Acai – Science vs. Hype

Published:July 12th, 2010

Given the number of claims about the acai berry, it’s only normal for people to doubt the real benefits of this fruit because these claims can go as far as increasing penile length, or it can help you lose weight in 3 days, or it can spur ovarian fertility.

Claims can even go as far as making your kids behave for a week if you consume acai berry supplements.

So who in their right minds would ever believe these claims? These are easier to doubt than to believe. But what a lot of people (even marketers and manufacturers themselves) don’t know is that, when you talk to a native Brazilian about what the acai can bring about, you yourself will be surprised.

Native Brazilians use acai berries to treat certain skin conditions – not by eating the fruit alone but by crushing the fruit and applying it on their skin. They will even tell you that natural is way better because lotions and oils sold in stores are chemically processed, so a lot of the natural nutrients are lessened by these chemicals. Acai seeds are boiled into tea to alleviate fever. Acai roots are in the same way boiled into tea preparations to soothe diabetes and menstrual pains.

If Brazilians can attest to the truths of these claims as they have used the acai as a staple for hundreds of years, it should not be too difficult for science to ascertain the veracity of these claims.
The composition of the acai will tell anyone that it offers 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes and blueberries with a powerful combination of essential fatty acids, amino acids, plus its natural fiber. It can well pass as an effective protection against a lot of cancers, digestive problems, heart diseases, immunity disorders, and some allergies. On weight loss however, it’s not a magical cure to end weight and fat woes. What the acai can do is to increase energy levels and metabolic rate levels (even metabolic resting rates) to help and encourage weight loss.

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