If you’ve spent any time above ground the past year or so, you’ve probably heard of a little berry that is causing quite a fuss among foodies, nutritional gurus and those still holding out for the fountain of youth. The açaí (a-sigh-ee) berry, though having been used for thousands of years in its native Amazon, has recently gained popularity here in the United States. Dubbed the “superfood,” its health benefits are many and still under discovery as scientists race to catch up with a phenomenon that has been alive and well for eons. Even celebrities and athletes have jumped on the bandwagon. From Olympic beach volleyball star Holly McPeak to surfing legend Rob Machado to People magazine’s super-fit “Sexiest Bachelor of 2007” Matthew McConaughey, açaí is taking the world by storm. If you have yet to sink your teeth into this exotic berry, it’s time you high-tailed it over to your nearest food store or smoothie joint for a sample of this refreshing and highly beneficial fruit.

Açaí, which tastes like a combination of berries and chocolate, is a product of the açaí palm (called the “Tree of Life” by many Brazilians), which finds its home along the Amazon River (originating in Brazil), various flood plains and surrounding rain forests. Indigenous peoples are said to have used the berry to help treat digestive tract problems such as diarrhea, skin ulcers, fevers and more. They believe so fervently in its health properties that they are known to drink as much as two liters per day. Unfortunately, the açaí berry is highly perishable and has not spread beyond neighboring areas until recent years due to improvements in processing techniques. Now the açaí, typically found frozen in purée or juice form, is quickly making its way across the globe as continuous research gives credence to its superfood status.

The açaí berry, though very small, has garnered acclaim because it is packed full of all sorts of nutrients and minerals that offer an array of great side effects such as increased heart health, fluid regulation and vitamin absorption. It’s also thought to help improve immune system function, which is essential in warding off disease and infections for overall, long-lasting health. Even though research on the berry is limited, researchers have determined high concentrations of antioxidants, fatty acids, protein and myriad minerals and nutrients are essential for maintaining overall health.

Red wine has made headlines due to the fact that it contains the antioxidant anthocyanin; however, it is said that açaí pulp contains 10-30 times the anthocyanin than its buzz-inducing counterpart. Found in the pigment of red grapes, anthocyanin acts as an anti-aging substance that helps reduce cellular degeneration as a result of free radical oxidation. Without adequate antioxidants, the human body becomes more susceptible to debilitating diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer. In fact, a recent study orchestrated by the University of Florida found that antioxidants extracted from the berry destroyed cultured human cancer cells. Though a very promising find, study authors caution that more research is required and it is still unknown how the extracts would react inside an actual human body. Preliminary research also suggests that antioxidants can help prevent blood clots and atherosclerosis (plaque buildup along the arterial walls), improve blood circulation and relax blood vessels.

Another healthful benefit of the açaí berry is also common in olive oil, which has been touted as a necessary addition to the daily diet (and, though not definitively proven, is said to play an important role in the great health of olive oil-rich diets of Mediterranean people). The omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids can be instrumental in regulating both LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which is necessary to prevent heart disease and stroke. These essential fatty acids also improve absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D and K.

The açaí berry also contains potassium, which is helpful for blood pressure regulation and optimal heart function; copper for protection of cardiovascular, skeletal and nervous systems; and manganese, which helps improve energy levels and breaks down fat and cholesterol.

According to the American Heart Association, regular intake of fiber (about 14 grams for every 1,000 calories) is recommended for improved digestion and cholesterol management. One serving of berries holds a whopping 3.5 grams of dietary fiber!

Despite all the many positive health claims that continually surface regarding the purple berry, various organizations have also sought to capitalize on its superfood status by creating nutritional supplements. These supplements “offer” such advantages from a fast digestive track and weight loss to heightened energy levels and improved sexual potency and arousal. Just like any other nutritional supplement, experts urge potential consumers to take caution when purchasing any of these supplements, as it is highly likely that their proposed uses have not been widely researched for effectiveness and safety.

Along with its many health benefits, açaí is also making waves in kitchens as top chefs, nutritionists and even bartenders are finding ways to use the miracle fruit in food and drink recipes. The most popular concoctions are açaí bowls and smoothies. However, others have tapped their creative juices and developed marinades (heating the berry – even just a little bit – is not recommended as experts claim that it rapidly reduces health benefits), alcoholic beverages and salad dressings.

With all its potential health benefits and exotic taste, including açaí in your nutrition plan is a great way to break away from the mundane. Following are a few recipes to get you started. Enjoy!

Energy Bowl *

8 oz. açaí purée

8 whole strawberries (fresh or frozen)

1/4 cup plain yogurt

1/4 cup soy milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup granola

1/2 cup fresh berries or seasonal fruit

Directions:

In a blender, purée açaí, strawberries, yogurt, soy milk and vanilla for one minute, until smooth. Pour into a bowl and top with granola and fruit. Serve chilled.

Variants: Crumbled cookies may be exchanged for granola. Other fruit (such as bananas or mangoes) may be substituted in like amount for strawberries.

Traditional smoothie *

7 oz (200 grams) açaí juice

1/2 cup soy milk or juice

Fruit (one banana, 1/2 apple or 1 cup of other fruit)

Directions:

Blend all ingredients together. Top with granola, sliced fruit or whipped cream.

Variants: Add 1/2 cup yogurt or 1/2 cup ice. Also, frozen açaí pulp may be used in place of the juice.

Açaí sangria**

1 cup red wine

3 cups açaí juice

1 lime, lemon and orange, sliced

6 sprigs fresh mint

1/2 cup frozen concentrated orange juice

1 cup crushed ice

1 can soda water

Directions:

In a large glass pitcher, combine wine, açaí juice, lime, lemon and orange slices with two sprigs of mint. Stir well and refrigerate for one hour.

Just before serving, stir in frozen orange juice until dissolved. Add in crushed ice. Serve in glasses garnished with mint and topped with a splash (1/4 can per glass) of soda water.

*Courtesy of www.squidoo.com

**Courtesy of http://compliments-.sobeys.com