In order to better understand why acai berry has become so popular one must look first at the berry itself. It contains anthocyanins and flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential to helping defend the body against the stresses of life. They help the body’s cell protection system. They also help to interfere with the aging and disease process by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are very harmful byproducts produced by the body. Acai berry juice is the supplement that will be further explored.

 Many people want to know if there are health benefits of acai berries. Since its fruit pulp does contain a very high antioxidant capacity many people believe that it is very healthy. However studies are ongoing about the effect that these antioxidants have on the body. Acai berries have no known health benefit that is different then any other similar type of fruit such as a raspberry or blueberry.

The supplement in juice form is not pure acai berry juice, but it is mixed with some other mixed fruit juices. Many people argue that since the juice is not 100% acai berry juice then there can be no proof that it is the acai berry that is causing people to have results, if indeed that people are getting results. With each study there have been inconclusive reports.  Many are not supported by scientific research. 

There have not been reported severe side effects from taking the juice. However, some reports show that when too much of the juice is consumed people have had mild diarrhea. This is common in many other fruit juices as well. People that took more than 4 ounces of the acai puree or consumed 12 to 16 ounces of the juice before doing long run have also reported problems. Some people who have pollen allergies have reported mild discomfort when consuming acai berry supplements or acai berry juice.

Many use the juice as a weight loss supplement. There is so much more research that need to be done when referring to this superfood. It is rich in antioxidants, and plenty of research promotes having a diet that is rich in antioxidants however, there is no research that promotes  acai berry’s ability to shed excess pounds. 

Another controversial issue with acai berry juice is that it helps with depression. One of the main ingredients in acai berry juice is Goji berries. Goji berries contain Betaine and are used by the liver to help produce a compound called Choline. This compound does help people deal with anxiety and also helps people have a peaceful state of mind. 

Goji berry has been nicknamed “The Happy Berry”. However, it is not determined that acai berry juice contains enough of the ingredient to help with depression. Some say that if acai berry juice is consumed on a consistent basis then it will keep a person healthy and put them in a better state of mind. Scientific research has not backed up any of these claims.

Many people are wondering about this controversial ingredient in the supplement. Some say that the outstanding results that people have reported are highly exaggerated. The acai berry is a nutritious fruit; it contains antioxidants which have been proven to promote general well being and vitality. Many are wondering what if any side effects that consuming acai berries have on their body.

 The supplements come in powder form, puree form, juice form and in capsules. One side effect that people have reported is that they are aggravated by the acai berry because of their pollen allergy. They report that when consuming the acai berry, their pollen allergy is aggravated. Some of the symptoms are small and minor, however whenever taking a supplement taking to a doctor or a nutritionist is always recommended. 

Some people on medication for conditions such as high blood pressure have reported some interactions with acai berry supplements. There are no drug interactions with 100% pure acai berry supplements. Reading what ingredients in supplements should help with dealing with any possible interactions.

There have been no known effects on pregnancy. The recommended dosage for taking acai berry supplements is to consume between 1000 and 4000 mg. This dosage is potency dependant. 

Acai berry puree is mashed acai berry with a small amount of grape juice added to sweeten the mixture. There have been no known side effects for the puree. The juice is not pure acai berry juice, but it is mixed with some other mixed fruit juices. There have not been reported severe side effects from taking the juice.  

However, some reports show that when too much of the juice is consumed people have had mild diarrhea. This is common in many other fruit juices as well. People that took more than 4 ounces of the acai puree or consumed 12 to 16 ounces of the juice before doing long run have also reported problems. 

So to conclude pure acai does not have any side effects. Many companies however, add ingredients to their supplements which may cause unwanted side effects like guarana (caffeine), some fruit juices, sugar and more. Since these mixed products many contain acai berries as a minor ingredient it may reduce the effectiveness of the berry. However many may also add ingredients that will help to enhance the effects of the acai berry. It is always wise to check all the ingredients in any supplement. 

There is actually no long term study as to whether any or all of these forms of acai do what they claim to do. Since there is no conclusive evidence, it is not recommended to take this supplement if there are pre-existing medical conditions or there is any concern for possible side effects or any interactions with other medicines.

These properties have been shown to promote health and weight loss. This is why many people are promoting the acai berry as the “miracle” fruit for weight loss. Many people that have taken the supplement feel that this product is a scam. 

Many companies that sell the acai berry as a supplement also claim that it can help with ailments including improving digestion, cleaning and detoxifying the body, boosting immunity, supporting cardiovascular health, increasing mental clarity, enhancing vision, reducing insomnia and slowing down the age process.   

There has not been adequate scientific support through research to back up any of these claims. The supplement comes in many forms like a powder, a capsule, a puree and a juice. 

Antioxidants are known to improve health, help cure diseases and even promote longer life. Many supporters of the acai berry claim that the berry is the highest source of antioxidants in any food. However, it can be argued that many acai berry supplements are no better sources than red grapes. Acai berry supplements are often pure acai berry, but the berry alone can not help to cure or help cure the ailments that the supplement claims to cure. 

In addition to using the supplement, a colon cleanse is highly recommended. When the colon is clean it will help to move waste matter more efficiently. Some also think that processing the berries destroys any real potential benefits, but this has not been proven for or against. 

One of the claims that make people think that acai berries are a scam is that anyone taking it will lose 30 pounds in 30 days. Since acai berries are high in antioxidants many people feel that it will make them more active and burn more calories. This will hopefully help the person lose weight. The presence of fiber supposedly means that it will regulate the body and also lead to more weight loss.  

Some even say that acai berry acts as an appetite suppressant. However, again there is no scientific evidence to support any of these claims. There is also no recommendation for a lifestyle change. It is nearly impossible to lose weight by taking a supplement and still eat processed and fatty foods. Eating plenty of whole grains, fresh fruit and fresh vegetable go a long way in the process of maintaining a healthy body. 

The biggest complaint that people have is the fact that most acai berry supplements provide a free trial period and claim that most of them are a rip-off. The free trial is given when the customer pays for shipping charges, but then they are put on an automatic re-order system unless the order is cancelled. Many people do not realize that it this kind of system and end up spending money and getting products that they do not want. Many have a hard time with the returning of the unwanted merchandise.

When using the acai berry or acai berry supplements there are no specific diet recommendations. When trying to pursue any type of weight loss typically lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains is recommended. When dieters use the acai berry for weight loss it is usually used in conjunction with a colon cleansing product or other nutritional ingredients that are meant to enhance weight loss.  

Using the acai berry will not be enough. A colon cleanse is necessary. Cleaning the colon of all stored matter will help to aid in creating a better environment for the body. If the colon is clean then waste matter will move more efficiently. 

The acai berry is primarily promoted because of its antioxidant effects. This has far exceeded other foods that are high in antioxidants like blueberries and red wine. People that are passionate about the acai berry claim that these antioxidants will help to enhance their general well being and vitality. This enhancement they claim will also support weight loss. 

The acai berry is also promotes to have other benefits which include improving digestion, cleaning and detoxifying the body, boosting immunity, supporting cardiovascular health, increasing mental clarity, enhancing vision, reducing insomnia and slowing down the age process. Many of the claims have not been supported by scientific research some even think the benefits are speculation. 

As far as weight loss goes people who support the diet say that the berry has a combination of essential fatty acids, amino acids and phytosterols that work together to improve metabolism, enhance digestion and reduce appetite. The supplements are available in many forms such as capsules, powder, puree or juice. 

There are some pros and cons to using the acai berry:

Pros:

Some of the health claims made for acai berry are supported by scientific research. 

The risk of getting many diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer can be reduced by consuming high antioxidants. 

People that are physically active will benefit from antioxidants because they will neutralize free radicals that are produced while exercising. 

Some people that have taken the acai berry have reported a reduction in appetite and greater energy levels.

Cons:

Many, many websites and people have reported acai berry products are a scam and are inferior products. 

Some of the claims made for weight loss effects of the berries are unsubstantiated. 

The acai berry diet does not encourage people to make a lifestyle change. They promote and support the idea of a quick approach to weight loss, when it should be promoted that it is a process. 

Acai berry supplements can be very expensive.