For such a small berry, the acai has certainly caused a big controversy. Marketers claim products made from the deep purple South American fruit can help you lose weight, erase wrinkles and even prevent or cure cancer. Consumers should be skeptical of any claims that seem too good to be true, but there is some evidence that this antioxidant-laden superfood may have a thing or two going for it.
Weight Loss Claims
Acai berry products have been touted by sellers as having almost mythic weight loss properties. They say that the fruit burns fat by suppressing the appetite and speeding up the metabolism. The fact is that to date, none of the claims have been verified by studies or supported by evidence. Any weight loss a person achieves is likely to be because of eating a healthier diet that may include acai berry products.
Antioxidant Claims
Antioxidants have been found to prevent or reduce free radicals, which may damage cells and lead to disease. Antioxidants are one area where the acai berry shines. A study published in 2006 in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that the acai berry exhibits "significantly high antioxidant capacity." In fact, researchers noted, the acai had "by far the highest of any fruit or vegetable tested to date."
Nutritional Claims
Acai berries are rich in vitamin E; fiber; and, of course, antioxidants. However, because the raw berry is too fragile to ship to the United States, it must be consumed in expensive pulps, juices and supplements. Because acai berries have no known nutritional advantage over similar fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, raspberries and strawberries, consumers wanting to eat well should stick to fresh fruits from their local market.
Cancer Claims
A 2006 University of Florida study found that antioxidants contained in acai berries destroyed cultured human cancer cells. Extracts were found to trigger "a self-destruct response" in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells. Even though that's a good sign, Stephen Talcott, an assistant professor with the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, cautioned that the study "was not intended to show whether compounds found in acai berries could prevent leukemia in people." It is also important to note that high concentrations of antioxidants can become pro-oxidants, which damage, rather than repair, cells.
Scams
People in the Amazon rainforest have been eating acai berries for centuries without any ill effects, so it is likely that you can, too. Consumers should, however, be aware of the many acai scams currently being perpetrated on the Internet and elsewhere. A "free trial" can end up being very expensive for customers who pay for shipping with a credit card. Some marketers quickly begin charging up to $85 a month for the products, but when customers call to complain, they are met with disconnected phone numbers and unanswered emails.
References
- University of Florida News: Brazilian Berry Destroys Cancer Cells in Lab, UF Study Shows
- California Department of Consumer Affairs: The Acai Berry Blues
- Oneida County UW-Extension: Acai Berries Not Miracle Cure or Diet Shortcut
- Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry: Antioxidant Capacity and Other Bioactivities...
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