Recently, the acai berry diet has recently become popular. The Brazilian acai berry, which is a dark purple fruit from a palm tree, has been used for many generations by native Brazilians. The berries have been used for many generations to make beverages in Brazil and Colombia, and according to one source "it has never been marketed or sold in Brazil or in the Amazon for any health benefits whatsoever."
In the book, "The Perricone Promise," dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone lists the acai berry as the #1 superfood. The book contains a detailed diet plan that includes groups of foods to avoid, over 2 dozen supplements, a meal schedule and light exercise. His term for the diet is "The Perricone Promise," not the Acai Berry Diet. The main purpose of the diet is to counter inflammation and its result, aging. The components of this diet are given in the fast facts section.
The acai berry became well know after appearance in 2004 of Dr. Nicholas Perricone on The Oprah Winfrey Show. After his appearance, internet marketers, not associated with Perricone, began marketing it as a miracle weight loss product used by Oprah Winfrey. Lawsuits have ensued because neither she nor Dr. Oz from The Dr. Oz Show have endorsed the Acai Berry Diet. In August, 2009, the producers of The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Dr. Oz Show filed a trademark infringement complaint against 40 Internet marketers of dietary supplements, including acai berry products. http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=82195&cat=10http://www.oprah.com/article/health/nutrition/20090105_orig_acai http://www.rain-tree.com/acai.htm <ref>http://vitamins-minerals.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_perricone_promise http://www.perriconemd.com/category/perricone+lifestyle/anti-inflammatory+diet.do
Background
The antioxidant in acai berries, a type of flavonoid called anthocyanin, , can be found in higher levels than that in blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. These antioxidants can help the body defend itself against free radicals that are produced in the body. The neutralization of free radicals may interfere with aging and the disease causation, conferring a longer life. Research is still ongoing on the ability of the acai berry to facilitate weight loss. A factor that affects the usefulness of the anthocyanin content of this berry is the rapid degradation that occurs after preparation of the juice due to natural enzymes that are present. Freeze-dried preparations of the acai berry pulp may retain the anthocyanin content. http://www.rain-tree.com/acai.htm http://www.webmd.com/diet/acai-berries-and-acai-berry-juice-what-are-the-health-benefits
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are about to embark on the Acai Berry Diet, please consult your doctor.
References
Fast Facts
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Length of Diet
Fourteen Days
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Method
Food avoidance, exercise, supplements, and skin care products
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Allowable Food
Oatmeal, Salmon (not farm-raised), tuna, shellfish, halibut, trout, turkey, eggs, tofu, yogurt, leafy greens, bean sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, berries (especially blueberries), cherries, apples, pears, certain melons, avocados, olives, barley, beans, nuts, green tea, oregano, ginger, basil, cayenne
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Prohibited Food
Those with a high glycemic index, lcohol, breads (especially white breads), flour, coffee, processed breakfast cereals, granola, beef, fruit juice, grapes, mangos, oranges, papaya, raisins, watermelon, carrots, corn, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, pasta, pizza, pickles, rice, diet and regular soda, sugar, hard cheese
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Highly recommended supplements:
alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, omega 3 fish oil, and Coenzyme Q10
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Water recommendation:
8-10 glasses per day.
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General guidance by Dr. Perricone:
"Before you eat a meal, hold up 3 fingers and think to yourself: I need a protein, a good carbohydrate and a small amount of unsaturated fat."
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Fact:
Dr. Perricone does not endorse any acai berry product other than his own.
