Acai Berry – Weight Loss Miracle or Scam?
Every one seems to be talking about the amazing, little acai (ah-sah-EE) berry, a nutritious and delicious fruit that is harvested from the Acai palm in the Amazon rainforest. From talk shows to health journals, a whole slew of advertisements and endorsements are proclaiming the wonders of this miracle berry. The promoters of acai products are telling us that this little fruit works wonders, from boosting health and preventing premature aging, to hastening weight loss. So, are the claims true?
Is the acai berry an amazing, super-fruit? Yes. Is it a miracle weight loss super-food? No.
So how did all the hype start? As is often the case, it started with factual information about the benefits of the acai berry that became completely exaggerated.
Acai – Nature’s Perfect Energy Fruit
The acai is a small, round, purple, berry that grows on Acai palms in the Amazon rain forest. It is very similar in size and appearance to a grape, but with less pulp. The taste, which is reminiscent of a chocolate-berry mixture, is matched by the berry’s rich level of antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids.
- Acai is one of several brain berries, a small group of nutrient-rich, high-antioxidant fruits, which includes pomegranates, concord grapes, and blueberries.
The high nutritional value of the acai has made it an important staple among the indigenous people of Brazil. While the acai is packed full of nutrients, however, it is only one, not the best or worst, of all the nutritious fruits and vegetables which should be part of a healthy diet.
Most people outside of South America are not able to enjoy fresh, acai berries, as they spoil quickly. Acai is more commonly available as juice, as frozen, dried, or freeze-dried fruit pulp, tablets, smoothies, and instant drink powders.
Acai – The Rise to Fame
The acai was relatively unknown until two brothers, Ryan and Jeremy Black, began to promote the berries antioxidant properties and sell acai products through their company, Sambazon Inc., which was formed in 2000. The brothers goal was to “promote the sustainable management of the Brazilian Amazon by marketing the highest quality Acai products to consumers worldwide.”
The acai craze, however, didn’t really take off until it was mentioned on the Oprah Winfrey show. Two of her expert guests, dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone and heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz, have both talked about the nutritional benefits of acai.
So what did Dr. Nicholas Perricone have to say about acai? He mentioned studies which “have shown that this little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world.” He called it a “superfood” with a direct link to the brain-beauty connection. Why did it make his list as a superfood? Because it is rich in essential fatty acids (EFA’s), antioxidants, and fiber. What else did he say? That “just about every brightly colored fruit and vegetable fits the category of a superfood, as do nuts, beans, seeds and aromatic and brightly colored herbs and spices.”
And what did Dr. Mehmet Oz say about acai? He said “acai is a powerful antioxidant…but not better than other good foods,” and that acai “ looked like a health food with nutritional benefits.”
Neither guest suggested that acai was a weight-loss product.
Acai – Weight Loss Scams
It’s true that acai was discussed on the Oprah Winfrey show, but it was mentioned as a health product, not a weight loss product.
Since the publicity, however, acai has been touted and marketed as a weight loss sensation. Many unscrupulous advertisers are using the Oprah show as credibility for the product, even though it was never mentioned by her or her expert guests as a weight loss product. Acai products are being promoted all over the internet and numerous (fake) blogs are praising acai as a “miracle weight loss” product (which it’s not).
In response to the claims, Oprah has posted a statement on her website alerting individuals that “neither Oprah Winfrey nor Dr. Oz are associated with nor do they endorse any acai berry product, company or online solicitation of such products.” Her lawyers are investigating the alleged statements and associated companies.
Acai – The Truth About Weight Loss
As of March 2009, the weight loss benefits of acai have not been backed up by any controlled study. While acai is considered a nutrient-rich fruit, it is not known to contain any weight-loss properties.
While we all wish it were true, there is no magic super-food that will cause weight loss. To lose weight, it always comes down to eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. As it is important to provide the body with the right nutrients, make sure you include fruits, vegetables, and fiber in your diet. And, if you want to add a delicious and nutritious fruit to your diet, try acai.
