One of nature’s miracles, acai berries are loaded in nutrients. They contain antioxidants, protein and many of the B vitamins. Phytochemicals, sometimes called vitamin P, are also present in acai berries. The phytochemical family in acai berries are called anthocyanins. Phytochemicals in plants protect the plant from disease and damage, and those protective properties are transferred to us when we consume the plant.
Acai berry nutrients are thought to prevent disease, aid in weight loss and slow aging. More than likely, this is a direct result of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature of the various nutrients.
Free radicals and inflammation are behind many disease processes and aging. The antioxidants in acai berries can neutralize free radicals and repair damage. The anti-inflammatory characteristics reduce inflammation and help prevent inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. Because of these properties, acai berries show promise in aiding in weight loss.
Unfortunately, you cannot head to the local supermarket and purchase whole acai berries in the produce department. These gorgeous purple berries are grown in the Amazon, and the only products available at the grocery store are juices and frozen mixes meant for drinks or sauces. Be sure to check the label to see how much of the product is acai berries and how much is sugar or corn syrup. You might be able to find a powder form as well.
Much of what is found in acai berries is in the form of supplements: pills, powders and liquid extracts. You can find these in health food stores as well as the internet. The touted benefits of acai berries have lead to the development and sale of many acai supplements. And, as with anything that becomes really popular, acai berry fraud became rampant.
The biggest fraud would be the “free trial” fraud. Acai berry supplements are offered as a free trial. The customer pays a minor shipping charge, so the company is given the person’s credit card information. Unbeknownst to the customer, however, they automatically sign up for future shipments. Their credit cards are charged for the shipment before it even arrives in most cases. Worst of all, you may end up fighting tooth and nail to get the charge removed and stop the auto-shipments. Most of these companies transfer call after call and keep people waiting on hold long before anything is remedied.
Another acai berry fraud is the weight loss supplement scam. Promises are made (all with small print disclaimers of course) that weight loss can be achieved solely by taking the acai supplement. Unfortunately, no magic bullet exists and people end up wasting their money and never losing a pound.
It is unfortunate that the con-artists have given a bad name to such a wonderful gift from Mother Nature. In the end, you have to check websites carefully to make sure they have some sort of seal by the Better Business Bureau or other entity that checks a company’s authenticity and business practices. As well, make sure you read the fine print. Look for credible companies with pure acai berry supplements or products.
Watch out for the acai berry fraud. Go there now and learn which acai berry brand you can trust.
