Does Acai Promote Weight Loss?
Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is the berry from an Amazonian palm tree. It contains an interesting mix of nutrients and phytochemicals including protein, lipids, calcium, vitamin A, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1, vitamin C, several anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and other flavonoids. The anthocyanins are pigments that give the ripe fruit its purple color. Anthocyanins are also potent antioxidants. Acai fruit pulp has a very high antioxidant capacity. It has more antioxidant content than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, or blueberry.[1] [2] [3] [4]
Other benefits
In addition to its antioxidant properties, what else can acai do? Apparently it has anti-inflammatory properties due to its ability act as a cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 inhibitor.[5] [6] In addition, reports are that acai is a traditional remedy for diabetes. Although there is no published evidence to support this benefit, it is known that oxidative stress may contribute to diabetes[7], and it is also known that anthocyanins may improve insulin secretion.[8]
Weight loss?
So what does all this have to do with weight loss? When perusing the internet there are many websites that claim acai is good for losing weight. For example, one writer from eHow.com states, "I don't believe that Acai Berries hold a "magic key" that will help you lose weight, but it will help make your body healthy. When your body is healthy and well-balanced, it will be easier to reach your perfect weight."[9]
So basically, this author offers no real support that acai will actually help promote weight loss- just that it will help make you healthier which, in return, may help you loss weight. Following this same logic, the same could be said for a multivitamin. Anyone out there losing weight by taking Centrum®?
Another website touting acai's weight loss benefits states, "The berry's natural concoction of essential fatty acids, fiber, phytosterols and amino acids work together to help your body burn fat more efficiently, process food more quickly and shed the unwanted pounds that you'd like to lose."[10] Really? How exactly does that happen? I can't say because the author offers absolutely no support for the claim.
Another website alludes to a weigh loss mechanism through detoxification: "Acai berries also provide essential amino acids, a good source of carbohydrates and fibers, healthy fatty acids, and phytosterols which can speed up the metabolism considerably. This makes detoxification of impurities from the system move much faster."[11] Sounds good, but where's the proof? Any studies, any history of traditional use? Nope.
There are more websites making similar claims, but none of them offer any substantiation for the alleged weight loss benefits of acai.
Conclusion
In short, acai offers some great antioxidant properties, so use it for that purpose if you desire. If you're taking it to help you lose weight, however, you may be sorely disappointed.
References
[1] Del Pozo-Insfran D, Brenes CH, Talcott ST. Phytochemical composition and pigment stability of Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.). J Agric Food Chem 2004;52:1539-45.
[2] Cordova-Fraga T, de Araujo DB, Sanchez TA, et al. Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) as an alternative oral contrast agent in MRI of the gastrointestinal system: preliminary results. Magn Reson Imaging 2004;22:389-93.
[3] Schauss AG, Wu X, Prior RL, et al. Phytochemical and nutrient composition of the freeze-dried Amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (acai). J Agric Food Chem 2006;54:8598-603.
[4] dos Santos GM, Maia GA, de Sousa PH, da Costa JM, de Figueiredo RW, do Prado GM. [Correlation between antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds of açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart) comercial pulps] Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2008;58(2):187-92.
[5] Schauss AG, Wu X, Prior RL, et al. Antioxidant capacity and other bioactivities of the freeze-dried Amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (acai). J Agric Food Chem 2006;54:8604-10.
[6] Jensen GS, Wu X, Patterson KM, Barnes J, Carter SG, Scherwitz L, Beaman R, Endres JR, Schauss AG. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of an antioxidant-rich fruit and berry juice blend. Results of a pilot and randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study. J Agric Food Chem 2008 24;56(18):8326-33.
[7] Maxwell SR, et al. Poor glycaemic control is associated with reduced serum free radical scavenging (antioxidant) activity in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Ann Clin Biochem 1997;34( Pt 6):638-44.
[8] Jayaprakasam B, Vareed SK, Olson LK, Nair MG. Insulin secretion by anthocyanins and anthocyanidins. J Agric Food Chem 2005;53:28-31.
[9] Huether K. How to Use Acai Berry for Weight Loss. eHow. Retrieved February 11, 2009 from http://www.ehow.com/how_4456371_use-acai-berry-weight-loss.html.
[10] Acai Berry the New Weight Loss Superfood. ProjectSwole2.0. July 17th, 2008. http://www.projectswole.com/diet/acai-berry-the-new-weight-loss-superfood/
[11] Ahmed M. Acai Berry Detox and Weight Loss - What You Really Need to Know. Ezine @rticles. Retrieved February 11, 2009 from http://ezinearticles.com/?Acai-Berry-Detox-and-Weight-Loss---What-You-Really-Need-to-Know&id=1790074.