Use of the acai berry has been marketed as a weight loss diet miracle. While there is not a specific diet based exclusively on acai berries, some dieters use them to enhance other weight loss efforts. The acai berry contains large amounts of antioxidants, which do have some health benefits. Unfortunately, the acai berry fad might be better at reducing your bank account than your waistline.
Antioxidents
Foods rich in antioxidants, such as the acai berry, are thought to improve overall health, especially by reducing the risk of strokes, some types of cancer, and heart disease. Further, antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which can be released when you exercise vigorously. Unfortunately, it is unknown if supplementing your diet with antioxidants above normal dietary amounts is helpful. Antioxidants can interfere with medications and antioxidant toxicity can occur with overzealous use.
Juices
Acai berry juices are sold in a variety of stores. Keep in mind that juice often has added sugars, artificial colors or even artificial sweeteners. In general, eating whole fruit is superior for weight loss as compared to drinking juice. Juice provides concentrated calories, while whole fruit offers the benefits of fiber and satiety.
Scams
One of the most dangerous aspects of diets based on the acai berry is the damage it can do to your pocketbook. In 2010, the Federal Trade Commission requested the United States District Court to halt Internet marketing practices related to sales of acai berry weight loss products and colon cleansers. The Better Business Bureau has fielded so many consumer complaints regarding acai berry diet scams, they named these scams to the top 10 rip-offs of 2009. If you choose to use acai berry products to achieve your weight loss goals, be wary about how you purchase them, or the only thing skinnier might be your wallet.
Alternatives
Look for other fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants as an alternative to acai berries. Shop for local, in season fruits and vegetables as much as possible. Colorful produce, such as spinach, yams and apricots, are delicious sources of antioxidants. Acai berries can be one component of a produce rich diet, but lasting weight loss comes from eating a wide variety of healthy foods.
References
- Consumer Reports Health.org: Q&A: The Juice on Acai Berries
- Rice University: Antioxidants and Free Radicals
- Federal Trade Commission: Court Orders Internet Marketers of Acai Berry Weight-Loss Pills and "Colon Cleansers" to Stop Deceptive Advertising and Unfair Billing Practices
- National Cancer Institute: Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet
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