We’ve all heard the claims about this small purple berry – slim down, lose weight, shed those pounds in no time! But are these real truths or mere hype propogated by media and word-of-mouth? Let me help you clear up some of the confusion.
From the swamps of South American, acai (ah-sigh-EE) berries are relatives of cranberries and blueberries and have a large seed in the middle, making only the outside edible. The acai berry’s real claim to fame is its high antioxidant levels, which rival those of other dark berries and red wine. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, thereby preventing cell and tissue damage that could lead to further damage and disease.
What does this have to do with weight loss? Truthfully, not a whole lot. Antioxidant-rich foods, like acai berries, contribute to a healthy, natural, well-rounded diet. Such a diet also needs to consist of adequate protein, fat, and fiber, lots of fresh organic vegetables, vitamins and minerals, and regular exercise. This will lead to better overall well-being, increased energy, and improved health. These benefits may in turn lead to healthy weight loss, but don’t be fooled: the acai berry is not a quick fix or magic ingredient for miracle weight loss in any way. We have to include many building blocks in our diet for it to be healthy and lead toward weight loss – we can’t rest all of our hopes on one little thing!
For more information on what constitutes a healthy diet, or if you have any questions about other weight loss myths and truths, visit any Goodness Me location and talk to one of our experienced and knowledgable staff members. We are always happy to help!