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- Pronounced: ah SAH ee
- Scientific name: Euterpe oleracea
- Fruit of the Acai palm
- Taste: Cross of chocolate and blueberry
- Common uses: juice, smoothies, ice cream, Diet Aide
- Region: Central America and South America
- Trees: Grow to be 15 to 30 meters tall with leaves of up to 3 meters http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%C3%A7a%C3...
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Acai is a grape-sized purple berry found in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil. It has a high nutritional value and is a dietary staple among indigenous people in the Caboclo region of Brazil.
The berry gained recent recognition when Britney Spears claimed it as the success of her recent weight-loss. http://www.news3insider.com/health/Britney-weight-loss.html
Nutritional Benefits
Acai fruit is high in antioxidants, anthocyanins, monounsaturated fats vitamins and minerals. A University of Florida laboratory study showed that extract of acai can kill leukemia cells,University of Florida News: "Brazilian berry destroys cancer cells in lab, UF study shows" (January 12, 2006) however, laboratory results are not always duplicated in the human body.Dr Weil.com: Acai: A Better Berry? (December 8, 2006)Highly Perishable
Distribution outside of South America is difficult, as acai berries spoil quickly. In the United States, acai is usually provided as juice, or as frozen, dried, or freeze-dried fruit pulp.Acai Weight-loss Controversy
On January 6, 2009, the Better Business Bureau warned consumers not to be taken in by claims of certain Acai berry-related weight –loss products. Many companies currently selling the berries for this purpose are making false claims about acai's ability to reduce weight and are falsely stating that their products are endorsed by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey. Dozens of companies throughout the U.S. are offering free trial of acai berry weight-loss supplements which many customers are trying. The customers then become locked in and it extremely difficult to get out of the monthly credit card payments. A spokesman for Oprah Winfrey has publicly declared that she is not associated with and does not endorse acai berry product. Oprah and a number of other celebrities have got their lawyers investigating the false claims.ABC: Buyer Beware of Online Acai OffersDescription and Taste
The acai berry itself is dark purple, almost black in color. It 's shape is round or slightly elliptical with a diameter of about 1 inch. Roughly 80% of the berry is the seed, and the fruit itself is describes as "similar in appearance" to a grape. http://acaiberryphilippines.multiply.com/journal/item/1807/Acai_Berry_Diet_Pills_-_What_You_Should_Know_About_Acai_Berry_Before_You_BuyThe taste is described as a cross between blueberry, pomegranate, and chocolate, with a bitter aftertaste.
Acai Weight Loss Scams
A rampant internet scam that currently targets those desperate for weight loss involves the popular Acai berry. An ad is placed offering a free 30 day trail of Acai supplements, the consumer only needs to pay for shipping with a credit card. Once the credit card information is on file, the consumer has a short time span to cancel the order or they enter into a binding contract to continue a costly subscription to a huge supply of supplements. It is unknown how many people have been affected by this scam. http://www.bbb.org/us/article/weight-loss-berry-claiming-oprah-endorsement-makes-wallets-slim-and-consumers-angry-warns-bbb-8493-
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Acai Questions
Can Acai treats or cure cancer in terminal patients? 2 AnswersThe answer is Yes, and No. But first let me address the no question before we get to the more interesting Yes, There are no "good" scientific studies giving con... read more
Would you recomend Acai Burn for weight loss over Alli? Has anyone had real results with Acai Burn or Alli? 4 AnswersFirst, I recommend that you also talk to you doctor if you are serious about weight loss. Weight loss is a serious endeavor and is best done under medical super... read more
Drinking acai tea. What is it acai is supposed to do? 1 Answer1. Acai’s high Protein levels, which are actually higher than the protein in an Egg, make it an ideal food source for protein in your diet. Usually protein come... read more
Which is the best Acai Berry Diet Pill? 1 AnswerI am not a doctor, but before starting any sort of diet I recommend you speak to your physician. With that being said, I did a little research on Acai Berry Di... read more -
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