Sunday | May 11, 2008
What Is Acai and Why Are We Offering Nova Acai At The Juice Bar
What is Acai?
Açai is a berry found growing wild on palm trees in the Amazon Rainforest. It is deep purple in colour and larger than a blueberry. The berry contains 20% pulp and 80% pit, and its taste is reminiscent of berries coated in chocolate. The nutritional value of the açai pulp is extraordinary, and the scientifically proven energetic properties along with its delicious taste have created a growing demand from health conscious consumers.
Açai means “The Tree of Life” and for good reason. With twice the antioxidants of pomegranates and three times that of blueberries, loaded with vitamins and minerals and containing a healthy dose of Essential Fatty Acids, Omega 3,6 & 9, açai is being called the most nutritious fruit on earth. The antioxidant properties of açai are higher than those found in any fruit or vegetable found to date.
What benefits can you expect from Acai?
This deep purple Amazonian fruit has a high concentration of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are compounds found in dark colored fruits and have powerful antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants help to fight off free radicals (free radicals cause cellular damage and disease). Açai is also packed with Vitamin E, A, C, D and B complex, minerals such as iron, phosphorous and potassium, and Essential Fatty Acids, Omega 3, 6 & 9. The omega’s from the large pit seep into the berry giving it a fatty acid ratio similar to olive oil, flax seed, fish and nuts.
“For those put off by juiced wheatgrass and bored with low-carb bars, there is açai. Açai… the purplish fruit of the palm berry plant, contains more anitoxidants than red wine and has a beguiling berry-like flavour with intense chocolate overtones.” —Washington Post
How will this help you?
The nutritional value properties of açai help to lower cholesterol levels, promote cardiovascular health, provide energy and stamina, improve mental focus, promote anti-aging, aide in digestion, and contribute to weight loss and much more.
When can you consume it?
Nova Açai can be consumed in the morning as a complete breakfast or as a mid afternoon snack. Blend with your favorite fruit and drink it as a refreshing smoothie. Have a Nova Açai drink before your workout to help increase energy and muscle function or after your workout to speed up recovery time.
What makes Nova Acai juice different from other fruit juices?
Nova Açai is made with 100% wild harvested, naturally organic açai, pure filtered water and organic evaporated cane juice.
The açai palm is ornamental, with multiple branches which can reach up to 25 meters in height. The fruit is born in bunches of 3 to 8. Traditionally, açai berries are picked by hand. Tribesmen shimmy up the tree and cut the branches from the top. The nutritional value of the Açai fruit starts dropping after 24hrs, so the company hand picks, harvests, and immediately processes the beverage in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Belem, Brazil. Harvesting açai offers Amazonians a more financially lucrative alternative to deforestation resulting in the natural conversion of the native floodplain into açai dominated forests.