What is Açaí?

November 14, 2:45 PMSF Fiftysomething Lifestyle ExaminerAmy Wachspress

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the SF Fiftysomething Lifestyle Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Açaí Berries, Brazil

dinowax

Açaí, pronounced (ah-sy-ee), is being touted as the new miracle cure for everything from overweight to acne. What is this stuff? Açaí is a palm plant that produces small blue berries, similar in appearance to blueberries. Açaí palms grow in Central and South America and are prolific in Brazil. Açaí is a staple in the diet of many Brazilians. In recent years, many American health and diet aid companies have latched onto Açaí as the new wonder food. Although many of these companies claim that Oprah, Dr. Oz, and Rachael Ray endorse their products, this is not true. None of these celebrities have endorsed any Açaí products.

The Açaí berry, and products made from the skin and pulp of this berry, has undisputed nutritional value; however, the ability of the berry to cure disease is questionable since no reputable scientific research studies have been conducted. Açaí is touted as being a remarkable antioxidant; however, nutritionists point out that its antioxidant value is no greater than that found in many other fruits, such as pomegranates or grapes, for instance. Açaí appears to be a good source of vitamins and minerals and a healthy food in the same spectrum as other healthy fruits (only more expensive to purchase). There is no reason not to consume it, if you can afford it. Many Açaí drinks are tasty, and certainly a good alternative to soft drinks. Because Açaí comes from a traditionally agriculturally exploited part of the world, you may want to read more about the source of the Açaí product you choose to buy.

If you want to believe that Açaí can improve your health or help you lose weight (one of the most common claims), then you may want to heed the following advice when selecting Açaí products: 1) Açaí roots and seeds have no nutritional value so you want to buy products that contain the Açaí berry pulp and skin, 2) Açaí berries can easily lose beneficial content during transport to the U.S. and it appears that the best way to process the berries to retain this content is through freeze drying, 3) any website that claims that a celebrity (such as Dr. Oz) endorses their product is lying so watch out, and 4) those in the know warn that many people who accept a free trial offer of Açaí are unable to stop the credit card charges as a result so beware and don’t go with a free trial. When buying Açaí tablets, note that the typical recommended “dosage” per day for health benefits is 1000 mg. When buying drinks and smoothies, go for those that use less fillers (such as green tea or other caffeinated ingredients) and go for those that list Açaí as the first (and therefore largest) ingredient.