An acai berry--pronounced ah-sigh-ee--is a fruit of the acai palm tree. The acai palm is native to Central and South America and produces a small, purple berry that is tart in flavor. Acai berries are nutritious and high in antioxidants, and some doctors, including Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a popular guest on American television shows, tout them as a super food.
History
Acai berries were recommended as a super food on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," both by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Nicholas Perricone. The television recommendations led to the popularity of acai berry supplements, some of which were sold claiming to have a seal of approval from Dr. Oz or Oprah Winfrey. According to a 2009 lawsuit filed by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Oz, no acai berry pills or supplements have been recommended by either television personality, on TV or otherwise.
Significance
Acai berries are a source of antioxidants, which remove free radicals in the body. Free radicals can break down cells in the body; antioxidants can help preserve the cells. Acai berries also are high in fiber and may help prevent heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although acai berries have been touted as a weight-loss tool, there are no studies stating that acai berries cause weight loss.
Function
Manufacturers of acai supplements may instruct individuals to follow a specific acai diet, consisting of taking two or more acai pills with each meal, but there is no proof that acai supplements have the same nutritional benefits as acai berry juice or pulp. Additionally, no acai fruit diet has been recommended by doctors, beyond recommending the fruit be incorporated into a regular diet in order to reap the antioxidant health benefits of acai berries.
Considerations
Although acai berries are considered by some health professionals to be a super food, they are no more beneficial than any other healthy food, Dr. Oz states. Eating nothing but acai berries or making acai berries a large part of your diet is not healthy. Including acai berries into a diet that includes a balance of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains is the most beneficial and healthy way to reap the benefits of acai berries.
Expert Insight
Although manufacturers of acai berry supplements suggest that the supplements can aid in weight loss or increase energy, "these claims have not been proven," according to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. Acai berry juice, which is available in health food stores and drugstores, is the recommended way to gain benefits from acai berries, because fresh berries spoil too quickly to be available in U.S. grocery stores.
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