Move over coconuts: Time for some Acai berries
by Roberta Lee, MD (topic expert: health)

Say the word palm tree and most people think coconuts. However these days a new palm fruit is capturing everyones attention. The acai berry, from a slender South American palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) that can grow up to 82 feet, have become so popular that there are now acai berry diets.

The acai berry is used in several South American countries as a medicine to treat a variety of ailments. In Brazilian herbal medicine, the oil of the fruit is used to treat diarrhea. A liquid from the root is used for jaundice or yellowing from hepatitis. It has also been used as a tonic to build the blood. Skin infections have been washed with an infusion of the grated fruit rind. The seeds of the acai berry have been used as a natural Tylenol� to bring down fevers in the Peruvian Amazon. Other treatments include using the root to treat malaria, diabetes, hepatitis, hair loss, hemorrhages, liver and kidney diseases, menstrual pain, and muscle pain.

What is the nutrient value of the acai? The berries have a very high antioxidant content. In fact, the antioxidant capacity of the acai berry is 10% higher than for blueberries or cranberries! These berries are also packed with vitamins known as anthocyanins, pigmented flavonoids that are similar to the vitamins we get in grapes and red wine. In addition, they have mild anti-inflammatory agents.

Researchers are investigating the antioxidants for their heart protective and cancer -reducing properties. The cardio-protective properties of acai come from its high antioxidant content as well as the phytosterols compounds that reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.

The berry content is made up of 49% lipids ( fat molecules), 13% protein, 27% fiber by dry weight. To the traditional Coboclo populations of the Amazon in the region of Brazil the acai berries represent up to 42% of their diet by dry weight.

In the 1990, surfers on the coast of Brazil recognized that the drinks made from this berry gave them lots of energy and the ability to sustain physical activity for long periods of time. The drink became a popular beach beverage and has remained so.

The Tropical regions particularly in the Amazon of South America are recognized as areas with high biodiversity. Forty-eight native fruits of the Amazon have been identified as having the potential for sale on the international market. The fruits of the Acai Palm found in the Amazon produces up to 20 kg of fruit per year. In 1995 almost 106,000 tons of juice was produced at a value of US$40 million.

There have been recent health food claims on acai berry pills. Among the many promises are those that say these pills can help you lose weigh and reverse aging. While it true that the fresh acai pulp is very rich in antioxidants- unless it is tested-- its doubtful that the vitamin content of these pills holds muster. The buyers should beware-there are no standards on supplements for antioxidant content.

Nevertheless, the acai berry is an inspiring story. An indigenous fruit that now serves as a nutritious food source that can be exported while saving the tree native to South America from harvest.

My favorite Acai smoothie recipe:

100 g of acai pulp (frozen)
1/2 cup of frozen or fresh blackberries or blueberries
4 ounces of almond milk
2 tsp of honey
1/2 tsp vanilla flavoring
optional sprig of mint

Blend all the ingredients in a blender for 1 minute and enjoy!