Acai berries and acai berry products are a popular product in the health food and supplement market. They garnered attention after Oprah's Dr. Perricone listed them as his number-one super food. Since then both the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Dr. Oz Show have filed complaints against marketers who claimed their products were endorsed by Winfrey or Dr. Oz. With all of the scandal, it's difficult to know whether these berries are a health product or a scam.
History
Acai berries are indigenous to the South American rainforest. The berries have a high concentration of antioxidants--higher than grapes and red wine, according to Dr. Perricone. They also contain amino acids, dietary fiber and healthy fats, according to the Mayo Clinic. Manufactured acai juices typically have a sweet, rich flavor.
Claims
Acai berry products come in many forms, including juices, powders and supplements. The berries spoil too quickly to be widely transported and sold in their natural state. Manufacturers of acai berry products claim their products can do just about everything: reverse signs of aging, promote weight loss, boost energy, reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA; it's always wise to consult a health care provider before taking acai or any other supplements.
Benefits
Acai berries are beneficial simply because they do contain a high concentration of antioxidants. According to the CNN article "Group Challenges Acai Berry Weight Loss Claims," all berries are high in antioxidants and can reduce inflammation. Antioxidants have a number of health benefits and are an important part of any balanced diet. The claims regarding weight loss and reducing wrinkles remain unsubstantiated.
Considerations
No one is denying that acai berry products are healthy. The problem lies in the fact that in order to be widely distributed, the berries are processed into other forms. The USDA recommends eating 3 to 5 servings of fruit per day. Acai berry products can help reach that goal. However, only fresh fruits and 100-percent juices count as a serving of fruit. Powders and supplements should not replace a serving of fruit. When drinking acai juice, it's also important to read the product label and avoid juices that contain a lot of extra sugar and preservatives.
Warning
There have been several reports of unethical Internet companies marketing acai products. The Center for Science in the Public Interest told CNN that these companies lure consumers to their sites with fake celebrity endorsements. Once they're on the site, they offer "free" trials, but proceed to charge fees. Anyone looking to purchase acai products should do so directly from a health food or supplement store to avoid potential scams.
Member Comments