Acai is a grape-sized purple berry from Central and South America. In addition to nutritional value, acai has been used to treat fever, pain,[inflammation, acne, diarrhea, and other ailments.http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/acai-berries-and-acai-berry-juice-what-are-the-health-benefits Common forms of acai available for purchase include pills, juices, dried or frozen fruit, as well as body products such as creams and lotions. The berry is seldom available fresh as it does not tolerate most forms of transportation. Acai is a significant food source for many people in South America. http://www.livestrong.com/acai-berry-diet/ The acai berry itself is dark reddish-purple, sometimes almost black in color. Its shape is round, elliptical, or elongated, with a diameter of about 1 inch. Roughly 80-90% of the berry is the seed, and the fruit itself is described as similar in appearance to a grape. Acai is not currently approved by the FDA. Because of this, it is not approved for marketing as "healthy".http://www.acaibenefits.org/featured-acai-editorial/acai-food-or-drug/
Acai in capsule form may be avalable in the amount of 1,000mg once or twice per day. Creams and other beauty products containing acai may list recommended usage as well. Juices may be offered in various serving sizes. Other forms, such as dried fruit in trail mix, ice cream, or yogurt, can be be found at various stores and supermarkets. Acai fruit is high in antioxidants, anthocyanins, monounsaturated fats vitamins and minerals.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acai/AN01836 A University of Florida laboratory study has researched how the extract of acai may kill certain cancer cells.http://news.ufl.edu/2006/01/12/berries/ However, laboratory results are not always duplicated in the human body.http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA400095
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. A spokesman for Oprah has publicly declared that she is not associated with and does not endorse acai berry product. Oprah and a number of other celebrities have their lawyers investigating the false claims.http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=6578594&page=1
Acai berries are often the focus of internet marketing scams which target those desperate for an easy weight loss solution. 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. http://www.bbb.org/us/article/weight-loss-berry-claiming-oprah-endorsement-makes-wallets-slim-and-consumers-angry-warns-bbb-8493
Acai Berry Juice
Dr. Tim S. Hollingshead describes the appearance of the acai berry from it's native home in the rain forests of Brazil in this video. Dr. Holingshead indicates that the berry is found (along rivers), and is sold through retail in Brazilian towns. He also describes the typical process of picking and transporting acai berries.
Disclaimer
The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist for additional information about this product
