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Acai is not a miracle weight loss supplement and it will not help you burn fat. However, it is a healthy berry that's loaded with antioxidants. Find out how this berry really can help you.

Article Summary:

While açai berries are very healthy they are not miracle weight loss supplements.
Açai berries are rich in antioxidants, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.
You can also promote good health by avoiding processed foods.

How Açai Berries Are Good For You

According to the website scams, açai products help you lose weight yesterday. But, this is a clear example of marketing gone overboard. Açai is not a miracle weight loss supplement and it will not help you burn fat. However, it is a healthy berry that's loaded with antioxidants.

What Is Açai?

Unfortunately, there's a lot of confusion about açai (pronounced: ah-sigh-ee). Marketers out to make a quick buck prostituted this poor berry, colon cleansers and other products out to the public and, according to the Federal Trade Commission's website, scammed consumers out of $30 million or more in 2009 through deceptive advertising and unfair billing practices. (And now these companies are getting their hands slapped for misleading us).

But, let's separate the berry and the legitimate companies that produce açai products but don't back them with outrageous claims from the bad seeds. After all, we shouldn't throw this berry to the side (or the good companies) just because there are some scammers out there searching for your hard earned dollars.

Açai is a small round purple berry that grows on açai palm trees in Central and South America. Think of a rainforest in Brazil with acres and acres of trees that produce açai berries. Açai has a unique taste that resembles something of a mix between chocolate and berries yet it isn't very sweet like some berries are. Regardless of the taste, you won't likely eat the berry by itself but instead eat the pulp as part of a juice, smoothie, sorbet, powder or other product.

Click To Enlarge.
Açai Is A Small Round Purple Berry That Grows
On Açai Palm Trees In Central And South America.

How The Bodybuilding Supplement Açai Berry Is Good For You

Açai Berry Is Rich In Antioxidants

There are several reasons food and nutrition experts are constantly telling us to eat more produce. Each fruit or vegetable contains a unique mix of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Açai pulp contains fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and it is loaded with antioxidants, in particular, anthocyanins. Studies show that anthocyanins may decrease systemic markers of inflammation (such as C-reactive protein), and these antioxidant compounds are non-selective Cox-1 and Cox-2 inhibitors (NSAIDS such as naproxen and ibuprofen inhibit the action of Cox-2, an enzyme responsible for both inflammation and pain).

Açai Contains Heart Healthy Fats

Açai is unique for a berry because it contains a small amount of unsaturated fat in the form of omega 6 and omega 9 fats.

Additional "Good For You" Tips:

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Eat A Diet Rich In Produce

Though many bodybuilders and figure competitors, when they are zoning in on a competition, will curb their intake of many foods, the rest of us need to consume fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Produce contains compounds that may help decrease our risk of several diseases and enhance our overall health from the inside out (including how your skin looks).

Eat Unprocessed

Food processing isn't bad and in many cases processing techniques bring us foods that are more convenient or sometimes, even more healthy. However, it is important to sneak in unprocessed or minimally processed staples like rice, produce, quinoa, milk, natural yogurt, eggs and other foods that are loaded with nutrients but without anything you may not want in your food.

Learn To Cook

You don't need to have Bobby Flay talent to cook up a delicious, healthy meal at home. Instead, you just need a few basic skills, seasoning ingredients and a desire to learn. Cooking is both art and science and can help you develop a whole new appreciation for food. Plus, you'll save a little cash if you don't eat out so often.

Click To Enlarge.
Cooking Is Both Art And Science And Can
Help You Develop A Whole New Appreciation For Food.

Conclusion

The açai berry isn't going turn you into a Greek God or Goddess. However, it is an antioxidant rich berry that can counts toward your fruit servings for the day (according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, we should consume 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables every day). But, the best part about açai is that it is safe and, like all produce, contributes to an overall healthy diet.

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About The Author:

Marie Spano is a leading authority on translating the latest nutrition and exercise science research into real life applications. Ms. Spano has also helped pro athletes and Fortune 500 executives enhance their health and performance through sound nutrition practices. She is a regular contributor to Bodybuilding.com. For more information see: www.mariespano.com

References:

Biotechnol J 2006;1(4):388-97.

J Agric Food Chem 1997;45, 304-309.

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