I am all about antioxidents ... anything that I can do to help prevent the chances of cancer, I am 'bout it 'bout it. So when I was introduced to the world of Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee), I was thrilled to learn of its health benefits!
Now I am sure most of you have heard of this wonder berry as a diet drug ... a way to lose weight fast. You've seen the tiny, skinny people in ads holding of pants that are 17 sizes too big for them as their 'Before' comparisons. Free trials are pretty tempting for those melt-away tabs and pills, and I will be the first to admit that I actually tried them! Antioxidents plus weight loss ... sign me up! Let me tell ya from experience ... these weight loss products are SCAMS! They do not work for the intended purpose they advertise for, and they are about $90 for a 30-day supply. They are not 100% acai berry either. They are usually mixed with another concentrate, such as cranberry. There has been absolutely no scientific proof that acai berry works as a weight loss aid. Please do not fall for these ads and their 'claims'.
This super berry is pretty awesome for all the right reasons! The Acai Berry is found in the Amazon, and acts as a natural energy booster. Acai is highly perishable and therefore cannot be sold as a whole fruit here in the U.S. Now I can go on and on like a book report on this fruit, but I'll just highlight the reasons why you need to start adding acai to your daily diet:
- Acai is chock full of Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, and amino acids.
- Eating a diet rich in antioxidants may interfere with aging and the disease process by neutralizing free radicals.
- Antioxidants may help reduce the risk of some diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
The University of Florida studied extracts and were shown to kill significant numbers of Leukemia cells.
- In testing, Acai is found to contain the most potent and powerful source of anthocyanins (flavonoids) in the world.
- Acai is also noted for its healthy fat content as well as its fiber and phytosterols to promote a healthier cardiovascular system and digestive tract.
- Detoxing and cleansing abilities. Acai may also lower cholesterol, stabilize diabetes, promote heart health, boost energy levels, and reduce inflammation, as well as help protect from neurological diseases.
- These antioxidants are needed to fight cell-damaging free-radicals that can predispose our bodies to certain types of cancers. Acai Berry is the #1 superfruit with the highest levels. Pomegranates are #2.
The Acai berry alone is not a cure-all for health related issues; it is however, highly effective in stimulating the body to achieve health goals. Acai should be the key element you are looking for, veering away from added fillers, binders, syrups, caffeine and artificial sweeteners. A li
quid form is accepted into your system immediately. Capsules and pills often contain multiple binders and fillers, and nutrients are destroyed in the processing. I have used MonaVie and highly recommend it. The only downfall is that Acai products can be spendy. Being that these little berries are only found in remote areas and are highly perishable, the price goes with the availability. Be sure to do your research before buying into any particular brand of product. Product reviews are found all over the internet.
How does it taste? Acai is a bit tart - like blueberries or cranberries, in my opinion. When mixed with other fruits in juices, it is fine. Alone (like MonaVie), you only need a shot glass full a day, so it is worth the bitterness.
My boys and I tried to take advantage of the warm sunshine while it was here for a few days. The zoo, park playdates, bbq's ... oh so much fun! Maddox and Sean were thrilled to be allowed outdoors and I enjoyed watching them run wild (and pass out hard at bedtime). Yesterday was our last warm day for a while, so we went out on the back deck and planted some flower buckets. A fun a
nd cheap little project that we do each spring, and has varied between painting pots and picking out pre-grown flowers to transplant, or snagging some $1 buckets and a couple packets of seeds at Target. The boys love to help out around the house and feel so important with their tasks. They will enjoy watering their buckets and watching the seeds sprout and grow into flowers. 
