The small grapelike acai berry pops up frequently as a big topic in health and nutrition news. As nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky explains, claims vary from the acai berry being the newest "superfood" with seemingly magical health benefits, to warnings about no confirmed evidence in the scientific world to validate such claims. While the acai berry ranks with similar fruits in its nutritional value as an antioxidant, it also stars as the main ingredient in cleanser dietary supplements, fortified with vitamin B12.
Description of the Acai Berry
Leslie Taylor, a naturopathic doctor who founded a group of companies under the name Raintree, describes the acai berry and its characteristics in her Tropical Plant Database. Taylor explains that the acai berry is a fruit from the acai palm tree, a native to South American rain forests, especially in Brazil. Similar in appearance and size to large blueberries or grapes, acai berries ripen from green to dark purple. The harvesting season extends from July to December. Genuine nutritional benefits of the acai berry include its antioxidant qualities, according to Taylor, derived from the plant's chemical component known as anthocyanin. Along with its antioxidant qualities, the acai berry is rich in a variety of nutrients and vitamins, including B6 and B12. South American natives use acai berries primarily to produce juice products, while the United States imports the berries to produce dietary supplements in the form of juices, food additives and capsules or tablets.
Benefits of Acai Berry Cleansing Products
One derivative of the pulp and juice of acai berries, blended with key vitamins and nutrients, is a cleansing product that incorporates the berry's antioxidant and detoxifying properties for both the body's blood and digestive systems. The berry's antioxidants work to protect the body against free radicals. MedlinePlus defines free radicals as molecular by-products of the body's process of breaking down foods. Free radicals wage war within the body, often hastening the aging process and contributing toward the development of various forms of cancer and heart disease. Additional cleansing and detoxifying occurs as the body eliminates pounds of waste materials. Acai berry cleanse, fortified with vitamin B12, also improves and increases energy levels.
Side Effects of Acai Berry Cleansing Products
Pure acai berries themselves have limited side effects, restricted primarily to gastrointestinal discomfort in the case of overindulgence. The quality of the acai berry supplement depends on the berries themselves along with the specific additives. Inferior berries or additives may cause individuals to experience minor adverse effects, including sour stomach or mild diarrhea.
Considerations
Always seek the advice of your health care provider or nutritionist concerning the recommended daily dosage of vitamin B12, along with the safety of supplements such as acai berry cleanse. He can provide you with the most current facts about such products, rather than the hype that is prevalent. In fact, the Office of Dietary Supplements published a June 2011 consumer alert from the Federal Trade Commission regarding the actions taken against unscrupulous individuals and companies flaunting unsubstantiated benefits and using deceptive means to lure people into buying acai berry products. Be an informed consumer, for the sake of your optimal health and wellness.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Nutrition and Healthy Eating: What are acai berries and what are their possible health benefits?
- Raintree Nutrition; Tropical Plant Database: Acai; Leslie Taylor, ND; 2005
- MedlinePlus: Antioxidants
- Acai Berry: Benefits of Acai Berry Supplements
- Acai Berry: Are Acai Berries Dangerous? Learn About Acai Berry Side Effects.
- National Institutes of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements; June 2011
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