Acai Health Watch

We noticed an interesting piece in this month’s Inc. magazine discussing coconut water and its rapidly growing popularity.  Coconut water is the delicious liquid inside unripe coconuts.  It has long been a popular beverage in Central and South America and South Asia, but is now making its way into thousands of North American stores in bottles and cans.

Where does coconut water come from?

When a coconut ripens, the water becomes part of the white meaty interior of the fruit. Will coconut water, with its hydrating properties and nutrients, experience the same frenzy as acai berry juice?  Both Coca Cola and Pepsi have shares in coconut water companies, part of an industry that is valued at $30 million and growing. Vita Coco and Zico are two of today’s most popular brands of coconut water.  Does coconut water offer lasting health benefits or is it just a fad?  Frankly, we think an acai coconut drink combinnation sounds delicious! Check out the full article at Inc.

Ever heard of the maqui berry?   It’s one of those superfruits called “the next big thing” in diet and nutrition.   The Los Angeles Times shares some pr info regarding the maqui berry.  If there is difficulty finding scientific studies on the acai berry to prove its health benefits, we can only imagine how hard it will be to prove the maqui berry’s effectiveness.  Nevertheless, if it tastes good, we’re in!

“And there’s more: According to the press materials, the maqui — a purple berry from the Patagonia region of South America — is “traditionally used by the indigenous Mapuche Indians for supporting stamina, increasing strength, and promoting healthy immune response. The only unconquered Native American Indians in all of the Americas, the Mapuche Indians’ legendary strength and stamina are attributed to drinking a fermented Maqui drink several times a day. Research shows Maqui is the highest antioxidant superfruit in the world — two to three times higher than acai, pomegranate, goji berry, or mangosteen.”

What’s the next superfruit to be seen with? |  Los Angeles Times

FitSugar shared a great overview of five lesser-known foods that many people are talking about for their nutritional properties.   Could they supplant the acai berry as the next big thing?  We don’t think acai is going anywhere, but you may keep an eye out for some of these nutritious and tasty natural foods to supplement your diet.

The list includes acerola, a cherry-like fruit grown in warm climates throughout the world including parts of the southern United States, Mexico, India, Brazil, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean.  It has an apple-y flavor and has unheard of levels of vitamin C.

You may also be hearing about the baobob tree, found mostly in India, Africa and Australia.  The baobob fruit is high in vitamin C and calcium.  It’s leaves are enjoyed and used in soup, while its seeds are also used in cooking and seasoning.

FitSugar describes another newcomer to superfood lovers, the maqui berry:

“The maqui berry is an antioxidant wunderkind. Grown in Patagonia, it’s one of the highest ranking foods on the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) scale, a test that measures the antioxidant potency of foods.

To put that into perspective, maqui juice has an ORAC score of 40,000 and blueberry juice has an ORAC score of 3000. Antioxidants are important for ridding the body in toxins and may even help with weight control.”

Five New Superfoods | FitSugar