Effects of Acai Berry Extract on Weight Loss

What are the effects of acai berry extract on weight loss? We are going to answer this question in this article, but first let’s  find out what this berry really is.

What are Acai Berries?

Hailing from South America, the Acai berry (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is somewhere between a grape and a blueberry in both size and color.

These berries are known as superfoods. This is because they contain extremely potent vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that offer a host of health benefits.

Acai berries grow on tall, thin palm trees around the Amazon basin. They have a deep, slightly sweet flavor that is reminiscent of wild berries and chocolate.

The native cultures around the Amazon can eat these berries fresh, often mixed into a porridge with the starchy manioc vegetable. But, it’s difficult to find them fresh elsewhere, as they tend to spoil quickly.

Instead, we have available a variety of juices, extracts, and supplements (this raspberry ketone supplement also contains acai berry) available that retain the majority of the fresh Acai benefits.

Freeze dried extract and dehydrated extract are the most common. This is because they retain the greatest amount of the benefits of these berries.

Liquid extracts and capsules are also great options, and are only slightly less potent in general.

Look for low temperature processing, and inclusion of the pulp and the skin, as well as the juice.

Extracts that only include the juice won’t convey the same level of benefits.

What are the Effects of Acai Berry Extract on Weight Loss?

The majority of benefits in acai come from its high concentration of anthocyanins. These are a powerful type of antioxidant available only in deeply and brightly colored fruits and vegetables.

This makes acai the target for several studies involving inflammation, the immune system, and even the treatment of cancer.

Inflammation is one of the triggers for our bodies to hold on to extra fat and water. So blocking inflammation is one way that acai berries can help us to be healthier and lose weight as well.

Interestingly, acai berries contain fats (good fats).  Specifically, they contain omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, which help to control metabolism and fat burning in the body.

As a bonus, these fatty acids can help improve the condition of your skin.  Acai berries are even higher in omegas than some types of fish. So this is a great way to boost this essential nutrient in your diet.

Another way acai berry extract can help weight loss is that it promotes better digestion.

Since it helps the intestines and the liver with detoxification, your body becomes less gunked up with toxins and waste products.

This helps your body to function more efficiently and healthfully, leading to a natural and gradual reduction in weight.

This little berry also reduces the appetite in those who take it. This is common with foods that have a bitter flavor, as acai does.

This way, you can have support while eating more mindfully, and feel less hungry. So you’re less tempted to overeat.

Finally, the most powerful way acai berry extract helps to control body weight is by helping to regulate blood glucose.

Uncontrolled blood glucose and insulin secretion is a primary way excess body fat gets stored, since that insulin shuffles the excess calories straight into fat cells. 

Acai berry reduces the amount of glucose and insulin in the blood stream. This signals fat cells to not take up excess calories, and they can be safely excreted without causing weight gain.

Acai Berry and Weight Loss – Any Side Effects?

Now that you know the effects of acai berry extract on weight loss,  does it have any side effects?

It is possible to take too much acai berry extract.  Since it is a fruit, it does contain a good deal of sugar. So make sure to count it towards your carbohydrates for the day.

While it does improve cellular metabolism, it still has calories, and won’t help if you overdo it.  It’s rare for anyone to have a negative reaction to this extract.

However, some supplement companies add additional ingredients that may cause allergies or stomach discomfort.

As with all new products you try, make sure to read the labels carefully, check the ingredients, and start slow.

Finding the one that’s right for you is really important! When you do, you can enjoy knowing that you’re supporting yourself healthfully on your weight loss journey.