Friday, October 30, 2009

Stay Clear of the Acai Berry Fraud

By Caitlin Ryan

One of nature's miracles, acai berries are loaded in nutrients. They contain antioxidants, protein and many of the B vitamins. Phytochemicals, sometimes called vitamin P, are also present in acai berries. The phytochemical family in acai berries are called anthocyanins. Phytochemicals in plants protect the plant from disease and damage, and those protective properties are transferred to us when we consume the plant.

Acai berry nutrients are thought to prevent disease, aid in weight loss and slow aging. More than likely, this is a direct result of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature of the various nutrients.

Free radicals and inflammation are behind many disease processes and aging. The antioxidants in acai berries can neutralize free radicals and repair damage. The anti-inflammatory characteristics reduce inflammation and help prevent inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. Because of these properties, acai berries show promise in aiding in weight loss.

Unfortunately, you probably are not going to find a nice little basket of acai berries in the produce. You may find juice, smoothie mixes and powders, but the acai berry itself is grown in the Amazon on giant palm trees. You need to check the label of these products to make sure there is enough pure acai berries for the product to be beneficial. You might find only trace amounts of the berries and loads of sugar or corn syrup instead.

For the most part, acai berries available to us are in a supplement form. Liquid extracts, powders and pills containing natural acai berry extract are sold in health food stores and on the internet. The health news on these gorgeous purple berries leads to a boom in the development of supplements. Unfortunately, the popularity also leads to acai berry fraud.

The most common acai berry fraud is one in which a free trial is offered. The unsuspecting customer signs up and gives his or her credit card to the company to pay a minor shipping and handling charge. What they do not realize is they are signing up for an auto-shipment program. Suddenly (in some cases two days) a charge appears on their credit card for $50 or more for a bottle of acai berry supplement. Upon calling the company, they are given the runaround and some report to having to make several phone calls, all the while their credit card is still being charged.

Another acai berry fraud is the weight loss supplement scam. Promises are made (all with small print disclaimers of course) that weight loss can be achieved solely by taking the acai supplement. Unfortunately, no magic bullet exists and people end up wasting their money and never losing a pound.

Acai berries are healthy and one of nature's gifts, but you have to be cautious when ordering these products on the internet. Check the company's website for certifications that they conduct business legitimately. The Better Business Bureau and other entities can verify good business practice for many quality companies. Read the fine print and find pure acai berry supplements. You can always make a phone call. - 29161

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