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Botanical name: Euterpe oleracea
Family Arecaceae
Botany
Acai palm trees are native to the rainforests of South America.
Grows berries that are a deep blue/purple color.
Parts used: berries, leaves, wood
Historical use
Became wildly popular as a "superfood" in the US back in 2008 when television personality, Dr. Oz promoted its benefits on his show. This led to widespread faux-acai supplement products; manufacturers sold consumers pills and powders claiming to have the benefits of acai, when the product contained very little of the berry, if any at all.
Phytochemistry
Therapeutic actions
Anti-aging: slows the aging process
Anti-inflammatory: alleviate inflammation throughout the body
Cardioprotective
USES
Prevention against degenerative diseases
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenols protect the brain from diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. These antioxidants also improve cognitive function and memory.
Cancer
Anthocyanins have anti-carcinogenic ability
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness