Acai Berry Research:
Does It Work For Weight Loss?

Acai berry research proves rich source of antioxidants

Acai berries contain complicated chemicals known as anthocyanins. These chemicals give them their color and account for their health effects. But what exactly do they do? And how do they work in your body?

The simple answer is that the color of these chemicals comes from them having a unique and complicated structure.

It's that complicated structure -- the shape of the molecule -- that allows them to absorb light at certain frequencies. Absorbing one wavelength of light and not others gives them their color.

These same properties allow them to absorb activated forms of oxygen and protect you from damage. They are "antioxidants." Acai berry research shows they are rich in antioxidants.

So what are antioxidants?

The word "anti" means against. And "oxidant" refers to the effects of oxygen.

Now, you need oxygen, but oxygen can also be very harmful. Oxygen tends to be very vicious. It can react with a lot of things. Just like in a fire, it can get out of control.

Oxygen in the body can get out of control. The wrong forms of oxygen can lead to diseases of the heart and blood vessels and premature aging. Too much oxygen can actually make you go blind.

So your body needs antioxidants, which are chemicals that your body uses to take up the harmful forms of oxygen and keeping it from causing more damage.

Acai berries have antioxidants. So do grapes. So do blueberries. So does watermelon.

Is there some magic about the antioxidants in acai berries? Actually, no. They are just like the other antioxidants.

Acai berries and weight loss

Take a look again at the lists of things that store fat and break down fat and build lean tissue. There is nothing in those lists about protecting your cells from oxidative damage.

Protecting your cells from damage from harmful forms of oxygen is important. But it really has nothing to do with you gaining weight. Or losing weight.

It doesn't affect calorie balance, fat storage, metabolism of resting muscle tissue or any of the other things that make you gain and lose weight.

Fruit and dieting

There are a lot of berries that have antioxidant properties, just like acai berries. And there are a lot of other fruits and vegetables with antioxidants. Acai berries are not really unusual.

In fact, despite the antioxidants, fruits are not really good for dieters. It is fine to eat some fruits, perhaps an apple a day.

But excessive fruits are actually harmful to your diet. And juices should be avoided, particularly if you are overweight. They are full of simple sugar.

Fructose and your health

Yes, it's fructose - fruit sugar. And you've been told that fructose is good for you.

But fructose is not good for you. Don't believe it? Then do a little research about fructose. You'll find that fructose is taken up by the liver and turned into triglycerides. Triglycerides are fats that circulate through your blood.

Fructose also bypasses the normal hormones that make you feel full. So eating too much fructose leaves you feeling unsatisfied and causes weight gain.

Fructose may also be associated with the development of insulin insensitivity.

So when you need to lose weight you should consider the risks as well as the benefits of a fruit based diet or supplement.

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