What It Is

• The acai berry (pronounced a-sigh-ee) is a reddish-purple fruit that grows on palm trees in the tropical regions of South America, mainly in the country of Brazil. It has a large seed and very little pulp. Acai berries are particularly popular in South American countries, and are often used in a variety of beverages.
  
  The fruit is known for its potent antioxidant properties, with health benefits similar to other dark berries such as blueberries and blackberries. A study by Dr. Susanne Talcott from Texas A&M University showed that the acai berry is readily absorbed into the human body, and not eliminated as waste. This is an important finding, which shows that the antioxidants in the berry are effectively absorbed into the bloodstream to help fight toxins. Moreover, a University of Florida study found that the antioxidants in acai berries can kill up to 86 percent of leukemia cancer cells. The studies were from 2008 and 2006, respectively. In recent years, the acai berry has gained popularity as a detoxifying cleanse.
  
  

How It Works

• The acai berry cleanse is done by drinking an ounce of the juice 3 times a day with every meal for 2 days. The cleanse works best if the intake of sugar, fat and carbohydrates is limited during this time. Healthy foods such as lean meats and lots of green vegetables should be consumed while on the acai berry cleanse. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, as you normally would, and try to avoid soft drinks and caffeine. You might experience an increase in urination, as you will be consuming more juice and water during the cleanse.
  
  The acai berry is a fruit similar to other berries such as blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. It's an all-natural product, and so far no harmful side effects, such as diarrhea or upset stomach, have been noted. You can continue drinking the juice after you're done with the cleanse.
  
  For best results, avoid taking acai berry supplements in pill form. Most of these supplements have not been approved by the FDA, and might be a scam. Drink acai berry juice or eat the pulp from the fruit, to make sure you are receiving the full benefits of the berry.
  
  

Health Benefits

• When anthocyanin antioxidants in the acai berry are absorbed into the bloodstream during the cleanse, they target oxidation and free radicals that damage healthy cells. Oxidation and free radicals are responsible for the aging process and are believed to play a role in the onset of various diseases such as cancer. Free radicals are unstable molecules that target healthy cells, damaging healthy cells and tissue in the process. Antioxidants such as acai berries stop this process by blocking free radicals. During the cleansing process, the free radicals are neutralized, and harmful toxins are flushed out.
  
  The antioxidants in the acai berry reduce the possibility of blood clots, thereby preventing heart attack and stroke. The berries increase good HDL cholesterol, while lowering bad LDL cholesterol. The acai berry also has anti-inflammatory properties, enabling it to reduce the enzymes that lead to inflammation in the body.