Acai Berry's; are they natures best kept secret for wellness?

The "Acai-berry" has received a lot of attention in recent years for it's potent level of  "antioxidants", touting them to be the latest and greatest resource for better health and wellness.  With all the other natural fruits and produced supplements available on the market it's hard to really know truth from hype.  Understanding the "what, where, how and why" of  the acai berry will help you make the best decision about adding them to your diet.
What is an "acai berry"?
Similar to a blueberry, acai berry's are about one inch in length (a little smaller than a grape), deep reddish/purplish or green in appearance.
Where are acai berry's from?
They are a native to Central and South America grown from the Acai palm tree.
How are the berries produced for consumption?
Acai berries, like blueberries, etc., can be consumed in their natural state (raw), through low grade processing or via supplements.  Like any natural product, the antioxidants found in the natural state of a food are always greater than the produced (i.e. supplements) state of the food product.  When looking for acai berry supplements, read the label (look for berry skin and pulp - no seeds or roots).  Never purchase a product that doesn't provide a label.
How much should I consume per day?
Typically, 1000 mg per day.  When purchasing the product, look at the label to determine the amount provided in the content of what you're purchasing (i.e. per serving 500 mg vs 1000 mg).  This will also tell you if you're getting your money's worth.
Why consume acai berries versus other food products/supplements:
Acai berries have an ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity/the method for measuring the amount of capacity in antioxidants) level of 3871 per 1000 mg.   By comparison, it rates higher than some other antioxidants but falls below other ORAC levels in commonly consumed food products (i.e. blueberries, strawberries, red beans, etc., have higher ratings than an acai berry and are typically more affordable and available at the grocery store).  There are reports that Acai ORAC levels are higher, but my sources tout otherwise.  Simply put:  They have an abundance of antioxidants and some really great minerals/fiber/nutrients, so they're good for you!

Anytime a product comes to market there is a lot of "hype" associated with the benefits of the product.  Becoming aware of the benefits, how they apply to your wellness and how they compare to other food products is key in making solid choices about consumption.  Disciplining yourself to read the label benefits you in the end.

The more you know the better decisions you'll make as you follow your journey towards wellness.