Friday, June 25, 2010

Get the Real Skinny on Acai Berries and Belly Fat

Let's take this topic head-on, and instead of talking about all of the false claims about acai berries, we'll just stick to the basic facts. So what can the acai berry really do for you, and what are some facts about the properties of acai berries?

Most people have already heard the claims that acai berries are a super-antioxidant, which can be considered true. The acai berry, according to the ORAC, contains a much higher level of antioxidants than most other fruits.The USDA uses the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, or ORAC method to measure antioxidant capacities of different foods. But according to that same method, the coffee berry ranks as one of the most powerful antioxidants on the foods list. The marketers of acai berry products would have you believe otherwise.

But what are some of the other beneficial properties that acai berries can provide? Acai berries are high in Omega-3 oils and fiber. In combination with each other, these two will provide you with a fuller feeling, which - when eaten before a meal, can lower the amount of food consumed during the meal. This has helped fuel the claims that acai berries will lead to a slimmer waistline. However, along with any dietary supplement, a healthy, well balanced diet and plenty of exercise will do much more than any single "miracle" food. Let's face it, if we eat cookies, cake, ice cream and chips on a daily basis, even fire-roasted acai berries couldn't melt away those pounds. Reducing body fat has a direct correlation to reducing unhealthy doses of dietary fat. Replacing sugary snacks with healthy food choices like acai berries, you will gradually see a reduction in the amount of fat you store on your body.

Acai berries, like many other healthy fruits, should be considered a great source of nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. While you shouldn't buy into the plethora of claims that surround the acai berry, supplements can be taken with the confidence that you will be receiving a healthy dose of antioxidants, as well as promoting a healthier you. All supplements should be used in addition to a well balanced diet that supports a healthy digestive system, which is key to staying in great shape.

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