Product Review: Acai Berry

Acai berries are believed to be one of the elite superfoods with anti-aging and weight loss properties. Traditionally grown and harvested in Brazil, the “cabbage palm” – otherwise known as the acai berry – is eaten raw or the acai berry juiced for its antioxidant properties, whose insoluble fiber is greater than craberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries.

Acai Berry Benefits

The pulp of the acai berries contains about 4% protein and 12% lipids, as well as minerals and vitamins found in other fruits: calcium, vitamin A, phosphorus, iron and thiamine.

Products with acai berries are used to enhance skin appearance, prevent cancer and enhance the immune-digestive system. Developers, and some experts, also suggest that the antioxidants found in the acai berry can also assist the body with expelling toxins, in a similar fashion as they assist the body with repelling and combating free radicals.   If you are thinking of using any acai berry laxative or “cleansing” product for weight loss, it is important to know that laxatives are not effective for sustained weight loss.  Laxatives lead to dehydration, kidney failure and possibly even death.

Because food and calories are absorbed by the small intestines, laxatives acting on the large intestines cause loss of water, minerals and electrolytes.

Acai Berry Dangers

While acai berries offer many nutritional benefits, there are also dangers associated with acai berry supplements. Acai berry detox products are marketed as being able to induce and support weight loss through a variety of methods, ranging from reducing water weight gain and removing unwanted toxins to increasing metabolic function and boosting energy levels.

If you choose to embark on the acai berry journey of weight loss or detox, it is important to keep in mind that many acai-containing products are offered for free or with a small shipping charge, but are often found to be fraudulent – and now with your credit card number.  Please exercise caution when purchasing acai berry products and be sure to read the fine print.

The greatest risk associated with acai-berry based supplements does not come from the acai berry’s juice ingredients, but rather other added ingredients. One of the most common ingredients added to acai supplements is caffeine, which can cause headaches, stomach aches and other side effects.

The following acai berry products were found to contain significant amounts of caffeine by an independent testing lab:

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  Acai Berry Detox
• Garden Greens Acai Blast

In addition, acai berry products claim to be successful for flushing fat, the following product had recorded amounts of laxative without the required warning:

• Acai Berry Edge

“In August of 2009 Oprah Winfrey and the physician Dr. Mehmet Oz filed suits against several companies selling acai supplements, as well as other supplements, alleging false endorsement and other violations.  Among those named in the suit are those selling Acai Berry Detox and MonaVie — two of the products in this report. “

Acai Berry Power

On the other hand, 100% pure organic acai berry has no known side effects!  If tribes in South America have been eating acai berries for hundreds of years, known for its great antioxidant properties, then it not likely to be dangerous in its organic form.

But, if you choose an acai berry supplement containing less than 100% pure acai berry you may experience side effects, such as weight loss. Why? Because the fillers, additives and chemicals added to the capsule or acai berry juice may be something you are allergic to. Always read the acai berry product packaging to make sure you know what you are putting into your body before you start. Natural acai berry never hurt anyone, and for the best effect it should be taken pure, unmixed with other fruit juices and ingredients.

Have you been scammed by acai berry products or are you a loyal believer in the its power?  Please share your acai berry product own review with others below!