The Acai berry fruit is commonly found in central and south American countries such as Peru and Brazil. The berry itself is a small fruit, about the size of a grape. It is dark purple in color, and has a large seed. In fact, the seed is so large that it makes up 80% of the berry! But like all berries, the Acai berry is pulpy and juicy.
There isn’t a specific acai berry diet, rather dieters use acai berry in conjunction with their current weight loss plan. It is often combined with a colon cleansing product or with other nutritional ingredients that are said to help with weight loss.
The acai berry is known primarily for its antioxidant effects, which exceed that of other foods that are known to be high in antioxidants, such as blueberries and red wine.
Acai berries are also said to have many other benefits that include improving digestion, cleansing and detox for the body, boosting the immune system, increasing mental alertness, reducing insomnia, and slowing down the aging process. However not all of these claims can be supported by scientific research.
In regard to the effects of acai berry on weight loss; promoters of the diet say that the berry has a combination of essential fatty acids, amino acids and phytosterols that work in unison to improve metabolism, enhance digestion, and reduce appetite.
The acai berry does have some important nutritional benefits, however by eating a range of fresh fruit and vegetables and other foods that are high in antioxidants, it is possible to reproduce a similar enhancement of the dietary intake.
If dieters experience weight loss on the acai berry diet it will be due to the effects of simultaneously following a calorie restricted diet rather than due to any special effects of the acai berry. Acai berry supplements may support general health and well being while dieting, but cannot be relied on as the sole ingredient for successful weight loss.