A Look At Acai Berry Supplements Presented In The Media

Acai 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.

Many of the supplements online are marketed under false pretenses, with radical and unfounded claims. Many people have fallen victim to credit card scams related to acai supplements. The most popular version of the scam asks customers to sign on for a free trial of an acai berry supplement that promotes weight loss. The credit card is then repeatedly charged without the customer realizing.

The fruit itself is about an inch in diameter and grows on the acai palm tree in the Central and South American rain forests near Brazil and Belize. It is a dark red bluish berry and relative other dark purple fruits such as cranberries and blueberries. It is found more commonly in supplement for than as a fresh fruit due to the fact that it degrades quickly after harvesting.

A one hundred gram sample yields nutritional content as follows: 52.2 grams carbohydrates, 8.1 grams protein, 44.2 grams of dietary fiber, 32.5 grams total fat, 260 milligrams calcium, 4.4 milligrams iron, 1001 units vitamin A, vitamin C and 533.9 calories. Amino acids are present in the sample are 7.59 percent and include glutamic and aspartic acids.

The forms of the supplements are as drink powders, liquid extracts, juice, gel caps, tablets and as fresh or preserved fruit. Of these varieties, liquid extracts tend to have the highest concentration of nutrients.

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.