The Antioxidant Potential of the Acai Berry

The acai berry has been known to the West for only a short while, but in that time it has come to be well known for its many health benefits. The acai berry, harvested in the Amazon basin of South America, has more varied health benefits than any other known fruit. Health experts and enthusiasts are very excited about the possibilities of the acai berry, with more research going into the mysterious fruit every day. The berry has been known and used by Amazon tribes people for many years, passed down through the generations as a powerful medicine.

Natural Antioxidants of Acai Berry
Perhaps of most interest to the health industry are the naturally occuring antioxidants to be found in the acai berry. Antioxidants have a number of benefits, including the prevention of heart disease, cancer, and the general effects of aging. Antioxidants are purportedly behind the amazing phenomenon known as the “French Paradox.” The French as a people consumer a high level of alcohol and tobacco, and yet they suffer a less than average rate of heart disease and cancer. Scientists have cited the increased consumption of red wine among the French as a strong candidate for the reduction in illness that they have witnessed.

Antoxidants are found plentifully in red wine, with these antioxidants fighting off the occurence of cancer, heart disease, and other general aging related ailments. The antioxidants found in red wine are known to have a great impact on the body’s ability to fight off enzymes that cause damage to the body. Scientists and health industry experts are especially excited about the acai berry because of its extraordinarily high content of antioxidants. It is estimated that the acai berry contains somewhere from ten to thirty times the amount of antioxidants found in red wine.

With such a high concentration of antioxidants, the acai berry is perhaps one of the healthiest fruits on the planet. The berry has many proponents throughout the world, with the export of the fruit now a major industry in Brazil. The acai berry has become so popular that it can be found in smoothies, shakes, and juices all over the world. Along with many other benefits, the berry’s antioxidant concentration alone has the health industry very excited.

As many as 30,000 people are now involved in the acai export business in Brazil, demand for the product has grown to such proportions. The years to come and studies to be done should show whether or not the incredible potential of the acai berry will be realized. If the initial promise of the fruit holds true, then it should produce an effect much like or even better than the famed “French Paradox.”