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as for its antioxidant and general health benefits.

The claims made by acai supplement manufacturers that acai can facilitate weight loss and detoxify the body need further study. No amount of anecdotal evidence can take the place of clinical research and study. However, it's clear that the medical benefits of acai are not limited to weight loss. Acai contributes to overall health in a wide variety of ways. Benefits of acai berry supplements vs. acai juice Acai berry is most frequently found outside of Brazil in two forms: juice and supplements.

Acai berry juice is sold, along with pomegranate juice, as a cure-all. Popular brands like Mona Vie and Amazon Thunder are heavily promoted via mainstream marketing and multi-level marketing schemes. However, acai berry juice is not the best source of the benefits of acai. A 2008 study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry found that acai berry juice had less antioxidant activity than concord grape juice. The study found that acai had about the same potency as the easily-available, and much less expensive, cranberry juice. In comparison, a 2006 study published in the same journal found that freeze-dried acai berry powder maintained its high antioxidant activity.

This is important because freeze-dried acai berry powder is the main ingredient of acai berry supplements. According to clinical research, the benefits of acai are more readily absorbed by the body in powder form. So acai berry supplements are better than acai juice (but don't taste as good!).There are some very clear and compelling medical benefits of acai berry. These include but are not limited to: antioxidant activity in the body; support for a healthier cardiovascular system; source of trace minerals and nutrition. The effectiveness of acai berry for weight loss is not yet proven by the medical community. Considering the wild popularity of acai berry-related supplements and juices, we should expect to see comprehensive studies on these issues in the near future. In the meantime, enjoy your acai with the knowledge that it's helping you live a healthier life.

Learn more about this author, George Tucker.
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