What is Acai?
The acai palm, pronounced ah-sah-EE, is native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. It's part of the Euterpe genus, which contains 7 other palms that only grow in tropical Central America and tropical South America. The palms are tall, usually approaching 45 to 90 feet, with very long 9 foot leaves. Locally, the acai palm is know as the "tree of life."
The acai palm's most famous product is the acai berry, which is is similar in size to a large grape. The berries are a very dark, saturated purple, an indication of the concentration of healthy antioxidants in them. The berries are harvested twice per year, and while they are only available in a limited geographic region, acai berries themselves grow rapidly and are easily replenished. The palms, however, are not so easily replaced, with seedlings often requiring months to properly form.
Much of the acai berry is comprised of seed. The pulp is removed from the seed, and that pulp is what is used in extracts, powders, and other supplements. The pulp has traditionally been used in sodas, juices, and even liqueurs, and is a large part of the diet for locals. It's also taken as a supplement to promote generate health and well being, as well as to increase energy and reduce fatigue.
Once the pulp is removed from the seed, the seeds and leaves are then used in a number of other agricultural and industrial applications. Some of these applications include: creating seedling for further plantings, livestock food, weaving items like baskets and hats, and so on.
In the United States, use of the acai berry has taken off as a weight loss, supplement, detoxifier, and energy booster. But their most important benefit, and the one most frequently cited by medical professionals, is their abundance of antioxidants. While acai is used for weight loss, the products have not yet been evaluated by the FDA, so the only studies performed are those that were done by manufacturers.
According to these studies, participants achieved a 450% increase in weight loss over an 8-week period as compared to participants taking a placebo (see Acai Berry Blast for details), with weight losses ranging from 12 to 14 pounds.
