Thursday, February 26, 2009

The Acai Berry: Side Effects or Health Benefits?

By B. Moffett

Acai berries are small fruits found primarily in Brazil. It has been a staple of the South American diet for hundreds of years, however traces of its use have been found in ancient medical records from numerous ancient civilizations.

Over the last few years, the acai berry has skyrocketed in popularity, due in large part to diet and nutrition experts who have heralded its anti-oxidant and even appetite suppression properties.

The increased demand has turned the acai berry into quite the cash crop and led to a drastic increase in farmers planting the powerful anti-oxidant fruit.

Also adding to demand, restaurants and health food stores across the country have begun offering acai berries as viable options to help with a wide range of maladies. Who so much attention to a simple berry? Because its only side effects are in fact, health benefits, including:

Acting as an aphrodisiac

Increases stamina and overall energy

Reduces muscle pain and fatigue

Fights disease and improves immune system

Digestive functions improved

And most famously loss of appetite

The fruit is armed with many more health benefits. The side effects of the Acai berry arent as evident as other fruits. Infact, the side effects of this fruit are very few and hardly noticeable.

Naturally, the acai berry side effect that is most often cited is the loss of appetite. While this may sound unpleasant to some, consider for a moment that there are several pills and medications out with the sole purpose of acting as an appetite suppressant. And, unlike medications, the berry doesnt harm the liver or kidneys, quite the opposite in fact. Since the berry is so high in fiber, acai berry juices or drinks help cleanse the body of harmful toxins and other substances.

That appetite suppression side effect means that you get healthy, and you get trim, without having to jump on some fad diet that may or may not work out properly for you. This side effect is not that common and varies from person to person, with every individual reacting differently to this revolutionary fruit. If we compare the beneficial health effects of the acai berry fruit, and the side effects, we find that the pros far outnumber the cons. We can safely conclude that the acai berry fruit is the food supplement that should be a component of every healthy household. - 16004

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