The acai berry is native to South America in the Amazon jungle and is most famous in its Brazilian varieties. Acai berry is very high in protein, carbohydrates and contains some fats as well. Having all of these dietary components is important for everyone. Acai helps people to bring more balance to their diet and it also helps them to feel better and to have more energy. Carbohydrates are important because they provide energy for the body to use when moving muscles and using all other necessary functions of the body. Protein also helps to keep the body in top shape and it’s necessary for every person to have protein. Fat is also a necessary part of any diet and the fat that is found in the acai berry is made up of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which are some of the healthiest forms of fats that can be found. For each 100 grams of acai extract (a freeze dried variety) there are about 533 calories, 52 grams of carbohydrates which includes 44 grams of fiber, 87 grams of protein, and 32 grams of fat. It also contains some vitamin C, calcium, iron, and vitamin A. Aspartic acid and glutamic acid are also found in the berry and are very important amino acids. The fats in acai extract contain oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linolic acid which are very important fatty acids for the body. Fats help lubricate cells and joints and provide a way for fat soluble vitamins to be transported throughout the body.

Acai also contains many different antioxidants which help the body to regenerate itself faster and to have higher endurance. Antioxidants are used by the body to combat free radicals which are electrons that have been lost by molecules and oxidize other molecules. Antioxidants take on the free electrons and oxidize themselves to ensure that other cells in the body can be free from degradation. Some of the most important antioxidants are actually vitamins and many are found in the acai berry and the extract that comes from the fruit. ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) tests show that acai has high antioxidant activity against peroxyl radicals and these ratings are higher than most other foods and juices. There is not currently a way to know or understand all of the antioxidant properties of the fruit but scientists are always looking for new ways to understand the natural world and how to harness the energies found in it for the benefit of man.

Most of the benefits of the acai berry come from the nutritional components that are found in it. Some of the benefits that people who have used acai have noted are increased energy and ability to do activities throughout the day. This could be a result of the high protein and carbohydrate content of the berry. The fatty acids that are contained in the fruit help regulate cholesterol levels. They reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood and raise levels of good cholesterol. This results in a lower risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular problems that are associated with high cholesterol. It also helps improve the immune system and digestive tract functions.

What makes acai berries good? Research showed that acai berries contain the following properties: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cardiovascular benefits. The antioxidant property of acai berry is 30 times greater than red grapes, and 10 to 20 times more anthocyanins than red wine. That makes acai berries more than 200% anti-oxidant than any other fruit and vegetable known; and the best known source of antioxidant so far. A university of Florida study in 2006 showed that the antioxidant property of acai berries destroyed cultured human cancer cells. Further studies revealed that it triggers a self-destruct response in up to 86% of tested leukemia cells.

Acai berries provide a good source of Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, C and Vitamin E. It also contain good amount of fiber that help promotes healthy digestive system and reduce the risks of developing some types of cancer.  In Brazil, acai berries are used to treat digestive disorder and some skin condition. Essential fatty acids; such as omega 3, 6 and 9; are also found which contribute to low incidence of cardiovascular disease for people who consume acai berries as part of their diet.

Acai berries are not recommended to be eaten directly. It should be processed first.  To maximize the full nutritional benefits acai berry, it should be freeze dried once it is picked. It loses its nutritional value every minute after picking the fruit. This is one quality aspect of different acai berry products, the method and means of freeze drying the fruit pulp of acai berries. 

Acai berry products have proliferated in the market in different forms; drinks, food supplements, and diet pills. They all differ in quality based on the amount of acai berry concentration in their product, as well as the method and technology used in processing them. The amount of nutrition incorporated on each product depends so much on the way they are processed. Be wary of poor quality products, massed-produce for the sake of profit. Make sure that the source of your acai berry products are verified companies well known for quality.