ACAI (Euterpe Oleracea) is the fruit of an Amazonian palm tree that has been praised by celebrities, world-class athletes and health-conscious individuals alike. And the accolades keep coming...... I’m not going to state that this fruit is the cure-all for any disease out there as some have. What I will say is, based on the information I’ve gathered, it seems that this small, purple berry packs a wealth of nutrition in its small package. Some of this nutrition may be useful to your body in providing substances that may be missing from your current diet. We all eat too much fast-food and have gotten away from wholesome meals. Even when we do eat “right”, the fruits and vegetables that we can buy today are much less nutritious than they were 50 years ago. Fertilizers, pesticides and hormones have been fed to farmed crops to increase quantity yield, but this comes with the price of decreased nutritional content. This natural berry could give your body some of what it's missing and needs to heal itself. It has been shown, in laboratory experiments performed at the University of Florida that Acai issues a self-destruct mechanism in up to 86% of leukemia cells. This, however, is in a lab dish and not in a human body. Further tests are planned to determine the actual effects in humans, but what if it really does help kill cancer cells???

 What is Acai???
Acai grows in the swampy areas and floodplains of the Amazon Basin, organically. The trees are tall and slender and produce clusters or branched panacles of 500-1000 berries.

Pomegranate juice, was ranked the #1 healthiest juice in a recent UCLA study , largely due to it's uncanny ability to maintain and improve cardiovascular health. It also helps that the fruit contains a broad spectrum of antioxidants to help maintain cell health by scavenging Free-Radicals. This juice and its extracts really pack a healthy punch.

Because of its purported health benefits, a lot of research is currently being done on how pomegranates help the human body. Besides its ability to promote healthy veins and arteries, they contain a broad range of antioxidants which scavenge free radicals and reduce cellular damage. This seems to reduce the likelihood or slow the development of degenerative diseases, such as cancer, and premature aging. They contain more antioxidants per unit than blueberries, cranberries, oranges, green tea, and red wine.

References to pomegranates date back to the mid-third millenium B.C. It is described in the Bible as one of the 7 blessed fruits given to the Israelites. In Exodus, instructions were given to Moses to adorn priestly garments with its image. It also has significance in Judaism, Islam, and Greek Mythology. The ancient civilizations, in these regions, realized the benefits of eating the fruit and it has a firm place in their lore. Today, it is grown widespread around the world, even in the US, in southern California and Arizona.

Bilberries, which are a close relative to Blueberries, have been eaten for food and used medicinally by indigenous peoples for centuries. The berries ripen and are harvested in late summer and traditionally processed into jam to preserve. As Bilberries have grown in popularity, so has the amount of research as to their health benefits. The University of Maryland Medical Center details some of the possible benefits of Bilberries. They are now processed into extracts, which are sold as health supplements.

The main property that provides possible medicinal value is the high level of anthocyanosides (anthocyanidin bound to a sugar molecule) that they contain. Anthocyanosides are Flavinoids, the deep purple, red and blue water-soluble pigments that protect the fruit from UV rays. They are Phytonutrients, which are considered to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. At least 15 different Anthocyanosides have been identified in Bilberry. These compounds also enhance the body’s processing of Vitamin C, which is also a powerful antioxidant.

Bilberry is also laden with high amounts of Vitamin A and C. Tannins (up to 7%) are also present, acting as astringents in the body and possessing anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, bilberries also contain Glucoquinine, a substance shown to reduce blood sugar levels. They also contain 15 different Phenolic Acids, which potentially have a protective role against oxidative damage diseases (coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancers). Proanthocyanidins, which can kill E-Coli bacteria and prevent it from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract, are also present.

It has a wide variety of Vitamins, Minerals, Phytochemicals, Amino Acids and Unsaturated Oil. It has many Traditional Uses throughout the world, both as a food source and for its medicinal properties. Promising research has been conducted at the University of Florida on the effectiveness of Passion Fruit in inhibiting the growth of and killing Cancer Cells.

More commonly known in the west as Goji Berries (Tibetan or Himalayan), Wolfberries are known in China as the “Herb of Longevity”. The Wolfberry has a high ranking among the “Superfoods” and are known for their pleasant taste.

The ancient Chinese believed that it nourished the Yin – the material part of the body. It was used as a traditional herbal remedy for tired legs, dizziness, vision degradation, insomnia and liver disease. Their therapeutic value seems to arise from a powerful combination of polysaccharides and zeaxanthin (an important dietary carotenoid), which have been purported to increase immune response and anti-oxidant activity.

Modern Chinese scientists have extensively studied the Wolfberry for its nutrient content and medicinal benefits, but few results have been verified by independent studies outside of China. The Chinese studies reportedly have verified Wolfberries effectiveness for immune system maintenance, liver disease, vision degradation from macular degeneration and glaucoma, and lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels. They also report that Wolfberries are effective for the suppression of inflammatory diseases, help reduce the effects of diabetes, increase cardiovascular health and possess anti-cancer properties.

Kiwifruit is rich in many vitamins, flavonoids and minerals. The fruit is a good source of Vitamin C and contains about 1.5 times the US DRI, which is more than oranges. The skin is good source of flavonoid antioxidants. They contain about the same potassium as bananas and are a good source of Vitamins A and E. Kiwifruit seed oil is composed of about 60% alpha-Linolenic acid, an important omega-3 fatty acid. They are one of the best natural sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidant pigments that are beneficial to eye health and to combat macular degeneration.

The skin contains high amounts of fiber, twice as much as the fruit itself. In fact, many of the vitamins are stored immediately under the skin. Leaving skin intact greatly increases the Vitamin C content in comparison to a peeled kiwi. The high quantity of fiber also makes Kiwi serve as a mild laxative. An average Kiwi has 50 calories, 0.3 g fats, 1 g protein, 11g carbohydrates, 75 mg vitamins, and 2.6 g dietary fiber. They also contain a fair amount of beta-Carotene and have a low glycemic index of 52. They are rich in the protein dissolving enzyme actinidin, so it can be used to tenderize meat. Placing slices of Kiwi over meat for 10 minutes will produce a strong tenderizing effect.

Health Benefits

The fruit, kernel (inner softer part of the seed), oil and flowers of the apricot have always been used in medicine and medical treatment from ancient days.

The kernel yields an oil that is similar to that of the almond and is widely used for their sedative, anti-spasmodic relief to strained muscles.  It is also useful for healing of wounds, expelling worms and as a general health tonic.

Anemia: The high content of iron in apricot makes it an excellent food for anemia sufferers.  The small but essential amount of copper in the fruit makes the iron available to the body.  Liberal consumption of apricot can increase the production of hemoglobin in the body.  This is ideal for women after their menstrual cycle, especially those with heavy flow.

Constipation: The cellulose and pectin content in apricot is a gentle laxative and are effective in the treatment of constipation.  The insoluble cellulose acts as a roughage which helps the bowel movement.  The pectin absorbs and retains water, thereby increasing bulk to stools, aiding in smooth bowel movement.

Digestion: Take an apricot before meal to aid digestion, as it has an alkaline reaction in the digestive system.

Eyes/Vision: The high amount of vitamin A (especially when dried) is essential to maintain or improve eyesight.  Insufficiency of this vitamin can cause night blindness and impair sight.

Fever: Blend some honey and apricots with some mineral water and drink to cool down fevers.  It quenches the thirst and effectively eliminates the waste products from the body.

Skin Problem: Juice fresh apricot leaves and apply on scabies, eczema, sun-burn or skin itchiness, for that cool, soothing feeling.

The black variety has attracted significant scientific interest due to its deep purple to almost black pigmentation. This is due to a high concentration of the phenolic phytochemicals. In fact, it has among the highest values yet discovered in plants – about 3 times the concentration of blueberries. The darker the color of the fruit, the more dense the concentration of anthocyanins and procyanidins it contains. Anthocyanins are the most beneficial type of flavonoids, which are the largest class of antioxidants. Flavonoids, along with tannins are polyphenols or phenolic phytochemical pigments. Flavonoids are one of the largest classes of antioxidants

Researchers have uncovered a wealth of evidence that suggest that consuming aronia is very beneficial to the body. Some of their findings…

 - Aids digestion, helping to more completely metabolize foods
 - Functions as an anti-inflammatory
 - Fights bacteria and viruses
– good to take for colds and flu
 - Fights heart disease and strengthens cardiovascular system
 - Reduces severity of Type II Diabetes
 - Helps prevent high blood pressure - Helps to maintain good cholesterol levels
 - Maintains a health urinary tract
 - Has been proven to suppress the growth of some types of cancer cells, particularly lung, breast, leukemia and     colon in laboratory cultures
 - Strengthens the memory

Have you ever heard of this fruit with the redundant name? I hadn't either, so I did some searching and this is some of what I found. Camu-Camu is the fruit of a small, shrub-like tree that grows in the basins and flood plains of the Amazon and other rivers in South America and is a close relative to the Guavaberry. Its main claim to fame is the massive amount of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) that it contains. In fact, we have discovered no other fruit that even comes close. Dr. James Duke, former chief botanist for the USDA, author and pre-eminent New World Tropical Botanist, lists some possible benefits on his Ethnobotanical website. He compared hundreds of fruits and herbs for their effectiveness against various health conditions. Camu-camu was ranked as follows:

#1 for Asthma, Artheroschlerosis, Cataracts, Colds, Edema, Gingivitis, Glaucoma, Hepatitis, Infertility, Migraines, Osteoarthritis, Parkinson's Disease

#2 for Depression

#4 as an Anti-mutagenic

#6 as an Anti-viral

This is only some of his findings, the link above will take you to his website for more information.

This fruit's claim to nutritional fame is its tremendous Vitamin C content, which ranks second to another exotic fruit - Camu-Camu. It is said that 1 single cherry contains the recommended daily dose of Vitamin C. Its Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) content is around 32 times that of a peeled orange and composes up to 4.5% of the fruit compared to 0.05% for oranges. The Brazilians drink its juice like we in the US drink orange juice. It is also consumed fresh and used in flavorings for drinks and desserts.

-Reducing Depression Bananas contain tryptophan, an aminoacid that can be converted to serotonin, leading to improved moodAnemiaBananas are relatively high in iron, which helps the body's hemoglobin function

- Constipation and Diarrhea Due to their content in fiber, they help restore a normal bowel function. In addition, diarrhea usually depletes your body of important electrolytes (of which the most important is potassium, contained in high amounts in bananas). They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber (hydrocolloid) that can help normalize movement through the digestive tract.

-Eyesight Protection Research published in the Archives of Ophthalmology has proven that adults consuming at least 3 servings of fruit per day have a reduced risk (by 36%) of developing age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.

-Healthy Bones - Bananas are an exceptionally rich source of fructooligosaccharide, a compound that nourishes probiotic (friendly) bacteria in the colon. These beneficial bacteria produce enzymes that increase our digestive ability and protect us from unhealthy bacteria infections. Thanks to fructooligosaccharides, probiotic bacteria can increase both in number and functionality, increasing our body's ability to absorb calcium.
In addition, green bananas contain indigestible short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are very nutrient to the cells that make up the mucosa of the stomach. These cells, when healthy, absorb calcium much more efficiently

-Healthy Kidney - About 190,000 cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed each year.
Research published in the International Journal of Cancer has shown that daily consumption of whole fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, is highly protective to kidney health. The results show that, over a long time frame (13.4 years), women eating more than 2.5 servings of fruits and vegetable per day cut their risk of kidney cancer by 40%. Among the fruits, bananas were especially protective. Women eating bananas four to six times a week halved their risk of developing the disease compared to those who did not eat this fruit. The conclusion of the study is that frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, cabbage and root vegetables, may reduce risk of kidney cancer. This is because bananas and many root vegetables contain especially high amounts of antioxidant phenolic compounds, while cabbage is rich in sulfur, necessary for effective detoxification of potential carcinogens.

-Blood Pressure - Bananas are extremely high in potassium (about 4673mg), yet very low in sodium (1mg), thus having a perfect ratio for preventing high blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

-Heartburn -  Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

- Morning Sickness - Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood-sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

-Smoking - Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. They contain vitamins B6 and B12 they contain, as well as potassium and magnesium: these substances help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

- Ulcers - This is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicle cases. It also helps reduce acidity and reduces irritation. Bananas stimulate the cells on the internal stomach lining to produce a thicker mucus (which protects against acid). Additionally, bananas contain protease inhibitors that help eliminate bacteria in the stomach that have been pinpointed as a primary cause of ulcers.NervesBananas are high in B vitamins that have been shows to improve nerve function

- Mosquito Bites -Many people report that rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite is very effective in reducing itching and swelling-

- Stress Relief - Bananas are high in potassium, which helps normalize the hearthbeat and regulate the body's water balance. During periods of high stress, our body's potassium levels tend to be rapidly depleted: eating bananas is a healthy way to rebalance them without using drugs

-Stroke Risk - According to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can reduce the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40% Bananas as Food

Pears are excellent source of water-soluble fiber.  They contain vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, folic acid and niacin.  It is also rich in copper, phosphorus and potassium, with lesser amounts of calcium, chlorine, iron, magnesium, sodium and sulfur. Health Benefits

Pears are often recommended as a hypo-allergenic fruit that is high in fiber but less likely to produce adverse reactions.  Pear juice is safe to be introduced to infants as they are mild, yet healthful. 

Blood pressure:  Pears have anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogen glutathione which help prevent high blood pressure and stroke.

Cancer prevention:  The high vitamin C and copper content act as good anti-oxidants that protect cells from damages by free radicals.

Cholesterol:  The high content of pectin in pears make it very useful in helping to lower cholesterol levels.

Colon health:  When not juicing, eat the pear whole for its precious fiber that are highly beneficial for your colon health.

Constipation:  The pectin in pears is diuretic and have a mild laxative effect.  Drinking pear juice regularly helps regulate bowel movements.

Energy:  You can get quick and natural source of energy from pear juice, due largely to its high amounts of fructose and glucose.

Fever:  The cooling effect in pear is excellent in relieving fever.  Best way to bring a fever down quickly is by drinking a big glass of pear juice.

Immune booster:  The anti-oxidant nutrients in pears are critical in building up your immune system.  Drink pear juice when you feel a cold coming.

Inflammation:  Pear juice has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps relieve sufferers of much pain in various inflammatory conditions.

Osteoporosis:  Pears contain high level of boron.  Boron helps the body to retain calcium, thus prevents or retards osteoporosis.

Pregnancy:  The high content of folate (folic acid) prevents neural tube defects in infants.

Shortness of breath:  The summer heat may cause children to have shortness of breath with excessive phlegm.  Drink pear juice during this period to help clear the phlegm.

Throat problem:  The pears are in season during the summer for a reason.  Drinking pear juice every morning and night helps to cool your body down during this time.  It nourishes the throat and helps prevent throat problems.

Vocal chord:  Boil two Chinese pear juice with some raw honey and drink warm.  This is extremely healing for the throat and the vocal cord.

The fruit is large, about the size of a melon, and has a husk-covered, coconut-like shell. Inside is a creamy, exotic tasting, white pulp surrounding as many as 50 large seeds. The seeds are processed in a manner similar to cocoa to make a flavoring called cupulate, which, since it has no caffeine, is served as a substitute for hot chocolate to children. It is also used as a general food source by native tribes and animals. The sweetened pulp is also made into candy, jelly, ice cream and juice. Cupuacu is rich in many nutrients, providing a real boost to health. It is considered a power food due to the high amounts of protein, calcium and at least eleven antioxidant flavonoids. Two of these flavonoids are unique to cupuacu. The fruit contains theograndins, a unique, previously unknown group of potent phytonutrient polyphenols. It is a natural source of phosphorus, fiber, the B vitamins, as well as vitamins A and C. It is rich in oleic and linoleic constituents. The indigenous people have long known of its medicinal effects. It is often used as a pain killer. The juice, blessed by a Shaman, is given to women to help reduce pain during difficult childbirth. Some tribes use the pulp for treatment of abdominal pain. It can be processed into lotions and creams that have rejuvenating effects for the skin, similar to cocoa butter.

It has been said that the health benefits of Lychee compliment those of the Acai berry. Traditionally the lychee has been processed into a syrup which is taken for coughs. It has been shown to have a positive effect on gastralgia, tumors and enlarged glands. The juice is reportedly used to decrease the pain associated with stomach ulcers. The seeds have been powdered and used as an astringent for gastro-intestinal issues and as a digestive aid to enhance the nutritional absorption of foods. The seeds are also consumed as an analgesic and are taken for neuralgia and orchitis. A tea, made from the peel is taken for diarrhea and upset stomach.