If you're an avid follower of what goes on in the health industry, by this time you have probably tired of hearing all about the benefits of acai berry. These perceived benefits run the gamut of increased energy to miraculous weight loss to disease prevention and even anti-aging properties. The acai berry does contain a lot of the nutrients we need for our overall well-being, but let's sift through all the hype and get to its real benefits.

Our First Defense: The Immune System

Acai berries are known to contain an incredible amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants have long been known to slow the progress of free radicals. Free radicals are atoms which are missing an electron in their standard pair. They make up for this by stealing electrons from other atoms. If you have an overabundance of free radicals in your system, you are at higher risk for diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and certain types of cancer. While acai berries do not offer a cure for cancer, anything that could potentially reduce the risk for such diseases is welcomed by consumers.

Potential Weight Loss

The weight loss market in the United States is worth billions and it is fairly obvious why. Our nation suffers from some of the highest rates of obesity in the world. Acai berries contain a large amount of fiber, long known to lead to a healthier lifestyle. Fiber can lead to better digestive health and helps the body pass fats better. Acai berries also contain unsaturated fats, known as good fats. These are a terrific source of Omega fatty acids. These cannot be manufactured by the body and must come from the food you eat. They are also essential to many of the body's natural processes. Another potential health benefit of acai berry is the ability of certain vitamins though to increase the body's metabolism.

The Heart Matters

Another compound found in acai berries which is also vital to our bodies are the anthocyanins. These are the same substances found in grapes and subsequently, in red wine, which have helped lower the incidence of coronary heart disease among the French despite their high-fat diet. Pure acai berries contain a good dose of anthocyanins without the damaging effects of alcohol. Anthocyanins are also known to help keep the skin healthy.

Acai is in no way a fits-all cure for all health ailments as other promoters are touting it. Mind you though, these claims are not totally baseless as acai berries are a terrific source of all the nutrients our body needs such as antioxidants, anthocyanins, fiber, and healthy fats. The best thing for you is to try it and see which of these potential health benefits of acai berry are most valuable for you.