What Is Acai Berry & How Does It Work?

The Acai berry has stormed the health market with the reputation of being a multivitamin, a weight loss supplement and a super food - simply put, it is a fruit. Similar to the health craze that surrounds the pomegranate, acai is known for having a high concentration of vitamins and minerals, high antioxidant properties and zero side effects. Grown on tall, tropical palm trees, the acai berry is such a beneficial fruit that it is said to prevent disease and promote general health.

Identification

• The acai berry consists of about 90 percent seed and 10 percent skin and pulp, which is what you eat and where the nutrients are located. The purple fruit, comparable to a grape, is grown on acai palms, tall trees of the Amazon rain forest in Brazil.

  Due to its quick spoilage rate you will rarely find natural acai berry outside of Brazil; the closest to the natural fruit you can purchase would be a puree. Acai products also include juice (fruit juice mixes most commonly) and pure supplements in pills, capsules or powders. If you opt to take a supplement, a dosage of 1000 to 4000 milligrams is recommended.

Health Benefits

• Acai fruit is known as a top super food because it has higher antioxidant properties than most fruits and foods, beating out pomegranate, cranberries and broccoli. The antioxidants allow for increased absorption of free radicals, prevent illness and help fight heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
  Acai berry has a high concentration of nutrients and vitamins. Consumption of acai is known to help boost the immune and digestive systems, lower cholesterol, improve vision, aid with sleep and slow down the aging process.

Weight Loss Benefits

• Nearly half of the acai fruit is fiber and it is packed with amino acids and omega fatty acids. Adding acai to a well-balanced diet is said to suppress appetite, boost the metabolism and lower body fat. Pair acai with exercise for the best results.
  There are many false diet plans and offers surrounding acai products; don't buy into an expensive scam. Purchase acai at a health food store or through a certified online retailer. You will receive health and weight loss benefits by adding acai to a healthy lifestyle.

Side Effects

• People in the Amazon have been eating acai fruit as a staple in their diet for many years without any side effects. There are no known reactions with medicines or preexisting health conditions, but if you are concerned about interaction consult your physician before eating. If you are allergic to pollen, berries or other fruit, consume acai in smaller doses.

Warnings

• Acai berry has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a medical supplement or dietary aid. It is known to be a very nutritional fruit when added to a healthy lifestyle. Read the label on all acai products for enhancement (caffeine, sugar, etc.) or manipulation; beware of chemical spray-dried, freeze-dried or drum-dried berries. These processes involve heat, which removes most of the antioxidant and nutrient benefits. Look for organic and dehydrated berries instead.