Nov 08 2008
Acai Berry - Is It a Good Weight Loss Diet Aid
There are ads and vendors for the newly discovered Acai Berry as the new miracle weight loss diet aid. However, there have been no scientific studies with the Acai Berry in this area. It has been proven, though, that it is absorbed by the human body as a good antioxidant.
A group of AgriLife research scientists conducted a study that proved, both Acai Berry juice as well as its pulp, when eaten, was absorbed by the body. This was an important step as it was already known that it had numerous antioxidant properties. The findings of their research was published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.
In the study, the juice or pulp was consumed by 12 healthy people. A control group was used and given applesauce or a non-antioxidant beverage. Both the study group and the control group were given urine and blood tests at 12 hours and 24 hours after ingesting the Acai Berry product. Increases in antioxidants were shown in those individuals who ingested Acai Berry juice, pulp and the applesauce. However, the anitoxidants were shown higher in the Acai Berry products. The group will continue studying the berry to determine if it has any disease preventing benefits. There was no mention of studies planned to prove it as a weight loss diet aid.
Although companies and vendors have touted Acai Berry products as having a metabolizing booster effect. To date, there has been no scientific studies proving this. However, purchasing the product in juice or pulp form can positively be used for it’s antioxidant effect. It’s abilities in weight loss diet aid will have to be judged by the individual at this time.
