CEBU, Philippines - It was bestselling author and anti-aging expert Dr. Nicholas Perricone who called the açai berry (pronounced “ah-sigh-ee”) the “number one super food in the world.” And his books and various appearances on television are among the many reasons that contributed to the popularity of these small, grape-sized berries.
Açai berries are fruits of the Açai Palm, which are native to South and Central America, specifically the Amazon Rainforest. Natives of the region harvest the fruit, which has been part of their diet for hundreds of years.
Super Food
Why is the secret of the Amazon Rainforest making waves all over the world? It is because the açai berry has been found to have a number of health benefits. The fruit is packed with free-radical fighting antioxidants and is considered to have the best overall nutritional value of any fruit on earth.
The açai berry is harvested by the thousands and put through a process that separates the pulp from the seed to produce a thick, edible puree that has a rich, berry-cocoa flavor.
Açai, which has been proven to have more proteins than an average egg, helps build a strong body, cleanses and detoxifies the body and enhances muscle contractions and muscle regeneration. It also increases energy and stamina, as well as regulates the body’s stress levels. Açai is also a potent anti-aging food as it improves skin tone, defends against premature wrinkles and helps prevent osteoporosis in women. It is also known to thwart cancer and helps prevent prostate enlargement in men.
Dr. Erwin Torres, who uses açai berry for himself and his patients, said that açai is not a cure all. However, he said, that it is a very good supplement to existing medications and that it can really help lessen the effects of chemotherapy, for example, among cancer patients.
“Just one serving of açai (30ml) everyday can give you better digestion, better mental health, a stronger immune system, more energy and an improved sleep cycle,” he said.
Açai berry is brought to the Philippines by Organique, a Cebu-based company managed by Catherine Salimbangon.
“As a health advocate, my husband Elton and I left no stone unturned so that this miracle food may be made available to millions of sickly, undernourished and malnourished Filipinos. We are happy that we can now enjoy the superior and proven health benefits of Açai Berry,” said Catherine, who is the Managing Director of Organique.
“I can assure Filipinos that this really works. It’s not just a hype. It is a product that targets the whole system and is really good for the health,” she added.
Cebuano triathlete Noy Japson, who broke the Philippine record during the World IronMan Championships, said açai berry has helped him during the competition. “My sport is one of the most demanding sports known to man and I really felt the difference when I used the product. It is really good and I am a testament to its greatness,” he said.
Organique Açai Berry is available in Health Express, The Gustavian, Holiday Spa, Happy Herbs and soon in Watsons outlets. For more information about Açai Berry, you may get in touch with Catherine Salimbangon at csalimbangon @gmail.com. ?