Acai Berry – The “Super Fruit” to Lose Weight
Published:February 8th, 2010
So what really is the Acai berry?
Pronounced as a-sigh-EE, this grape-like fruit has gained popularity in the United States (which according to some media sources, such popularity has deprived Brazilians of the mere fruit they’ve relied on for generations) because of its reportedly numerous health benefits. Replacing the wheatgrass as the number 1 diet fad, it has been cultivated for commercial purposes – production, manufacture, and marketing of processed acai berry in the form of supplements and juice powders has now become a billion-dollar industry.
Exaggeration for Marketing Gains
Sadly, the health benefits become exaggerated to a huge extent, such that a lot of companies claimed (without the backing of a medical research) that it also improved fertility, penile length, even to the point of diabetes reversal. Studies (done for the purpose of marketing) show however that the fruit has improved the heart, energy, stamina, immune system, skin appearance, digestion and metabolism that it supported weight loss, sleep, and it eliminated free radicals more effectively than any other vitamin supplement. Studies done in the University of Florida showed that it helped battle cancer cells; about 86% of cancer cells responded to self-destruct when interacted with high concentrations of the acai berry. It’s not a confirmed end-all cure for cancer, though this study has made encouraging conclusions – to the exaggeration for profit gain.
Other Interesting Facts
In Brazil, it’s a popular flavoring mix in tequila and a good energy booster before jiu-jitsu warm-ups and competitions. Leaves of this plant are used as roof thatches, baskets, hats, table mats, even brooms, and the trunk wood is a good choice material for construction because of its high resistance to pests. The seeds are finely grounded as fertilizer and organic livestock food.
Conclusion: The Real Deal
The Acai berry is indeed a good supplement to consider, but not as the only end-all solution for obesity, heart ailments, cancer, fertility, and diabetes as other companies tend to claim and exaggerate. Weight loss is more effective if you take in acai berry juices and health drinks with lots of exercise and if you down a glass before a meal. Not only that the Acai berry is a healthy choice because it’s an excellent antioxidant and an organic energy booster; it brings improved digestion and metabolism as it may bring about significant weight loss if used properly, in the right dosages, in the recommended instructions, and if always complemented with a good deal of physical activity or exercise.
