The Acai Berry for Weight Loss
Although the acai berry has been around for centuries, it has only recently come into focus as a diet aid. Accolades from Oprah Winfry have brought this little-known fruit into the forefront of dieting and weight loss topics.
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What is an Acai Berry?
It is a small purple fruit that grows at the top of the acai palm tree
in the Amazon jungle. Only ten percent of the berry is actual pulp, while
eighty per cent is the seed. The indigenous people have long-discovered
its valuable properties
The entire acai berry is useful. The pulp is very high in fiber, thereby providing a sense of fullness when on a diet. Its oil can treat diarrhea and the seed is often crushed to make a drink that alleviates fever. The fruit’s rind can heal skin ulcers. Moreover, the root of the tree is ground into tea and used in the treatment of jaundice, diabetes, hepatitis, malaria, hair loss, kidney disease, and muscle and menstrual pain.
The fruit tastes like a mix of berry and chocolate. It is extremely rich in antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. All its nutrients are considered healthy. No wonder it is touted as a super food!
Acai Puree
The acai berry deteriorates rapidly after being picked from the tree.
Immediate processing helps to stabilize it for shipping. The best way
to preserve its many nutrients is to render the pulp into a puree and
extract the juice. However, manufacturers process it further before it
reaches the shelves, destroying much of its unique nutritional value.
Typically, the puree is diluted with inexpensive juices or the berry is
freeze-dried long after being picked and made into a powder to be reconstituted
with water.
Acai Supplements
Supplements are a convenient way to enjoy the benefits of this fruit.
When the berry is freeze-dried immediately after harvesting and processed
into supplements, it retains its nutrients. However, do read labels and
avoid the supplements that say acai berry “extract”.
Benefits
In addition to being an effective diet aid, acai contains a multitude
of nutrients that not only help prevent disease, but also promote good
health. The antioxidants can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer,
diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The fiber
can help lower cholesterol and glucose levels. The oleic acid is deemed
to reduce blood pressure.
It has been documented that the acai berry can raise energy levels, boost the immune system, improve the digestion, delay the effects of aging, enhance eyesight and augment the sex drive.
Potential Side Effects
The negative side effects of consuming acai are typically the same as
those of eating fresh fruit, which is usually a mild case of diarrhea.
Such a reaction is not everyone’s experience; should acai affect
you that way, simply reduce your intake of fruit. Remember all fruit contains
fiber, a helpful treatment for constipation. Hence, you can adjust your
fiber intake to meet your body’s needs. Because the acai berry has
a very high acidic content, in some cases, it can be particularly caustic
to the stomach. If you have stomach ulcers or are at risk of getting ulcers,
ask your doctor if acai is safe for you.
Although rare, a reaction to acai can be fatal. If you are an individual who is allergic or sensitive to bee stings, you must consult your health care provider prior to using any Acai products.