Continuing right along with our healthy things with strange names topic, I’d like to introduce you to açaí (ah-sigh-ee; pronouncing it always makes me think of this) – a berry that if you don’t know about it or have tried it yet, you really should (especially if you’re stressed!) why, you ask? read on.

Having achieved ‘overnight success’ and popularity, especially over the last year – açaí is known as one of nature’s superfoods due to it’s numerous health benefits (some are even labeling it as the worlds ‘new wonderberry’). Similar in size to blueberries and somewhat in taste to grapes, açaí fruit is mostly found in Brazil and Peru, and harvested from a specific kind of palm tree. Many years ago, Brazilians began to harvest açaí palms in an attempt to overcome a shortage of food; a major component of their diet derived from açaí (up to 42% of the total food intake by weight), including extracting the juice from the fruit to make wine! Today, the juice and pulp of açaí fruits are frequently used in various juice blends, smoothies, sodas, ice creams, and to flavour alcohol and other beverages; although difficult to find fresh as they deteriorate quickly after harvest, the berries are commonly used on cereals, granolas, desserts, or alone as snacks and energizers.

An immensely valuable phytonutrient, açaí juice is said to have between 10 to 30 times more antioxidants than grapes, pomegranates, and even blueberries. (Recent studies have indicated the phytonutrients found in fruit provide a whole host of natural health benefits, including the anti-aging power of blueberries, the joint pain relieving properties of cherries, and a whole host of powerful properties in pomegranates are just a few examples.) Additionally, due of the extensive vitamins, amino acids, minerals, Omega acids, and other properties, the açaí berry is said to be one of the most nutritionally dense berries on the planet. Further health research suggests that açaí provides increased energy levels, improved sexual performance, improves digestion, aids in detoxification, has a high fibre content, improves skin appearance, improves heart health, improves sleep, and reduces cholesterol levels. Wonderberry, indeed!

To get the true benefits while in our neck of the woods – best bet is to buy your açaí juice from your local health food store or organic supermarket. You’re looking for the real deal (certified organic is best), so please do your homework if you’re jumping on the açaí bandwagon; nothing watered-down (as most cheap varieties tend to be, true açaí should be unfiltered and a little on the thick side), no preservatives, no sodium, and clearly stating with “no sugar added” on the glass bottle (alone, açaí is sweet enough – trust me!) Further, look for açaí juice that has at least 3000 ORACs per one ounce serving. Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) is a method of measuring antioxidant capacities of different foods. If an açaí company doesn’t mention the ORAC value of their açaí, it is probably because their levels are very low. High quality açaí products have high ORAC levels.

Needing on average of about 1 to 3 ounces of juice per day to reap the healthful benefits (depending on age, weight, and other health conditions;  please consult your holistic nutritionist for further info) açaí juice is a delicious and super addendum to your new year resolution for optimal health regime.