Can Acai Berries Boost Weight Loss Articles | Weight Loss

By: Richard Bleuze

Can Acai Berries Boost Weight Loss?

First, what is an acai berry?  The acai berry is an inch-long reddish, purple fruit.  It comes from the acai palm tree, which is native to Central and South America.

Research on the acai berry has focused on its possible antioxidant activity.  Theoretically, that activity may help prevent diseases caused by oxidative stress such as heart disease and cancer.  In addition, the acai berry has shown that weight loss is possible.

Acai contains several substances called anthocyanins and flavonoids.

The word anthocyanin comes from two Greek words meaning “plant” and “blue”.  Anthocyanins are responsible for the red, purple, and blue hues in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers.  Foods that are richest in anthocyanins are common to many.  They include such fruits as blueberries, red grapes, red wine, and acai -- are very strongly colored, ranging from deep purple to black.

Anthocyanins and flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that help defend the body against life's stressors.  These antioxidants also play a role in the body's cell protection system.  Free radicals are harmful byproducts produced by the body.  Eating a diet rich in antioxidants may interfere with aging and the disease process by neutralizing free radicals.

By lessening the destructive power of free radicals, antioxidants may help reduce the risk of some diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

Some studies show that the acai fruit pulp has a very high antioxidant capacity with even more antioxidant content than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, or blueberry.  However, studies are ongoing, though, and the jury is still out.

People eat acai berries to address various health conditions, especially in South America.  However, studies have shown that acai berries have no known health benefit that are any different than that of other similar fruits.

Scientists are learning more about the functional power of superfoods, such as the acai berry.  Although acai is touted in some weight loss products, few studies have tested the benefit of acai in promoting weight loss.

For now, however, lots of research supports eating a diet rich in antioxidants.  There is no doubt that berries and other fruits are a key part of any healthy diet promoting weight loss.  However, the jury is still out on whether there is something special about the acai berry's ability to shed those excess pounds.

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