Acai juice is obtained from acai berry, a fruit that grows in many parts of South America. Its popularity has grown in recent years as people have become aware of the many health benefits.

The acai is a palm that grows in the Brazilian rain forest. The tree can reach heights from eighty-five to one hundred feet. Because the trees grow in flooded tidal forests there is not a mechanical way to harvest the berried. Acai berries are harvested today just as they were centuries ago, by couples working together.

First the husband climbs the tree and cuts off the bunch of acai berries, or dupes as they are called. These dupes grow in huge, grape like clusters. The man then brings the bunch down to his wife and she plucks them from the bunch and fills baskets. When the baskets are full they are taken to be processed within twenty four hours.

Because of the need for harvesting by hand Acai is eco-friendly and harvested in a responsible manner. The berries are made up of a dark, purple pulp which surrounds a single seed. The juice is extracted from the pulp. The acai berries must be processed within the short, twenty four hour time slot or the fruit begins to lose its nutritional value. Because of this tendency of the fruit to oxidize in a short period of time the only way that the acai can be exported is freeze dried or frozen as juice.

The berry has been important to the diet of the Native South Americans for thousands of years. It contains large amounts of fiber, essential fatty acids, and calcium while remaining naturally low in sugar.

The juice of the Acai contains a numerous vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is the only known fruit in the entire world to contain all of the amino acids that are found in the human body. Other health benefits of the Acai include:

• Heart health
  
• Protein
  
• Omega -9
  
• Omega-6
  
• Lowers cholesterol
  
• Boosts immune system
  
• Anti aging benefits

Differences in Acai Products

There is a big difference in Acai products. The juice is said to be more potent than the capsules. Since the potency of herbal pills is unregulated you may not be getting the full benefit if you are taking pills. The juice is cold processed and therefore retains all of the vitamins and nutrients that are in the fresh berry. Be sure to read the label carefully. Some of the juices have water added or are mixed with other fruit juices. If you are drinking Acai for the health benefits you should be drinking pure Acai juice.

The juice has been described as a chocolate-y berry taste. It is a bit coarse and grainy to drink because of the amount of fiber that is retained in the Acai juice. Since Acai has become popular manufacturers seem to be adding it to everything, and adding everything to it. Other fruit juices, sweeteners, and water are all added to Acai which reduces the health benefits. If you are concerned always check the ingredients list to see how much Acai per serving is in the beverage. Beware of companies that use the whole berry, including the seed and skin. There are no nutrients in the seed and this will decrease the amount of health benefits. Acai is a popular juice currently. It may be everything it is claimed to be or it may not. Be sure to do your own research and come to your own conclusions.