Addressing Claims Regarding Acai Juice

By Tom Garcin

One of the latest Superfruits receiving publicity is Açaí juice. Pronounced "asa'i," Açaí is a palm tree flourishes in the lush rainforests that are fed by the mighty Amazon River. The combination of nutrient rich soil and tropical climate guarantee nearly perfect conditions for these plants to thrive. For centuries, the legendary berry and its juice have been revered by the indigenous people of Brazil's Northern Amazon region as an antidote for numerous ailments, but how does it hold up against modern science?

In numerous tests, the long-claimed benefits of Açaí juice have begun to be validated. Studies show that, by itself, the berry provides a remarkable source of protein, essential fats, vitamins and minerals. Because of its unparalleled antioxidant levels and superior nutrient content, Açaí is now widely regarded in the Western world as one of the world's top superfoods.

Contributing to the deep red, blue and purple of the plant's appearance are anthocyanins, a particularly valuable class of polyphenols of which the Açaí contains over a dozen. Analyses have shown that Açaí is one of the richest sources of anthocyanins in the world, substances known to be powerful free radical scavengers.

Açaí juice contain up to 33 times the antioxidant content as red wine grapes. These amazing berries have traditionally been used to increase energy, stamina, vitality, and to promote overall healthy living. Açaí juice is rich in Vitamins B1, B2, B3, E & C, Calcium, Potassium, and Phosphorus as well as Essential Fatty Acids omega-3, omega-6, & omega-9.

A recent study using modern procedures and a standardized freeze-dried Açaí fruit pulp and skin powder found nutrient analysis results from 100 g (3.5 ounces) of powder to equal 533.9 calories, 52.2 g carbohydrates, 8.1 g protein and 32.5 g total fat. The carbohydrate portion includes 44.2 g of fiber. Since nearly one-third of its mass as dietary fiber, Açaí is an exceptional source of this valuable macronutrient. In fact, a 100 gram serving of the powder would provide all the recommended fiber needed by an adults (20-30 g per day).

Açaí is particularly rich in fatty acids and even feels oily to the touch. It contains high levels of the monounsaturated fatty acid oleic acid (56.2% of total fats). It is also rich in palmitic acid (24.1% of total fats, a saturated fat) and the polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid (12.5% of total fats). It is also rich in β-sitosterol (beta-sitosterol), a phytosterol that competes with dietary cholesterol for absorption and so may reduce blood cholesterol levels.

It should also be noted that another recent study has found the vitamin C content of Açaí juice to be negligible.

Because of the large amount of waste that accumulates during the harvesting of the hearts of palm, sawdust from the left-over trunks of the Açaí palms have been analyzed for possible uses including the generation of energy. The inner layer of the trunk is mineral rich, and is significantly higher in all the minerals that were tested including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron compared to the outer layer of the tree. This inner layer could potentially be used as a source for these minerals. Ash content (often used as an alkaline source for saponification or in plant fertilizers) was also higher in the inner section of the tree. Levels of lignins, cellulose, holocellulose and gross heat production were slightly higher in the outer trunk layers, and cellulose levels were fairly high overall.

Açaí juice was even recently featured on the Oprah show as being the top superfood for age-defying beauty.

It looks like Açaí juice might just be considered nature's #1 perfect food.

The author is a student of nutrition and good health. To read more about the Açaí palm and Açaí juice, visit his website at http://www.acai-juice-reviews.com/

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