The Amazon-super fruit Acai, pronounced ah-sigh-ee, is growing in popularity among consumers and is becoming a hot commodity among manufacturers producing more and more acai juice and supplements every day.

Buying the right kind

Some manufacturers are adding other ingredients that take away from the natural nutrients that are found in acai, so not everyone who takes acai gets the overall health benefits that the berry has.

How can you tell whether or not you’re using an all-natural 100 percent organic form of acai?

Looking at the label on the supplement container or acai juice bottle can give plenty of information. If you see the words: Kosher certified, organic, freeze-dried acai berry, and 100 percent pure then you are taking the right stuff.

Ingredients on the label should also indicate pure organic freeze-dried Amazon acai powder, no fillers and no preservatives. If there are storage instructions, they should advise you to store your supplement container in a cool dry place or refrigerate after opening.

Another way to tell if your acai supplement is 100 percent natural is to open a capsule and pour out the powder. The powder should be thick and its color should be dark purple. It should also have a distinctive fruity smell to it.

When purchasing acai berry juice, it should also be in a glass bottle, not plastic. The product should also be unfiltered, containing pure acai pulp with no water, sodium or preservatives.

Now once you’ve purchased the right form of acai you can start your new life by benefiting your nutritional needs.

A Big Source of Vitamins, Antioxidants

Studies show that acai has the most antioxidants of any other fruit or vegetable, which makes it a great supplement to prevent or fight off cancer along with many other diseases and illnesses such as diabetes, cardiac disease, arthritis and blood circulation.

“These guys are jam packed full of antioxidants, in fact they contain about 24 times the amount of antioxidants than the good old blueberry. We need antioxidants to get rid of free radical damage in the body. They also help to prevent wrinkling skin and other signs of aging,” says Australian nutritionist Lola Berry.

Acai contains fiber, potassium, calcium, proteins, phosphorus, vitamins C, E, B1, B2, B3, fatty acids Omega 3, Omega 9, and Omega 6 so you can get all your nutritional needs by taking acai alone, which is why it is referred to as a super fruit.

“One of the best things about this berry is that it contains omega 3, 6 and 9, these essential fatty acids are needed for whole body health,” Berry says.

Acai is also thought to reduce oxidative stress on the brain and stress in general, which improves cognitive function. It helps you lose weight, it’s great for people with cholesterol and helps reduce digestive problems.

“They even help to lower stress levels because of the naturally high amounts of magnesium which help to calm you when you're anxious or stressed. It may even help you to sleep better,” she adds.

One of the greatest qualities about it is that it helps to give you the boost you need to get through your busy day.

Berry says acai berries are also a “tip-top” immune booster because they contain Vitamin C and Zinc.

“They even help to speed up the healing time of wounds,” she says.

She calls the fruit “nature’s very own multi-vitamin.”

She notes ways of preparing it include having it with muesli, making an Acai bowl, adding it to salad, putting it in a smoothie drink or even “drink it straight.”

“Get it in your diet any way you can – this stuff is one powerful super food!”