Read the latest alternative health literature, or maybe turn on the news, and you might find a report on the benefits of acai as a natural remedy. For centuries, people of South America have enjoyed acai in drinks, as a mashed pulp topping for food, and as supplements for daily vitality.

Only recently has acai come into the Western consciousness, with sources like Oprah and a handful of doctors proclaiming the wonders of this “superfood.” Yet, for all the praise acai receives, one must wonder if it is truly capable of drastic healing qualities. Can this little purple berry from the Amazon Rainforest do what many conventional medicines can’t for some?

It is believed that regular intake of acai juice can relieve or put an end to joint pain in particular? The structure of acai “Antioxidants” is a popular buzzword in alternative health these days. We’re told to eat more rich berries high in antioxidants in order to purify the blood and strengthen the body’s natural ability to fight free radicals that can weaken our immunity over time. Blueberries, cherries, and pomegranates fall under this category, yet the acai berry is believed to surpass them all in terms of overall quality.

Acai berries are rich in not only in antioxidants, but vitamins A, C, and E, and is very high in something called the ORAC value, which is known to be beneficial in battling joint pain. ORAC and joint pain ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, and measures the antioxidant level of foods. Antioxidants are essential in fighting superoxide free radicals, which are known to decrease joint function and mobility as the body ages. To combat join pain naturally, it is believed that a diet rich in antioxidants can assist the body’s ability to heal. It can be concluded, then, that regular consumption of acai can be of help here.

However, while acai in juice or powdered supplement form may work instantly for some, it may not for others. As a healthy alternative to soft drinks and other beverages of little to no nutritional value, acai can provide the body with necessary vitamins and minerals needed to maintain daily health. Pain relief for some may be a bonus in this regard. When seeking remedy for severe pain, remember to consult with a physician or nutrition expert before trying any type of alternative supplement or diet plan. If you wish to try acai for improved health, enjoy the flavor and be mindful of the effects.

Kat Lively is a freelance writer for AcaiGogo, pure acai powder in handy, easy-to-use individual packets, Rainfloresta, quality exotic rainforest products of health and beauty for the new age, and Guarana Gogo, guarana powder in easy to use packets.

Contrary to many medical researcher’s findings on the acai fruit, Channel 4 Los Angeles would like to report that their “experts” have found no scientific proof that the acai berry produces positive results. But leading acai researchers such as Dr. Alexander Schauss and world reknowned health and beauty doctor Dr. Nicholas Perricone have a different view.

Dr. Perricone, author of The Perricone Promise, sees acai as the world’s #1 super fruit. While NBC television may report otherwise, acai remains one of the healthiest fruits on the planet and AcaiBreakthrough.com is of the opinion that there is an ulterior motive behind KNBC’s report on the acai berry - possibly due to lobbyist pressure - but we are unable to report the exact reasons why they would write such a brief, uninformative article on acai.

Berries and chocolate. Generally a great combination, right? What if there was a berry that had a cocoa flavor in it? Well as nature would have it, there is. This extraordinarily nutritious berry is called the acai berry (pronounced a-sigh-ee). While it doesn’t exactly taste like pure chocolate, the bitterness of cacao is incorporated into acai’s intense flavor. The flavor is actually hard to pinpoint as some of its juices have been compared to bitter raspberries while others claim acai produces a salty aftertaste (like say, olives.) Ok, I’m the one that said that. But the flavor is not the only thing that makes acai so unique.

From the rainforests of the Amazons, acai berries have been consumed by Brazilians for centuries. But recently, more and more of these grape-sized berries are falling from the South American palm trees into juice bottles around the world.

Labeled the antioxidant superfood, it’s known for its substantially large amounts of antioxidants and nutritional value. Acai has double the cancer-fighting power of blueberries, the formerly known antioxidant contest frontrunner. Consumption of the berry not only helps prevent and attack cancerous cells, but it is said to boost energy and overall immunity as well. Actually, the list of supposed and even validated benefits is virtually endless from improved digestion to better circulation, and even better sleep. It is based on these extraordinary characteristics that acai has been referred to as the most healthful fruit in the world.

But, if you’re a juice producer looking for a new venture, many juice and smoothie producers have already jumped the gun on capitalizing on the healthful fruit. While the trend is still fairly recent, grocery store shelves are already well stocked with the likes of organic acai juices, yogurt drinks, smoothies, and even teas.

And the bottles of these products make many a pretty promise. I’m actually drinking an “Organic Acai Antioxidant Superfood Smoothie” right now that claims it’s sufficient for a meal replacement. Is that true? Well, it sure seems to satisfy my nutritional needs as the Nutrition Facts label shows sufficient amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fat, potassium and even omega-3 fatty acids! And…actually it’s the only thing I’ve eaten today so far and I don’t think I’m hungry! Maybe this stuff really does work (Don’t try this at home though folks, acai shouldn’t be the only thing you eat all day.)

Acai has also shown promises of preventing heart disease, as it has 10-30 times the amount of cardiovascular-fighting phytochemical called anthocyanin found in red wine. You may have heard of these phytochemicals from the French Paradox that enumerates the oddity of heart disease’s rare occurrence in France despite their high fat intake. The concept bears the phytochemicals in the red wine responsible for their continued health.

With all these benefits filling the air, the fruit sounds perfect right? Well I’m not here to tell you that it isn’t, but I am here to tell you to be cautious about how much acai you consume. There is such a thing as an antioxidant overdose that has adverse effects such as weakness, fever and toxicity. So, with a fruit so jam-packed with antioxidants, one must be careful. Experts suggest discussing with your doctor what your optimal dosage of antioxidants is.