Women’s Health Blog

Everyones seen the word, maybe heard it on the television, radio, and even on billboards. The acai berry and the diet associated with it. But what is it exactly and why is there a huge fuss about it?

First of all, the acai berry has been used for many generations by native Brazilians. It is a small round berry usually blackish purple in color, resembling a grape or blueberry but smaller. It has a large seed with minimal pulp and provides maximum juice. Its found in some palm trees that can reach heights of 82 feet in the Amazon rainforest and that is where it is largely grown and harvested. Unlike cherries and most other fruit however, it grows in bunches, much like bananas, instead of individually. Each tree, on average, can yield anywhere from three to eight bunches of acai berries.

Whats so great about this small berry and why has it become a huge name in the diet industry? The Acai berry has been labeled as an antioxidant. Its rich in omega fats, protein, electrolytes, amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A, E and B1. Its been known for the health benefits it provides including management of digestive problems, insomnia, skin issues and even sexual dysfunction. Especially as word travels about this amazing berry and its benefits, people are discovering new and exciting ways it has helped them in daily life. Consuming it has made people simply feel more energized and healthy. Not only that, but researchers have even revealed that in a study, Acai berries actually destroyed leukemia cells in a culture. It still remains to be seen that the Acai berry will destroy cancer altogether, but the studies so far have been promising.

Not only has the Acai berry become famous all over the world for ground breaking new researches, but its also great tasting. It has been incorporated into so many dishes since its discovery that its common knowledge to see it on menus in most places. Used as both the sweet berry it is on top of ice cream, in smoothies, shakes and even breakfast bars, it is also used as a great additional flavor in meat and fish dishes, along with various other entrees. However, the fact that most people find so surprising is that the berry itself should not be picked and eaten just as it is. The berry is harvested, processed and the acai comes from the pulp of the berry. Even more surprising to some people is the fact that the acai drinks and juice is more popular in the southern hemisphere than milk. This is due largely to the fact that the South Americans know theyre getting a healthy, nutritious drink that will give them energy and alertness throughout the day. One of the best benefits about this berry is the fact that there are no known or reported side effects. It hasnt been completely examined and being a relatively new product in the United States it is still being observed. But most reports back are that this is a very promising good.

Acai is available in all different forms all across the globe. The internet has become a fast hot spot to purchase the popular berry and its many varieties. It is in extremely high demand as more and more people become aware of the benefits, but when shopping for it, you must be sure that youre getting the real thing. Labels are very important and make absolutely sure to check them.

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As the acai berry sweeps the world, many people are becoming interested in the fact that it has become the most recent superfood. Facts about its benefits such as increasing energy and stamina and helping balance and maintain major systems of the body are becoming common knowledge. But what exactly makes the acai berry better and different from other superfoods? The Goji berry has also taken the stage. How do they compare?

Goji, or sometimes known as the Chinese Wolfberry, is also climbing the charts as one of the top superfoods. It too, has only been recently discovered and also has the great benefits of antioxidants and various other medicinal purposes. It has been around, secretively, for years, just like the acai berry. Its sudden appearance on the market is due to new scientific discoveries and extensive research. Just like the acai, it has been used by the locals throughout China for hundreds of years. Also like acai, its mostly marketed as a juice.

However, there have been some questions raised between the acai berry versus the Goji berry. There are many similarities between the two, but there are also some subtle differences that make the acai berry a prominent choice. Some similarities include:

o Being called one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits on Earth.
o High nutrient content.
o Several applications in different foods
o Centuries of use by the locals
o Proven research of incredible benefits
o Increasing popularity in markets all over the world

What makes acai better than the Goji berry in a Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) face off? Antioxidant levels in both are very high. However, in the acai berry, they are slightly higher. In the same respect, the acai berry has been more thoroughly researched and examined than the Goji berry has. Theyve both been proven to increase energy and stamina and with high levels of minerals and nutrients, are exceptional in maintaining major organs and systems of the body. The Goji berry is also exceptionally rich in carotenoids. Due to the great level of antioxidants and its superior benefits in the eyes of the ORAC table, the acai is the best overall choice.

However, as a whole including its antioxidant strength, versatility as a food throughout the world and the markets, and nutrient richness, the upper hand has to go to the goji berry. It is more versatile as it is more fat-soluble and is therefore used for almost ever application from foods, yogurts and smoothies. Another major factor is the shipping and transportation process. Acai is hard to keep as they start decaying quickly after harvest. The Goji can be dried and transported, something the acai berry is not capable of.

Although both berries have their differences, they also have their similarities and own unique structure that make each a great option for anyone looking for a superfood that is both beneficial and tasty. Overall, however, the Goji berry must be given recognition as the best choice in a face off between it and the Acai berry.

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