The Health Benefits of Acai Berry – What’s In and What’s Out

The benefits of acai berry have been discussed at length on many television shows recently. The acai berry has received so much attention because people are claiming it has almost miraculous properties. While the acai berry certainly contains a great deal of vitamins and nutrients, it is important that you are able to distinguish between real scientific research and false claims. So what are the real benefits of acai berry?

Your Immune System

The first thing you're likely to hear about acai berry is that it is rich in antioxidants. Cranberries, long believed to be the most antioxidant-rich food you can eat, has only one sixth the ORAC rating of acai berries. Free radicals are believed to be at least partly responsible for many illnesses such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and a variety of cancers. Antioxidants are known to slow the progress of free radicals. Studies are being done to determine exactly how effective acai berries are at prevent or fighting many problems brought on by free radicals.

Potential Weight Loss

The weight loss market in the United States is worth billions and it is fairly obvious why. Our nation suffers from some of the highest rates of obesity in the world. Acai berries contain a large amount of fiber, long known to lead to a healthier lifestyle. Fiber can lead to better digestive health and helps the body pass fats better. Acai berries also contain unsaturated fats, known as good fats. These are a terrific source of Omega fatty acids. These cannot be manufactured by the body and must come from the food you eat. They are also essential to many of the body's natural processes. Another potential health benefit of acai berry is the ability of certain vitamins though to increase the body's metabolism.

The Heart Matters

Another compound found in acai berries which is also vital to our bodies are the anthocyanins. These are the same substances found in grapes and subsequently, in red wine, which have helped lower the incidence of coronary heart disease among the French despite their high-fat diet. Pure acai berries contain a good dose of anthocyanins without the damaging effects of alcohol. Anthocyanins are also known to help keep the skin healthy.

While the acai berry is sometimes incorrectly marketed as a cure-all for your problems, it should not be underestimated. It will not rid the world of disease and obesity, but there is a chance that it could be one of the most powerful supplements on the market. If you are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you may be interested in the health benefits of acai berry.