Acai Berry And Weight Loss: Fact Or Fiction?
Since acai was introduced to the public, acai berry and weight loss claims have been the main source of consumer interest in this fruit from the Amazonian rainforest of Brazil. This supposed benefit is also one of the reasons why the the acai berry supplement is now a $15 billion industry, but is there really a correlation between acai and weight loss?
Just because acai has succeeded in catching the attention of consumers who want to shed off those unwanted pounds does not mean that what acai sellers and advertisers are saying is gospel truth. So, is the claim that acai is the key to natural weight loss fact or fiction? The answer is it may be a little bit of both. There are essential nutrients and vitamins in acai berry that help with weight loss so that part of the “acai berry for weight loss” claim is true to an extent, but to say acai berry supplements alone are the key to weight loss is nothing but hype and fiction.
In case you’re wondering how the acai berry and weight loss claim in the diet supplement market came to be, let’s review what vital nutrients acai has and how these components may give a boost to one’s weight reduction efforts.
Fiber
The high fiber content of any food helps make your body feel fuller without packing on extra pounds, and also increases energy and stamina so that you won’t need to eat snacks as often. Fiber also helps lower blood sugar levels so that less body fat is stored.
Unlike other fruits that contain high fructose which can increase blood sugar and cause it to turn into fat, acai berry contains a high concentration of fiber. In fact, about 40% of the fruit’s edible pulp and skin is made up of fiber. In addition, it is also worth mentioning that the fiber in acai helps develop a healthy digestive system, preventing constipation and moving food out of your body faster.
Many high-profile athletes including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters and surfers have made acai an important part of their diet because of its energy-giving properties. And the more energy you have, the more activities you can sustain to burn off the calories.
Omega Fatty Acids
Good fats like Omega 6 and 9 which are found in acai berry are believed to work as natural appetite suppressants. Omega fatty acids can also aid in boosting your body’s metabolism so that more food is used up instead of stored as fat. This benefit will be most effective in losing weight if you already have a regular exercise routine and just need an extra push from acai berry supplements to have those fats dropping faster.
Amino Acids
Acai berry also contains a good amount of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Protein aids in the buildup and repair of body muscles. Again, if you already have a great exercise plan going for you, this should be a big help in your efforts because the more muscles you have, the faster you can burn those calories – even at rest.
The reality is, there is really no magic or secret formula to successfully losing weight. Any supplement, even a “superfood” like acai is said to be, still needs to be accompanied by the proper diet and exercise to really show significant results. Remember this before you are taken in by all the acai berry and weight loss claims!