Acai Berries: Health Benefits, Origins & Nutritional Value

Acai berries have been called a "superfood" that offers anti-aging, weight-loss and other health benefits. According to WebMD, the berries' benefits are still being studied.

Features

• Acai (pronounced "ah-sigh-ee") berries are 1-inch-long reddish-purple fruits. The fruits are in the same family as blueberries, cranberries and other deep-purple berries.

Geography

• Acai berries are harvested from the acai palm tree (Euterpe oleracea), found in Central America and South America.

Function

• WebMD reports that some studies have shown acai fruit pulp to have high levels of antioxidants. The antioxidant content may help to prevent diseases known to be caused by oxidative stress, including cancer and heart disease.

Uses

• Acai can be found in juices and other beverages, as well as many cosmetics, including face creams and hair products.

Availability

• Products that contain acai berries can be found in health food and gourmet stores.

Warning

• According to WebMD, people who are prone to pollen allergies or have a known hypersensitivity to acai or similar berries might want to avoid the fruit. Consuming moderate amounts, however, is likely to be safe.