Acai fruit high in antioxidants

Acai is the fruit of a palm tree that grows from Belize to Brazil.

This fruit, which is harvested twice a year, has a big seed that comprises 80 percent of the fruit. The pulp of the fruit provides 42 percent of the food intake of the Cabocle population in the Amazon region of Brazil.

Because these people are so healthy and the acai fruit is almost half of their diet, scientists started to look at the properties of the fruit. It was found to be higher in antioxidant value than any other fruit, as well as having protein, mono-unsaturated fatty acids, lots of fiber, and vitamins and minerals.

There is, however, a major drawback; the fruit deteriorates in 24 hours so it is impossible to get the fruit anywhere other than where it is grown.

Enter those who wish to make a profit. Companies have found ways to extract the juice and freeze-dry the fruit pulp. These two products have begun to be readily available to the consumer with a very high price tag.

Freeze-dried pulp and skin have an antioxidant value similar to blueberries and possible Cox I and II inhibitors that act as strong anti-inflammatories.

One hundred grams of the powder has 534 calories, 44 grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein and 32 grams of fatty acids.

The acai is being referred to by marketers as a super fruit. The question is whether or not what you buy has been processed correctly and, therefore, has all of the antioxidant properties mentioned above.

Please remember, there is no such thing as a "magic" food that takes care of all of a person's health needs. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables supplies large quantities of antioxidants at a much lower price tag than some of these specialty drinks.

— Ginger Patterson, Ph.D., R.D., is a registered dietitian who has worked in the field of wellness in Fort Myers for the past 22 years. She maintains an office at Fitness On The Move, where she specializes in weight management.

SOURCE: News-Press.com