Acai Berry Diet ? What To Know

The Acai Berry Diet is not made up of a particular eating plan. The diet focuses on incorporating the berry into the dieter's meals.

The acai (a-sigh-ee) berry is considered by its advocates to have unique weight loss properties, as well as possessing numerous other favorable nutritional qualities.

Acai berries are not in abundant supply. They're found in the Amazon rainforests of Brazil growing on palm trees. The berry's use has a long history in that country. The berries are small and black, and are very much like grapes except that they have large seeds. Its taste resembles a combination of berries and chocolate. Its purple pigment is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids (healthy fats), amino acids and physterols. The fruit is also rich in vitamins and minerals and naturally boosts a person's energy level.

Advocates of the berry claim its unique combination of these substances work together to improve metabolism, enhance digestion and reduce appetite. All these positives support weight loss. Unfortunately, dietitians are skeptical of these claims since they have no scientific backing.

The acai berry is a rich source of antioxidants and essential fatty acids and this is one point that is not disputed

Scientific studies confirm acai berries are rich with the anthocyanin and other antioxidants. This substance is contained in the dark pigment that gives the acai berry its purplish color, similar to other purplish fruits like cranberries, blueberries and foods as well as red wine and purple cabbage. The acai berry has one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any food. Proponents claim its high antioxidant content assists weight loss by promoting health and vigor. Again, there is no science to support these links.

Acai berries are also rich in fatty acids. These healthy fats assists the body control its blood sugar level and the production of insulin. If blood sugar spikes, it triggers an insulin spurt into the body to offset an increase in glucose in the blood. Insulin is a hormone that, in an unhealthy way, stimulates appetite and promotes the accumulation of fats. Controlling blood sugar limits the amount of insulin in the body and promotes weight loss by encouraging fat burning by the body.

In addition to helping with weight loss, marketers of the acai berry claim the fruit assists a long list of other health issues including muscle development, blood circulation and restful sleep; control of arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia and cholesterol; correction of sexual dysfunction and digestive issues; prevents premature aging and accelerates recovery from injury.