The acai berry has become one of the most coveted health foods in America for its numerous health benefits, the most important being its antioxidant properties. This craze began in 2005 when Dr. Perricone appeared on the Oprah show with a list of "Super Foods" that fight aging and fat. Since then, the popularity of the acai berry has skyrocketed. Marketers will have you believe that it has near-magical powers, with the ability to erase the damage of the years, including fat accumulation. Here is the truth about what the acai berry really is and what it can and cannot do.
Model Photo
The acai berry hails from Brazil from the palms of the Amazon. The value of acai berry lies within its richness of antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. This trifecta is rarely found in a simple berry. While the berry form is not available in American stores, many specialty and gourmet stores carry the extract and juice form of the acai berry.
Celebrities such as Oprah and Rachel Ray have recommended acai berries for their antioxidant properties. Juice that includes acai pulp has 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes and 10-30 times the amount of anthocyanins found in red wine. Acai berry juice is also rich in monounsaturated fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols that aid in digestive and cardiovascular health. The near flawless essential amino acid complex within the berries are laden with valuable trace minerals that are vital in muscle contraction and regeneration. Yes, we know: it does sound like a magic berry.
While many studies have proved the numerous positive properties of the acai berry, there is no scientific evidence that acai berries can actually cause weight loss. No doubt the notion of one berry being able to fight aging and help weight loss is beyond attractive but we encourage you to question what you see on television and what you read to make smart choices.
Instead of spending money on expensive acai products with the idea that they will magically shave off excess pounds, spend your hard earned dollars on healthy groceries. Acai has great antioxidant properties but you shouldn't depend on a quick fix to lose weight. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The FDA has not evaluated the efficacy of acai berries in weight loss nor has any scientific studies shown that these berries are anything more than being antioxidant-rich. Claims of weight loss due to acai berries are unsubstantiated - the only tried and true way to lose weight is by having a healthy balanced diet and a consistent exercise plan, not through a magic berry.
