Fresh acai fruit or high-quality, freeze-dried preparations have an excellent nutritional profile. The pulp, including the skin, has been found to contain approximately 4% protein, 12% lipids and 50% carbohydrates (most of which in the form of fiber). Notable amounts of calcium, vitamin A, phosphorus, iron and thiamine are also present. Its most valued components, however, are various antioxidants, which are believed to exert a multitude of positive effects on health.

On the Other: Weight Loss Claims Unsupported

With the exception of fiber, none of the constituents present in acai berry indicate a potential to accelerate weight loss. Even fiber, in order to be effective, needs to be consumed regularly and in much higher quantities than what can possibly be obtained from a supplemen--unless one is willing to consume the entire bottle in one sitting. There are much more sensible and cost-effective methods of obtaining fiber.

Bottom Line

While some of the health-promoting properties ascribed to the fruit have credible scientific evidence to support them, weight loss assistance is definitely not one of them. In any case, the only proven strategy for weight loss is caloric defici--which is best achieved through a combination of proper diet and daily exercise.

Source:

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database