Is The Acai Benefit For Real?
A measure of acai benefit is not the easiest of tasks to conduct, in part due to the scarcity of the berry, at least here in the United States, and in part due to the way the berry, its juice and supplements, are promoted. Most searches for "acai benefit" will lead one to a short description of the berry, noting how it is a native of Brazil, or a few other countries in South America, noting that it is a powerful antioxidant, and then promoting a bottle of the juice or a supplement. Once the words "miracle food" or "superstar fruit" appear in print, the alarm bells start to go off.
Too Much Hype? - This is a little unfortunate. It seems at times that acai benefit, which is real, is being drowned out by the hype surrounding it. The acai berry is indeed a powerful antioxidant. One can almost see that by looking at it and its close resemblance to blueberries, huckleberries, and the bilberry, all full-fledged superstars when it comes to antioxidant powers.
Still, one has to search long and hard to find an article that gives a balanced treatment, discussing acai benefit along with acai side effects or warnings. The real danger it appears comes from claims about the berry which may not necessarily be true. There isn't enough data available to either support or refute many of these claims, for the simple reason that the berry is not native to the United States, and is relatively scarce.
An Antioxidant - The fact is, a prime acai benefit is in its antioxidant powers. The one problem associated with this is really a question. Are these powers reduced at all when the berry is made into a juice or into a supplement? The nutritional and medicinal advantages many berries have, are at a peak when the berry is fresh. That's not to say the antioxidant power, or any other acai benefit gradually dissipates, we just don't know.
Side Effects - As far as side effects are concerned, there don't appear to be any serious ones. If we eat too much of anything we can suffer side effects, often consisting of a stomach ache. But that's seldom the fault of that what we ate. What can happen is, if supplements are taken in excess, or if one goes on an "acai diet" eating little else, there can be negative consequences. This again, isn't the fault of the berry, but is due to bad advice.
Appetite Suppressant Properties - Speaking of and acai diet, the berry has known qualities as being an appetite suppressant. In that sense, the juice could be a very useful part of a diet designed to reduce weight, but over time, and not in a crash diet. Losing weight is not an acai benefit, suppressing one's appetite is. Losing weight by means of a crash diet is not healthy, and relying on supplements for that purpose, whether the acai berry is involved or not, isn't safe either.
Stimulant Properties - he acai berry has stimulant properties, and ingesting large quantities of the berries, the juice, or particularly supplements which may be highly concentrated, should be avoided by those overly sensitive to stimulants. Two or three cups of coffee is not good for some people, and an extra glass or two of acai berry juice may not be either, though acai juice is certainly healthier than coffee.
Moderation Is The Key - Taken in moderation, acai berry products, especially the juice, are probably good for you. Because it is rather scarce, the juice can be pricey, which may be a good thing in helping keep its use to within reason. Take any claims which seem to be too good to be true, as just that. Enjoy your glass of juice, and monitor your situation to see if, over a period of time, there is an acai benefit that is working for you.