Are Acai Berries Worth The Bother?
Today everything from supplements, weight loss products, talk shows, and beverages, to cosmetics and beauty products seem to be touting the benefits of a new super food called the acai berry. With all the hubbub, astounding claims, and publicity, you may be wondering: are acai berries worth the bother?
Acai berries are grown on acai palms that are found in South American rainforests. These berries are fairly small, about the size of a grape (an inch long), are reddish-purplish in color, and do provide some health benefits. They are a cousin to the cranberry, blueberry, and other dark fruits. Being a dark fruit, they are high in natural antioxidants, high in fiber, and contain healthy fats that have been shown to benefit the heart. Acai berries also contain anthocyanins, and flavonoids. These components have antioxidant properties that help protect the body from free radicals caused by oxidative environmental stresses. Antioxidants help build up the body’s cell protection, reducing the risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease, and some forms of cancer.
Some recent studies have shown that the pulp of the acai berry is extremely high in antioxidants, and may contain more beneficial properties than blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Recently there have been many claims that suggest products made from or containing acai berries can help people gain energy, lose weight, and even lower cholesterol. These particular claims have not been proven and cannot be backed up by scientific research. More research is currently being conducted to further prove or disprove some of these more recent claims regarding this super food. What is currently known is these berries do contain many beneficial health properties, such as vitamins and minerals, and are considered to be a healthy fruit. Diets rich in dark fruits have many beneficial effects and are often recommended as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
While acai berries are a natural product and considered to be safe, people who are sensitive to dark colored fruits, or those that have pollen allergies may want to avoid consuming this fruit.
If you are interested in trying acai berries, check your local health food stores, or a gourmet shop for acai berry juice or products. Fresh acai berries spoil very quickly and are not readily available.
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