Pros & Cons of Acai Berry

A small, grape-sized berry from South America called the acai berry, from the palm tree Euterpe oleracea, is a dark purple berry that has become very popular within the last few years. It is related to blueberries and cranberries and is very rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins. Anthocyanins give dark fruits their reddish, bluish and purple color. It comes from Greek and basically means blue plant. But it is not the color that makes the acai berry so popular. It is the benefits. There are, however, some cons in addition to the pros.

Pros: Antioxidant Benefits

• The acai berry contains significant amounts of antioxidants, which are the compounds that help the body fight off damage due to environmental effects like pollution or too much sun. Antioxidants protect the cells from free radicals by neutralizing them and rendering them ineffective. Free radicals damage the skin and the body. By increasing antioxidants, the body is better able to fight off diseases, including cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Pros: Weight Loss Benefits

• By increasing energy in the body, the acai berry will burn excess fat faster than many other foods. It also has the ability to help with digestion due to the omega-3 fatty acids and fiber that is contained within the berry. These components aid in cleaning out the digestive tract. Acai is considered a superfood because of the high levels of antioxidants and omega-3s. Adding it to the diet in berry form or in juice will add a nutritional boost to the diet.

Cons: Negative Attributes

• One of the most important possible cons about the acai berry is that it can be harmful to anyone who has an extreme pollen allergy or has an allergy to berries in general. Another con is that although there are many reported benefits to the acai berry, there is a serious lack of actual scientific proof that the acai will do all of the things that many people claim. Therefore, consumption of the acai does not necessarily mean it will perform as touted.