai juice is consumed daily among a population of 1.3 million. Where Is Acai Grown? Acai is unique to the Amazon rainforests of Brazil and commercial production of the berry is found mainly near the city of Belem. Why Should I Eat Acai? Surprisingly for a fruit, the vast majority of the calories come from fat: A four-ounce serving of pure acai contains about 100 calories and six grams of fat. However, it is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-9 fats and also contains little sugar. Acai contains essential fatty acids, iron, calcium, fiber, vitamin A, and other antioxidants. Scientists have discovered that acai is rich in anthocyanins, a special group of plant chemicals believed to have many health benefits. In fact, acai contains ten times more anthocyanins than found in an equal serving of red wine. Anthocyanins in acai make up only about ten percent of the total antioxidants contained within this amazing little berry. Acai also contains phytosterols, a plant component known to reduce cholesterol, treat symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (swollen prostate), and help protect the immune system from physical stress. Home Remedies Sexual performance: Acai combined with guarana syrup is a popular drink in Brazil. One of the reported benefits from drinking the concoction is improved sexual performance. Beauty: Dr. Nicholas Perricone mentions in his anti-aging books that acai has beautifying properties. Throw Me a Lifesaver! Cancer: Utilizing a test tube study, University of Florida researchers found powerful antioxidant compounds in acai that greatly reduced cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis (programmed cell death) in human leukemia cells. Tips on Using Acai Selection and Storage: Acai comes in juice, frozen pulp, bottled smoothies, and powder forms that are all readily available at most health food stores and grocery markets. Due to their highly perishable nature, fresh acai berries are only available in Brazil. Look for flash-pasteurized acai products which preserve acai's antioxidants and beautiful purple color. Preparation and Serving Suggestions: Heating acai may diminish some of its antioxidants. Acai can be used to make sauceGrotto, David W. is the author of '101 Foods That Could Save Your Life', published 2007 under ISBN 9780553384321 and ISBN 0553384325.