Acai

October 3, 2020

Overview

Acai, pronounced AH-sigh-EE, is a palm tree that is widely distributed in the northern area of South America. Its berries are used to make medicine.

Acai is most commonly used for arthritis, high cholesterol, erectile dysfunction (ED), weight loss and obesity, "detoxification," aging skin, metabolic syndrome, and for improving general health. But there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses.

Acai gained popularity in North America after being promoted by Dr. Nicholas Perricone as a "Superfood for Age-Defying Beauty" on the Oprah Winfrey show.

As a food, the acai berry is eaten raw and as a juice. The juice is also used commercially as a beverage and in ice cream, jelly, and liqueurs.

In manufacturing, acai berry is used as a natural purple food colorant.

Classification

Is a Form Of:

Palm tree found mostly in South America

Primary Functions:

Arthritis , erectile dysfunction, high cholesterol

Also Known As:

Acai Berry, Açaï d'Amazonie, Acai Extract, Acai Fruit, Acai Palm

How Does It Work?

Acai contains chemicals that are antioxidants. Antioxidants are thought to protect body cells from the damaging effects of chemical reactions with oxygen (oxidation). According to some research, acai has more antioxidant content than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, or blueberry. Chemicals in acai might also reduce swelling, lower blood sugar levels, and stimulate the immune system.

Uses

A grouping of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (metabolic syndrome). Early research shows that eating 100 mg of acai pulp two times per day for one month reduces fastingblood sugar and total cholesterol in overweight people. But acai pulp doesn't appear to lower triglycerides or "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increase "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or improve blood pressure and markers of swelling.
Aging skin.
Arthritis.
Erectile dysfunction.
High cholesterol.
Improving general health.
Weight loss.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of acai capsules depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time, there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for acai. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Acai Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What are acai supplements good for?

Its berries are used to make medicine. People use acai for osteoarthritis, high cholesterol, erectile dysfunction (ED), weight loss and obesity, “detoxification,” and for improving general health.

Why acai is bad for you?

The average acai bowl is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and healthy fats. However, many of the ingredients in an acai bowl share the same issue—they're high in sugar. It's relatively high in vitamin C and fiber, but it contains a whopping 65 grams of sugar.

Does acai berry help with weight loss?

Unfortunately, while the acai berry is a very good antioxidant and contains disease-fighting phytonutrients, including the powerful anthocyanins, which are also present in red wine, there is no evidence linking the acai berry to weight loss.

Why is acai so expensive?

Acai is expensive since the berries have to be freeze dried within 24 hours to keep their nutritional profile intact. Freeze drying preserves the goodness of Acai berries found in the skin and pulp and not in the juice.

Does acai berry make you poop?

Acai berries are also bursting with fiber, and fiber gets your system rocking and rolling. The more fiber you eat, the more your bowels move. You'll also poop more, getting rid of disgusting waste that can accumulate in your colon and digestive tract. So load up on the acai now!

What are the side effects of acai berry?

When taken by mouth: Acai pulp is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth and appropriately, short-term for up to 3 months. Side effects of using acai have not been reported. But drinking raw acai juice has been linked to outbreaks of a disease called American trypanosomiasis or Chagas Disease.

Is it healthy to eat acai bowls everyday?

An acai bowl is a wonderful choice if the objective is solely to eat for improved health. Studies have revealed that the anthocyanin contained in acai berries can help to minimize the risk of cancer. Peanut butter and cacao nibs are heart-healthy sources of fat, essential to a well-balanced diet.

Why is granola so bad for you?

Look for granolas that do not contain trans fat and that are low in saturated fat. In excess, saturated fat (which sometimes creeps into granola through coconut and certain oils) can raise levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and have been linked to heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.

Does acai burn belly fat?

According to some web sites selling acai products, acai's fiber and essential fatty acid content contribute to its ability to "burn fat more efficiently, process food more quickly, cut down on cravings, and boost metabolism." Detox acai products further promise to "cleanse" your system of fat and rid your body of "

Did Oprah use acai berry?

Mehmet Oz, filed a trademark infringement complaint against 40 Internet marketers of dietary supplements, including acai berry products among others. Neither Ms. Winfrey nor Dr. Oz has ever sponsored or endorsed any acai berry, resveratrol, colon cleanse or dietary supplement product.

Does acai berry juice lower blood pressure?

Acai berries - pronounced ah-say-ee - can improve blood pressure, according to research. They're packed with an antioxidant, resveratrol, which a study found could reduce blood pressure by five per cent in just 30 days.

Is acai worth the hype?

Acai berries

"These berries are renowned for their antioxidant content," O'Hanlon said. "Enjoy these in small amounts such as made up in a trail mix. They'll add a lovely sweetness and go well with seeds like pepitas and sunflower seeds." Verdict: worth the hype but not essential.

Is there caffeine in Acai?

Acai – Acai is a small, dark purple, berry like fruit. Most acai is imported from Brazil and arrives in two forms: a scoopable sorbet, and individually packed servings. The sorbet is processed with sugar and guarana (caffeine). The packets contain 100% acai and zero sugar.

Is acai really a Superfood?

Like other berries, acai berries contain antioxidants and fiber. Some proponents call them a superfood, claiming they help various health concerns, including arthritis, weight loss, high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction.

Does acai make you gassy?

“Açaí berries are filled with fiber (which is a natural cleanser) and minerals, and they are capable of speeding up bowel transit time—preventing foods from fermenting in the intestines, which can contribute to bloating, constipation, and gas.”

Is acai anti inflammatory?

Acai compound shows potent anti-inflammatory activity: Study. The potential heart health benefits of acai and its extracts may be linked to the potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of a compound called velutin, new research suggests.

Why does acai make my stomach hurt?

Claims made by makers of supplements that contain acai do raise concerns. Caffeine is a common component of weight loss supplements and is known to cause head and stomach aches and other side effects. Acai berries also contain some minerals that in large doses may be toxic to certain individuals.

Is acai berry FDA approved?

[7-11-2016] The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to purchase or use Extra Slim Plus Acai Berry Weight Loss Formula, a product promoted and sold for weight loss on various websites, including www.dreambodyweightloss.com , and possibly in some retail stores.

Does acai interfere with any medications?

Acai has no known interactions with other drugs. This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.

Is acai high in sugar?