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Acai Berries - Fact or Fiction?

Updated on August 22, 2010

In recent years, there has been a lot of hype about the acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berry. Many have claimed that they have lost mega-pounds by consuming either the berry itself or diet/detox pills created from the product. Is there truth behind the statements? Is this pill genuinely a one-stop wonder that will fix all your dieting problems or is it just another fad-based scam?

Acai Berries
Acai Berries

The Facts

The acai berry in its natural form is very good for you. It is very high in heart-healthy fats, anthocyanins, fiber, amino acids and antioxidants. In fact, compared to the grape, the acai berry is packed with 10-15 times the amount of antioxidants. This makes the acai berry a superfood (which is a food loaded with powerful phytochemicals, which have properties that fight disease).

Because of the phytochemicals and antioxidants, acai berries CAN be beneficial to your health. Many who have used acai berry products have noticed a decrease of their hunger and more energy.

Unfortunately, the berry in its natural form is only found in Brazil (where it is grown) and immediate surrounding areas. Once picked the berry will begin to rot and will usually be inedible within a day, making it impossible to transport them far. These means that the only way the rest of us can enjoy them is by placing them with other preserving ingredients.

The Fiction

Many say that acai berries have properties that will make your body lose weight. This is not exactly true. The fiber content found in acai berries curb the appetites of many people who take them as a supplement, which may result in weight loss, but as with other dietary pills, they can't be relied upon as a permanent or one-step solution. Furthermore, if you are consuming less calories because you are simply not hungry, you need to make sure you are eating the right foods. While acai berries are healthy for you, you shouldn't take them so that you can eat all the chocolate cake and pizza you want. Instead, use the loss of appetite to cut out on non-essential foods. Above all, you should realize that though consuming acai berries will have a positive effect on your body, you may not lose weight.

There are many places online where you can order acai berry supplements. The problem with most of these is that you end up in a "subscription" program that is very difficult to quit. I would recommend avoiding those at all costs. Many acai berry supplements are becoming easily available at your local pharmacies or can be ordered online from sites that don't require you to sign up for a plan. 

Finally, as with any diet or exercise plan, you should begin by talking about the berry with your doctor. They will be able to help you determine what diets you should be on, as well as point out supplements that may work better than others.Though the acai berry does have many qualities that are good and healthy for you, side effects from other ingredients in the supplements may be damaging to your health. Be safe, not sorry.

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