The Acai Pulp

Acai Pulp - Inside the Fruit

The acai berry, pronounced: (ah-sigh-ee), and it’s pulp were at one time an enigma to the western world. The fruit has a very rich dark color, which is an indication that the fruit is full of vitamins and minerals. Found growing on a type of palm in the Amazon jungle the acai berry and pulp are now being touted as the number one super new health food. The palm that grows the acai berry is unique in that its trunk is thin, long and slender. The top of the palm has branches that spread out like limbs and the bunches of acai berries dangle from those branches. The visual uniqueness of the tree is only matched by the unique properties of the acai pulp.

The pulp of the acai is the inside of the fruit, not including the seed. It is used to make drinks, health smoothies and a bevy of health products. However because the fruit spoils quickly and is only found in tropical regions; frozen acai pulp has become a fast seller in today’s market. The acai pulp has been compared to the beneficial properties of red wine or blueberries and does rival those competitors when harvested and eaten fresh. However the benefits of the acai pulp, once frozen are widely debated. Some studies suggest that the acai pulp and it’s juice when sold by retailers is no more potent than other antioxidant rich fruits and berries.

The acai pulp in its freshly harvested state has very high levels of Omega3, Omega6, and Omega9 fatty acids. Acai pulp also has dietary fiber and phytosterols. Both are great aids to the digestive track. When it comes to heart health the acai pulp, freshly picked has few rivals. The anti-oxidants in this fruit can truly help turn back the clock. Although the berry goes bad soon after harvesting; for a good length of time the acai pulp maintains its nutrients and antioxidants.

The taste of the pulp is truly unique as well. While the acai pulp is similar in taste to many other berries, it actually has a hint of chocolate. This has made the acai pulp much sought after as an aphrodisiac. Many men native to the Amazon region have use acai berry and pulp as an energizer and stimulate for their libido.

The acai pulp and berry have been touted to lower cholesterol and this has been a prominent component in the push to name this berry a super food. When consumed fresh, the high fiber in the acai pulp does seem to do just that. This one benefit alone has caused a stir in the academic community, prompting study after study on the proposed benefits of acai. A University of Florida study done in 2006 even heralded the promise of acai aiding in the destruction of cancer cells. The study cautioned that the berry was not being named as a preventer of cancer, but seemed to destroy the cancerous cells once the disease was apparent.

This study and recent exposure on top day time show like “Oprah” propelled the acai berry and pulp into the spotlight. Because of this, many unauthorized persons/companies started to make claims and sell acai pulp to the public. Thus extreme care should be exercised when purchasing the acai pulp from vendors. As the FDA does not regulate the vitamin and alternative medicine sector, making a purchase of acai pulp from a reputable source is key.

Acai Fruit

Research and Developments of Acai

Like any food that is newly introduced in the western world, acai pulp will have to stand the test of time. Now that celebrities and health food enthusiasts alike are looking into the berry, you can be sure that the diverse population will follow. Many western scientists have only recently shown an interested in acai with many heading up studies at the University level. The more studies that are done; the more interest there seems to be in the pulp of the acai. These promising university studies seem to ensure that the acai pulp will not just be a fad, but a strong finisher in the list of healthy fruits and vegetables.

Since practically every edible fruit is good for you and trying acai berries and pulp will be a pleasurable experience for the palate at the very least.