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For Life - Haiti Acai fruit (Euterpe oleracea)
Since its introduction to the world market in 2000,
the Acaí fruit has steadily gained attention for its remarkable
antioxidant value, even higher, some studies show, than that of
other antioxidant powerhouses such as blueberries, red grapes and
pomegranates. These small, dark purple fruits are similar in appearance
to blueberries and are often referred to as berries (although neither,
botanically speaking, actually is).
In Brazil, a highly nutritious, thick, pulpy, deep
purple juice is produced from the fruits and commonly offered everywhere
in the country. It is best consumed plain, fresh and unpasteurized
but can also be used in juice blends. Particularly noteworthy in
the long list of beneficial contents in the juice is its high percentage
of dietary fibers, which makes up a third of its weight. Because
of the Açaí fruit’s potentially elite antioxidant
capacity, studies are being done to test the berry’s anti-cancer
potential. In one of the first studies, undertaken at the University
of Florida in 2006, researchers discovered that Açaí
berry extracts caused up to 86% of the tested Leukemia cells to
self-destruct. These findings were published in the Journal of Agricultural
and Food Chemistry. Other scientific studies continue to be published
on the fruit’s nutritional profile and possible health benefits.
The Açaí berry is a product of the palm species Euterpe
Oleracea (common name: the Açaí Palm), a slender and
elegant, clustering palm from northern South America, and its cultivar
E. Oleracea “Pará Dwarf”. Both varieties produce
the berry, but the Pará Dwarf cultivar has particular benefits
that make it the palm of choice for growing the fruit in its native
Brazil — benefits which make it clear why this variety is
nicknamed “Super Berry.” First, Pará Dwarf starts
producing fruits with a trunk height of only 1m (3 ft.), which is
equivalent to 3 years of age after planting, in a tropical climate.
Second, this variety, as the “Dwarf” implies, stays
relatively short for easier harvesting. Third, it is a highly productive
plant. A recommended 400 plants per hectare (2.5 acres) yield about
10 metric tons (22000 lb) of fruit per year. Finally, the Pará
Dwarf variety produces fruits of the highest quality, with up to
25% more pulp than the regular açaí.
It is said to have the following properties:
• Anti-Aging
• Highest concentration of Antioxidants of any fruit
• Anti-Inflammatory.
• Amino Acids for muscle growth
The Açaí Palm also produces a premium quality heart
of palm. The Açaí Palm is well suited to most tropical
and some warm temperate climates (USDA hardiness Zones 10 and 11).
It likes plenty of rainfall and must be irrigated in drier areas.
Information sourced www.rarepalmseeds.com
ABCD believes that this palm could be introduced in the marshlands
on our ‘land sand mining’ property.
One ounce serving you are looking at 183 mg of potassium! Potassium
is crucial for life, it is key in heart, kidneys and other organs
to function properly. Potassium is found in a lot of foods including
cacao nibs but the average person is not eating a healthy diet and
low potassium is associated with:
• risk of high blood pressure
• heart disease
• stroke
• arthritis
• cancer
• digestive orders
• infertility
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