|  | Diet Nutrition | Diet Pills

Do Acai Berry Weight Loss Pills Work?

The acai berry is a grape-like fruit and high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. There are many diets and detoxes that have emerged touting the acai berry as a miracle weight loss food. Many programs use pill supplements that are supposed to stimulate your metabolism and help you burn fat. Be weary of miracle claims but do not ignore the health benefits of acai berries.

  1. Berry Benefits

    • The acai berry is similar to blueberries, blackberries and other berries. They are high in antioxidants, good sources of fiber and contain essential fatty acids that promote a healthy heart. This berry contains one of the highest amounts of Vitamin C. A serving of acai also contains the same amount of calcium as a glass of milk. It also contains omega-3 and omega-fatty acids, the same benefits found in fish oil that help raise good cholesterol and lower the bad cholesterol.

    Research

    • As of 2009, research on the acai berry has been limited. While nutritionists know what the berry contains, claims made by tabloids and diet sites have not be substantiated. There is limited data through a University of Florida experiment that suggests that the berry has the capability to kill cancer cells. Additionally, a Texas A&M University study showed that the antioxidants of the acai are absorbed into the human body when consumed as a juice or pulp. But, as with most fad diets, word of mouth and anecdotal testimonies have made the acai berry a big industry.

    Pills vs. Juice or Pulp

    • Thus far, the studies have been done with real juice or pulp from the berry. Many of the health properties of a berry have to do with the fiber consumed when the fruit is whole. In addition, antioxidants lose their strength once a fruit is juiced and the antioxidants are exposed to air. This raises a question about the process that pill supplements undergo. Many beneficial properties may be lost since most supplement manufacturers are not following U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines. If a pill is able to retain the same nutritional value as the original berry, there may be some weight loss benefits.

    The Berry and Fat

    • Since the acai berry contains both antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, it has the potential to assist a person with lowering his body cholesterol levels, thus fat percentages. Antioxidants have been shown to help stimulate the metabolism as well. While there are no studies confirming that an acai berry diet, let alone an acai berry pill diet, can stimulate weight loss, it may help a person with other lifestyle modifications to reduce fat. More time and research is needed for confirmation.

    Don't Knock It

    • Even if the acai berry is not proven to be a weight loss wonder pill, do not discard its value to your health as a supplement. Once again, it is a high source of antioxidants that help maintain a strong immune system and fight free radicals in the body. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids. Adding another source of bad cholesterol and triglyceride fighters is a good thing. While the pill more than likely will not add any additional fiber to your diet, these other benefits are more than enough to consume the berry or a pill supplement to improve your overall health.

Diet Pills - Related Articles