Amazonian Berry: The New Super Food The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world containing one fifth of the world's freshwater and bordering eight different countries. The Amazon River basin is a vast region which is home to one third of the world's plants and animals, some of which are relatively unknown outside the area. It is in this lush, flourishing environment that the acai berry grows. According to sources, the native Amazon tribes use almost 2,000 of the 3,000 known rainforest fruits for remedial purposes. The acai berry is one of the most potent and powerful of these fruits. People in the Amazon region have known of the benefits of the acai berry for a long time now- but around 1990, this fruit began to gain some exposure to the outside world as well. Now, the acai berry and its health and nutritional benefits are available to the world. The acai berry was found to be naturally high in antioxidants containing levels ten times higher than grapes and twice as high as blueberries.  It also contains omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids which are immensely helpful in reducing levels of cholesterol in the blood. Add to this protein and dietary fibre and you can begin to understand just how this berry can benefit your daily health. Another benefit of the acai berry is its high level of anthocyanins. These compounds are said to be responsible for some of the health benefits of red wine. The acai berry however, contains higher levels of anthocyanins and eliminates other risks associated with alcohol. And there are yet more benefits to this amazing tropical fruit; the acai berry is believed to be one of the most effective anti-aging foods. It is suggested by health food enthusiasts that the anthocyanins and the antioxidants found in the acai berry are responsible for these anti-aging benefits. Acai berries have been used to create wine which has a higher nutritional value, to battle schistosomosis and in making antibiotics to fight staph infections, amongst other health and nutritional benefits. This is a berry which is very versatile and has a wealth of nutrition and other beneficial uses. The berry itself is a round purplish berry which is about an inch around. The acai berry looks a bit like a grape and feels like one too. The incredible popularity of this superfood is because of its many health benefits. An added bonus is that the flavour is also wonderful. The acai berry is best consumed in the form of juice or incorporated into smoothies.