Acai Berry supplements have become very well marketed, with a wide variety of health improvement claims, from improved skin to a healthier libido. Much of these claims rest on the berry being heralded as the highest level antioxidant containing fruit on the market. Additional health claims include improved digestion, improved heart health and circulation, better sleep, and reduction of cholesterol. However, scientific studies have yet to published that actually back any of these up. False claims include penis enlargement and complete reversal of diabetes or other chronic illnesses.
Customers should be wary of supplement companies that offer free trial offers asking for credit card information up front. The amount of hype around the product has drawn a number of untrustworthy companies to the market who have left unsatisfied and debt laden customers in their wake. Be sure any trial offer has a terminal period, and that your credit card is not periodically recharged. A good way to check out the company is to web search customer reviews and Better Business Bureau reports.
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.
The nutritional content of one hundred grams of the dry powdered berry are as follows: 533.9 calories, 52.2 g carbohydrates, 8.1 g protein, 32.5 g total fat, 44.2 g of dietary fiber, vitamin C, 260 mg calcium, 4.4 mg iron, 1002 units vitamin A, amino acid content is 7.59% and includes aspartic acid and glutamic acid.
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.
Acai berries contain polyphenol, anthocyanin and flavonoid antioxidants. These are substance found in plants that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer by neutralizing free radicals. Antioxidants, whether acai sourced or not, have been shown to reduce the risks of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's diseases and various forms of cancer.
Most health food and drug stores carry some version of the supplements and may and may additionally carry a edible version of the berry. Costs vary from fifteen to about fifty dollars per bottle of tablet or capsule.
Some watchdog sites have made strong warnings to potential customers about elaborate claims made about the acai products. Sudden reversal of chronic illnesses such as diabetes is not probable nor is dramatic weight loss. Much of the hype surrounding the products rest on the notion of the berry as a "super fruit" that contains very high levels of antioxidants or other unique compounds. It has been pointed out that the antioxidant levels are no higher than grapes or strawberries.
Like other fresh fruits, acai berries are a part of a healthy diet. The results of acai berry supplements are not yet grounded in science. The best way to find out if weight loss or other health benefits are possible for you, is to try the product yourself. Take care when selecting a product, to find a reputable dealer that offers a safe and pure product, and always consult a physician before taking any supplements.
Acai Berry supplements have become very well marketed, with a wide variety of health improvement claims, from improved skin to a healthier libido. We've got the inside scoop on Pure Acai Berry .
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