The fruit, a small, round, black-purple drupe about 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter, similar in appearance and size to a grape but with less pulp, is produced in branches 700 to 900 fruits. Two crops of fruit are produced each year. The fruit has a single large seed about 0.25–0.40 inches (7–10 mm) in diameter. The fruit is a deep purple color, or green, depending on the kind of açaí and its maturity.  The seed makes up about 80% of the fruit.

Açai berry supplements have been promoted in the U.S. for weight loss, as energy boosters, and as a source of antioxidants.  In late 2008, lawyers for The Oprah Winfrey Show began investigating alleged statements from supplement manufacturers who suggested that frequent Oprah guest Dr. Mehmet Oz had recommended their product or açai in general for weight loss.

A powdered preparation of freeze-dried açaí fruit pulp and skin was shown to contain anthocyanins (3.19 mg/g); however, anthocyanins accounted for only about 10% of the overall antioxidant capacity.^[9] The powdered preparation was also reported to contain twelve flavonoid-like compounds, including homoorientin, orientin, taxifolin, deoxyhexose, isovitexin, scoparin, as well as proanthocyanidins (12.89 mg/g), and low levels of resveratrol (1.1 μg/g)

Freeze-dried açaí powder was found to have high antioxidant activity against superoxide (1614 units/g) and peroxyl radicals (1027 μmol TE/g) and milder activity for peroxynitrite and hydroxyl radicals.^[5] The powder was reported to inhibit hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidation in neutrophils, and to have a slight stimulatory effect on nitric oxide production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages in vitro.

Extracts of açaí seeds were reported to have antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals, similar to the capacity of the pulp, with higher antioxidant capacity against peroxynitrite and hydroxyl radicals.

Read more about how the Acai Berry can help you be healthier, and help in your weight loss routine:

• Acai Berry and Cancer
• What is the Acai Berry?
• Acai Berries Side Effects
• Acai Berry as part of a healthy diet
• Acai Berries and Weight Loss

Acai berries (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) are about the size of a grape, and are mostly seed with a small amount of fruit pulp. Brazilians have consumed this berry and touted its health benefits for ages, however the rest of the world is now starting to take notice of this super fruit. Even Oprah and Dr. Oz have touted the healthy benefits of acai berry on her talk show. In recent years a great deal of scientific research has taken place regarding the health benefits of this exotic berry.

The University of Florida study mentioned above used six extracts created from the pulp of acai berry in seven concentrations. Four out of six extracts were proven to destroy human leukemia cells cultured in a test tube when applied to the cells for 24 hours. The percentage of cancer cells destroyed by the acai berry extract depended upon the particular extract as well as the concentration, with numbers ranging from approximately 35 percent to 86 percent.

Experts agree that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of certain diseases including heart disease and cancer. Adding acai to a produce-rich diet can only improve its quality, so consider trying acai juice, powdered acai berry concentrate or even an acai supplement as part of your daily diet. If you find the exotic chocolate berry flavor of acai too strong, mix it with other berry juices like blueberry, cherry or pomegranate for a delicious and healthy beverage. Supplements are an even easier way to get your daily acai berry, especially for those who don’t care for the taste of acai juice.

Because of the large seed and small amount of fruit on the acai berry you aren’t going to find raw acai berries for sale in the supermarket. What you will find is a great deal of acai berry juice, powder and supplements in capsule form. Some of these products feature acai berry as the only ingredient, others blend this nutrient-packed berry with other ingredients. For example a weight loss supplement with acai berry in it may feature other ingredients like dandelion or green tea so be sure to read the label. Whether you want a straight acai berry supplement or an acai blend depends on your needs.

For example, if you aren’t necessarily looking to slim down and just want to reap the antioxidant benefits of acai berry, you might want to try acai berry juice. Companies like Sambazon sell straight and blended acai juice, smoothie mix, concentrated powder and other products. If you’re wondering what acai berry tastes like, it is best described as a chocolate berry flavor. Some people love the taste right off, while others prefer to blend their acai with other juices.

When you add acai berry to your diet, you get the benefits of super nutrition. These berries have anti-inflammatory properties, may help normalize and regulate blood pressure, aid digestion, improve vitality, increase libido and even assist in weight loss efforts. There is certainly no known downside to adding acai berry to your diet, especially when it’s in the form of organic juice. You can drink it straight or add a few ounces to your favorite smoothie recipe. If you haven’t already added acai to your diet, consider doing so today!

Therefore, it is safe to say acai berry, when consumed in moderate quantities, has no side effects. This is assuming the acai being consumed is organic and 100% acai berry with nothing added. You can purchase pure acai juice in many supermarkets and health food stores. Pure acai can also be found in dehydrated concentrated powder form that can be reconstituted by adding purified water. You won’t find acai in its original form (unless you tracel to the Amazon rainforest) because the acai berry is 90 percent seed pit with only a small amount of fruit.

Because of the large seed and small amount of fruit, the acai berry is processed using an agitation technique that strips the fruit from the pit. The result is a slushy acai pulp that can be strained to make smooth juice, added to smoothies or recipes, or even made into powder or capsule form. To ensure you don’t experience any so-called acai side effects you may want to choose a pure acai berry product instead of a blend. If you do choose a product with multiple ingredients read labels carefully and consult your doctor if you have questions.

Acai side effects you may experience when you use acai include increased vitality and improved health. This berry is so beneficial Dr. Oz touted it on the Oprah show. It is higher in absorbable antioxidants than blueberries or even red wine, making it a superior choice. The taste of acai berry can be described as a wine-like, chocolate dipped berry flavor that is definitely distinctive. And because acai is so nutritious you only need consume a moderate amount to reap the benefits which is why it is often blended with other juices.

Virtually all of the berry is useful.  The skin is full of anthocyanins, which is the main antioxidant ingredient of red wine.  However, pound for pound, the acai berry is richer in anthocyanins, and doesn’t contain the alcohol, of course, making it a more healthy selection.  It is also rich in polyphenols, fiber, essential fatty acids, and plant sterols.  A diet full of fiber and sterols is heart-healthy, is good for cholesterol, and good for the digestive tract.  While no one berry is going to make you significantly healthier, eating acai berries regularly will help in your healthy diet.

There are several methods you can use to add the acai berry to your diet.  There are commercially available juices that you can drink, or mix with other juice.  Acai berry juice is similar to grape juice, and has more antioxidant punch than Cranberry juice.  It can also be mixed into smoothies or other fruit juice cocktails.  There are acai berry bars, that look like granola bars, or snacks that contain the berry.  Finally, you can buy it in powder form, either as a mixer, or as a capsule that you can take on its own.  If you do this, be sure you watch the intake amounts on the label, as its hard to know how much power equals one berry

The benefits of acai berry to your health have been tested and studied.  In 2006, the University of Florida found that certain amounts of the berry extract were useful in treating certain kinds of cancer in a lab setting.  In 2008, Oprah Winfrey and the well-known Dr. Oz, began researching and touting the benefits of the berry on her show.  As its acceptance and proof has grown, it has moved from hard to get supplement, to being available in specialty stores, to being widely available, even in supermarkets.

Medical professionals will tell you that the smartest way to drop excess pounds is through healthy diet and regular exercise. Acai berry on its own has not been shown to burn fat or melt away pounds. As a matter of fact if you drink the juice you may be taking in some calories. However acai berry can be used in conjunction with a sensible diet and exercise plan to enhance results. For example, did you know exercise actually produces free radicals? Instead of not exercising, supplement with antioxidants like those found in acai berry.

These antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body and prevent them from damaging healthy cells. Antioxidants may even repair damage to cells that has already occurred. When it comes to acai berry and weight loss, you will find a great many products on the market that feature this berry. Usually they are in capsule form and contain other ingredients to help accelerate weight loss, such as colon cleansers to help rid the body of excess waste. Examples of natural colon cleansers commonly found in supplements are dandelion, senna, psyllium and licorice root.

While acai berry isn’t directly responsible for weight loss it is an excellent way to supplement your diet because of the healthy benefits of this fruit. If you want pure acai with nothing added consider drinking acai juice or using powdered acai concentrate. However if you are seeking a weight loss product consider one of the many acai supplement blends on the market. Read ingredients carefully and consult with your doctor before beginning any supplement, diet or exercise plan.