An Amazing Health Food

Acai has far too many health benefits to be ignored. The purple pulp has and continues to be studied for its high levels of phytochemicals, flavonoids, and phytosterols. The phytosterols in Acai are beneficial for lowering cholesterol. High levels of the antioxidant superoxide add to the benefits, not to mention the 19 amino acids it contains. The antioxidant levels of the nut like seed are being studied for use as a preservative to extend the shelf life of foods.

I know, enough of all these crazy words...what does this translate to? Basically, this is a food with higher antioxidant levels than pomegranate or blueberries that has high fiber, a low glycemic index (won't spike insulin levels), and fights cancer cells with a vengeance in the petri dish. All those plant chemicals mentioned above help to strengthen the immune system, fight inflammation (which makes it excellent for a pain management program),and lower cholesterol levels. Acai is considered a beauty drink, and made it to number one of Dr. Nicholas Perricone's anti-aging food list. It is also reputed to enhance sexual performance :O

I tried Acai before I even knew of the health benefits. I found it along with all the frozen smoothie packs in my local Whole Foods Market. It has a flavor that I have not experienced before, that I really adore, though I tend to have less of a sweet tooth than most folks.

OK, So How Does it Taste?

The taste is kind of a blend between chocolate and bland blueberries. It has some notes of sweeter blackberries, I guess since they contain many of the same phyto compounds. Acai doesn't have an over the top fruity taste, and is honestly kind of bland without any sweetener.

It often comes with added cane sugar or agave, a natural sweetener with low glycmeic index. Some formulas include guarana for energy, which I think adds a slight bitter edge, but it is still in the pleasant range. Be aware that Acai drinks often do not look remotely similar to anything you've seen before.