The Acai Berry

Widely considered to be the most nutritious food in the world, the fruit Brazilian Acai plant has actually been used for hundreds of years by the indigenous people, who used it to gain strength and energy. With nearly twice the amount of the antioxidant power of blueberries and ten times that of grapes, the Acai berry packs a powerful nutritional punch.

If you're looking to find the Fountain of Youth, you may have found your prize in the Acai berry. Red wine is all the rage these days because red grapes are rich in age-defying antioxidants. If you compare the color of the Acai berry with that of red grapes, you will find that they are very similar. This is no coincidence. Antocianine is a powerful antioxidant that is found in dark-colored fruit. It does everything from preventing cancer and degenerative diseases, to keeping you looking young and full of energy. Packed with Antocianine, the Acai berry is certainly one of the world's most powerful super-foods.

The health benefits of the Acai berry are so heavily touted because of the variety of vitamins and minerals that it contains. Among others are: Vitamins B1, B2, B3, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, Fiber, and Proteins. Research suggests that this little berry can even prevent heart disease-the Acai contains a sizeable amount of the fatty acids that help to lower HDL (or the "bad") cholesterol.

If you're not familiar with the Acai berry, it's pretty accessible if you know where to look. Readily available in health and gourmet food stores, it is an active ingredient in many types of energy bars and drinks. The Acai bery is becoming increasingly popular for a good reason-it might very well be the key to a long and healthy life.