Acai berry products are increasing in popularity in the United States as supplements to help optimize your health. According to the New York Times, 53 types of acai berry supplements and products were introduced in 2008. Since the acai berry itself is not readily available in the United States, product manufacturers have condensed acai berry extract into the form of both pills and juices. Although manufacturers market the products similarly, there are differences between two which may influence their effectiveness.
Function
Acai berries are derived from 60-foot trees in Brazil and are dark purple in color, resembling purple grapes. The acai berry itself is available in parts of South America in its original form and is thought to help aid in weight loss and prevent cellular damage, as reported by PRLog. According to the Acai Berry Site, the ingredients in acai berries may help suppress your appetite and boost your metabolism. PRLog explains that acai berry pills are marketed to consumers as a supplement to help shed pounds naturally, while the Acai Berry Site states that acai berry juice is used for toxin removal and to promote overall health.
Features
Acai berry juices and supplements contain heart-healthy fats like omega-6 and omega-9. Like other types of fruit, such as blueberries, acai berries also provide fiber and antioxidants. These two components are lost in the pill form of acai berry, due to processing. However, both acai berry pills and juice contain enzymes that purportedly help aid in weight loss. Acai berry juices often contain other amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as other fruits. The New York Times reports that some acai berry juice manufacturers, such as MonaVie add glucosamine to the juice.
Indications
Acai berry juice is designed for everyday consumption. Simply drink it when desired, or in place of other fruit juices. Acai berry pills, on the other hand, are meant to be taken short-term, until you have reached a specific weight-loss goal. The Acai Berry Site recommends that users take no more than 4,000 mg of acai berry pills in one day and to take them before meals.
Precautions
Ask a doctor before using acai berry supplements for health issues and weight loss. Although no side effects have been reported from the use of acai berry products, they should not replace other types of medical care. PRLog recommends that shoppers look for pills which contain an acai berry concentration of at least 90 percent, as anything less is not deemed effective. Also, consumers should opt for acai berry juice that is deep purple in color, which indicates that it is as close as possible to the actual dark purple acai berry. Avoid acai berry juice that is light red in color.
Considerations
The manufacturers of acai berry products claim that that the berry helps remove body toxins, increases energy and helps you lose weight. However, the New York Times reports that there have not been any scientific studies conducted to prove such effects of acai berry products, particularly pills. Still, users can reap the antioxidant benefits of acai berry juices as they would with any other fruit juice. The Mayo Clinic suggests drinking acai berry juice over the berry in its original form, as acai berries spoil quickly and lose their beneficial properties.
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