Acai FAQ

What is Acai Berry?

Acai is a small round berry dark purple in color with amazing nutritional qualities. It resembles grapes but has very little pulp and a large core. It is considered to be one of the nutritious and potent foods in the world.

Where does it grow?

Acai berries grow in clusters on Acai palm trees (there are about 25 – 30 varieties) native to tropical parts of Central and South America. Acai palm is strong, slender and attractive and can reach up to 100 feet in height with the fronds spanning about 10 feet. The main commercial source of Acai is located in the Amazon delta where several rivers converge before entering the Atlantic Ocean. The region covers northeastern part of Brazil between Para and Amapa states.

Does harvesting Acai destroy rainforest?

Absolutely not! In fact, it actually preserves rainforest because harvesting stimulates Acai palm growth.

Does it have high ORAC score?

Yes, with the ORAC score of 1027 acai is way ahead of all other fruits and vegetables known today. It leads other known antioxidants such as blueberries, grapes, red wine, green tea, cranberries and pomegranate.

What is ORAC score?

ORAC score shows the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals. Foods with high ORAC index are necessary to fight free radicals. ORAC system was developed in 1992 as a tool to measure antioxidant abilities of fruits, vegetables and other foods.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are agents that prevent the damaging effect of free radicals. Free radicals damage your cells in the process of oxidation. Antioxidants are able to neutralize its harmful effects. Obtaining a variety of antioxidants through diet or supplementation provides an essential support for your health.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are particles with at least one unpaired electron. Excess of free radicals can destroy cell membranes. The job of antioxidants is to prevent that.

What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress is caused by the lack of antioxidants necessary to restore cells damaged by free radicals.

What is the cause of excess of free radicals?

Tobacco smoke, alcohol, pollution, insecticides, radiation, chemicals at work and at home, excessive sun exposure – all this causes the excess of free radicals. Among other causes – consumption of foods with high saturated fat content, stress, insufficient sleep and strenuous physical activity.

What are phytonutrients?

Phytonutrients are natural ingredients that are responsible for taste, color and vitality of plants (fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes). Phytonutrients are powerful antioxidants, but their value not only to protect the body from free radicals. Phytonutrients with a full spectrum of colors and pigments provide maximum overall health benefits.

What are polyphenols?

Polyphenols is a class of powerful antioxidants which play an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (heart failure, stroke) and has been proven to reduce bad cholesterol. Polyphenols are also responsible for the French Paradox: the French eat a diet high in fat, but still have a low risk of heart disease. This is attributed to the amount of polyphenols, which are in the red grapes used to make French wines.