Acai Side Effects

A Step by Step Look at Acai Side Effects

Although the documented cases of adverse Acai side effects are virtually nonexistent, whenever I consider starting on a new dietary supplement, I always like to take a look at the chemical breakdown of the supplement ingredients.

The Acai Berry, that rich purple Amazon fruit, is a complex blend of chemical compounds, all of which are considered beneficial to our health and highly nutritious in nature.

At a glance, the Acai berry seems innocent enough. A powerhouse combination of Dietary Fiber, Phytosterols, Anthocyanins, Vitamins B and C, Calcium, Amino Acids and Essential Fatty Acids, all combine to make the humble Acai berry one of the most potent super foods found in nature.

A brief analysis of these main compounds will tell us more about the possible Acai side effects we might encounter.

Fiber
Dietary fibers are indigestible complex carbohydrates found in walls of plant cells. Fiber is resistant to the body’s digestive enzymes. While it supplies no nutrients or calories, fiber performs many important biological functions.

• Decreases blood cholesterol levels
• Is low in fat
• Helps stabilize blood sugar
• Decreases the risk of colon cancer
• Increases satiety (the feeling of being full) by adding bulk to foods without additional calories. This reduces the risk of obesity

Side Effects
Although generally free of side effects, increased intake of dietary fiber has seen some users report instances of cramping, diarrhea and intestinal gas.

Gradually increasing your fiber intake over a period of six to eight weeks can minimize undesirable effects, although these side effects usually disappear within a few days after your body has become accustomed to the increased fiber intake. Increasing your water intake can also help reduce negative side effects. Acai side effects would also be limited to possible occurrences of these abdominal disturbances.

Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Twenty amino acids are needed to build the various proteins used in the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. Eleven of these amino acids can be made by the body itself, while the other nine (called essential amino acids) must come from the diet.

Foods of animal origin and plants are the richest dietary sources of essential amino acids.

Side Effects
In very rare cases, some instances of restlessness, anxiety, and rapid heart have been reported. These were cases were very high doses were used for long periods of time and mainly by bodybuilders. Amino Acids are generally considered safe.

That being said, if you have liver or kidney disease, high doses of Amino Acids should only be taken after consultation with your doctor. In this case, Acai side effects would be in line with the pre-existing condition.

Phytosterols
Plant sterols similar in structure to cholesterol. Phytosterols can act in the intestine to reduce Cholesterol absorption.

Side Effects
Phytosterols are considered very safe compounds. In rare cases, people suffering from depression found their condition was increased by taking Phytosterols. This is an extremely rare occurrence however and most probably due to reactions with other drugs such as anti-depressants. Acai side effects from Phytosterols would be limited to those users prone to the pre-existing condition, in this case, depression.

Omega Fatty Acids
Truly health benefiting with positive effects on a whole spectrum of conditions, such as:

• Regulating blood pressure
• Regulating cholesterol levels
• Overcoming inflammatory conditions
• Dissolve fat in the blood stream

Side Effects
The only “negative” side effect associated with Omega Fatty Acids is a result of the most common source – fish oils. A small percentage of users complain of a slight “fishy tang” to their breath, something which would not be observed as Acai side effects.

Calcium
One of the most important minerals for the correct growth and maintenance of our bodies. Essential for the proper development of bones and teeth, proper levels of Calcium also reduce the chances of developing Osteoporosis later on in life.

Side Effects
Increased intake of calcium has not been associated with any reported side effects, although taking large doses over long periods of time can raise the risk of developing kidney stones. This is a rare occurrence however and usually associated with other existing pre-conditions. Acai side effects from the calcium content can safely be disregarded.

Read our acai capsules comparisons for some of the highest rated acai capsules available today.

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