Certain people choose to go on an acai berry cleanse to lose weight or detoxify the body, but before embarking on this cleanse, there are a few things you should know.
What is an Acai Berry Cleanse?
An acai berry cleanse is a period of 2-3 days where you consume a high concentration of acai berries or acai berry supplements, as well as adequate amounts of water and other healthy fruits and vegetables. Some of these cleanses are geared more at rapid weight loss and can eliminate a large portion of your daily caloric intake, but this can have a number of unwanted side effects.
The popularity of acai berries has led to it being included as a key ingredient in a huge number of products that claim to have captured the massive health potential of these berries. While these berries are a powerhouse of nutrients and antioxidants, many of the acai products on the market also have additional sugars, caffeine, and other additives that can make them less beneficial for your health than advertised. [1]
An acai berry cleanse may help in losing weight. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
How to Follow an Acai Berry Cleanse?
If you are determined to try out an acai berry cleanse, there are a few steps you must undergo.
- Step 1: Before beginning the diet, eliminate high-sugar and processed foods, as well as junk foods and desserts.
- Step 2: For the entirety of the 14 days, you must drink roughly 64 ounces of water per day.
- Step 3: Drink at least one ounce of acai berry juice with all your meals for the duration of the diet.
- Step 4: Your meals should consist of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
- Step 5: Some people do this cleanse for as little as 3 days, while others extend it for up to 14 days.
Benefits of an Acai Berry Cleanse
The main benefits of an acai berry cleanse include its ability to improve brain health, detoxify the body, prevent chronic disease, and optimize digestion, among others.
Brain Health
The anthocyanins and other antioxidants in these berries can help to prevent oxidative stress, which can protect the cognitive health and lower the risk of neurodegenerative disease. [2]
Weight Loss
This detox approach can help stimulate your metabolism and set you on course for healthier dietary habits, but these berries should not be seen as a superfood for weight loss. [3]
Chronic Disease
High antioxidant levels mean a lower occurrence of chronic inflammation, which can thus prevent chronic diseases such as heart diseases. [4]
Digestion
By clearing out the stomach and flushing it of toxins, you can help to rebuild a healthy microflora environment in the gut, which will improve overall digestive health, relieving symptoms of constipation, bloating, and cramping. [5]
Side Effects
While using an acai berry cleanse isn’t inherently dangerous, only use products that have been thoroughly tested and verified for their authenticity. Pregnant women should also avoid these types of cleanses, as the effects of these berries can be very stimulating and adequate amounts of research have not been done. Some acai cleanse products contain as little as 5% actual acai berries and may contain many other unwanted additives.
