Facts Without Hype About Acai Berry Supplements
Candy Freeman | February 24, 2010Acai berry supplements have become very popular in the media and in health food communities. Marketers and supplement companies claim the benefits of taking the supplements include weight loss, cholesterol reduction, improved circulation, stronger libido and better looking skin. Radical and incorrect statements have been publish about the supplement's ability to dramatically reverse chronic illness such as diabetes. There have yet to be any scientific studies released that specifically support the health claims made by supplement companies.
Often the promise of exaggerated miracle cures associated with the fruit or supplement are used to lure customers into online marketing scams. A free trial is offered in exchange for the customer's credit card information to pay for shipping. The credit card is subsequently charged periodically without the customer's knowledge.
The acai berry comes from the acai palm tree native to Central and South America between Belize and Brazil. The tree grows mainly in swamps, to a height of fifteen to thirty meters. The berry itself is about an inch long and red to purple in color. It is a relative of dark purple fruits, including blueberries and cranberries. Once harvested, the fruit tends to degrade rapidly. This is one of the reasons it tends to be popular in preserved supplement form.
One hundred grams of dry powdered acai berry contains the following nutritional content: 1002 units vitamin A, 4.4 mg iron, 260 mg calcium, 44.2 g of dietary fiber, 32.5 g total fat, 8.1 g protein, 533.9 calories and vitamin C. The powder has an amino acid content of 7.59 percent which contains glutamic and aspartic acids necessary for healthy cell function.
The most concentrated form of acai supplements available are liquid extracts. Additional forms include gel caps, tablets, drink powders or juice. In some places the whole fruit is available after it has been frozen and shipped. These tend to be more expensive as the fruit so very perishable.
Naturally occurring antioxidants that exist in the berry include anthocyanin, polyphenol and flavonoids. These substances have been shown to neutralize free radicals in the body which can reduce the risk cancer and diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. The possibility of this comes with long term use and a in cooperation with a healthy lifestyle.
Costs range from fifteen to fifty dollars per bottle. The substances are available widely online. Most health food and drug stores carry some form of the supplements in the vitamin departments.
Watchdog sites have been very critical of companies and claims made on the half of the acai berry. While the berry is often marketed as a "super food", critics have pointed out that there have been no scientific studies released by the Food and Drug Administration or any other body that would back up reported health benefits. Nutritionally, it has been pointed out that the nutritional and antioxidant content is similar to strawberries or grapes.
Acai berry supplements are not a magic cure. They are, however, a good addition to healthy lifestyle habits. Do take the supplements to boost antioxidant levels. Do incorporate the fruit into a healthy diet. But try not to be disappointed when immediate weight loss and disease reversal do not occur.
Acai Berry supplements have become very well marketed, with a endless variety of health improvement claims, from better skin to a healthier libido. We've got the inside info on Pure Acai Berry .





