With the media attention that the Acai Berry has gotten on shows like Oprah, NBC, ABC, CBS, etc, its no wonder that new products have been surfacing everywhere. Businesses pushing acai berries are claiming this is a miracle weight loss aid which can help you shed dozens of pounds effortlessly. Unfortunately these claims are often gross exagerrations.
However, the acai berry is a good, natural way to aid in weight loss. Combined with proper diet and exercise, the acai berry will help you lose weight while also giving you the additional health benefits heralded on shows like Oprah. Weight loss is just one of the reasons this berry is being called the number one Superfood. The following sections describe how this superfood will help you to naturally lose weight.
Appetite Suppressant
By weight, the acai berry contains a huge portion of fiber — approximately 40% of the pulp and skin by weight. And it is unique among fruits in the high levels of fats, which are the beneficial Omega 6 & 9 fats. This high fiber and Omega fats act as a natural appetite suppressant — preventing snacks between meals and other nagging cravings.
Fat Fighter
The high fiber content in acai helps to lower blood sugar levels resulting in less body fat. Other fruits are high in fructose and simple carbohydrates which cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, and can cause blood sugar to be turned into body fat. The high fiber content of acai greatly slows the rise in blood sugar levels, and the blood sugar is not stored as fat.
Increase Energy and Stamina
Acai has become legendary among Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters, top surfers and other athletes for it’s ability to boost energy and increase stamina. Legendary Jiu-Jitsu fighters Carlos and Royce Gracie have used acai to propel them to multiple UFC and other championships. And 6 time world champion surfer Kelly Slater made acai an important part of his diet. These world class athletes use acai to boost energy and stamina in competition, and it can certainly help you with your training or exercise regimen. The more energy you have, the more calories you can burn in your workout.
Metabolism Booster
The acai berry also contains a healthy dose of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Regular consumption of Acai Berry helps you get the most out of exercise as it aids the recovery process and in building and repairing muscles The more muscle you have the more calories your body burns at rest and the higher your Basal Metabolic Rate.
Acai Berry alone, or in combination with other ingredients?
Medical and scientific research have proven that acai contains ingredients that naturally aid in weight loss. The antioxidents, high fiber, and beneficial fats inherent in this nutritious berry help suppress appetite, reduce accumulation of body fat, boost metabolism and increase energy and stamina to keep you burning calories longer on those workouts.
Over the past year, many companies are now combining Acai Berry with other ingredients in attempts to better target some of the benefits of the Acai Berry. Most common are various diet products billed as:
Fat Burner products include various stimulants and thermogenic aids like caffeine or guarana that speed up the metabolism and other products that ward off hunger. The theory is that they work better with Acai Berry, and, the healing properties of the Acai Berry minimize any potential damage to the nervous system from products such as caffeine, cayene pepper, or diuretics. These products do seem to be more effective in aiding weight loss, but much of the medical community is reluctant to recommend them due to possible overuse.
Colon Cleansers add products that increase the natural laxative properties of the Acai Berry. Much like the Fat Burners, they also depend on the healing properties of Acai Berry to prevent any damage to the body from these other ingredients. They can be harder on the body and should not be taken for extended periods of time.
Body Detox products are similar to the colon cleansers in that they target laxative properties, but also claim to have products that clean the blood and/or urine from harmful substances. The science behind these products and claims is much less clear.