One of the most controversial, yet popular, health supplements on the market is the acai berry. It has been featured on health segments of news programs and popular talk shows. The acai berry industry has also been under fire for deceptive advertising practices of some companies. I want to spend a few minutes talking about what is fact and what is fantasy.

Let’s start with the bacts about what an acai berry is. The berry grows in the South American rain forests and flood plains on the acai palm tree. It has been a staple food of the local people for a long time and is harvested twice a year. It has a lot of antioxidants - more than blueberries and pomegranates. It also has dietary fiber, omega fatty acids, and even some protein. Unfortunately it spoils very quickly if not processed so you probably won’t see it very far from where it grows.

Acai berry supplements have recently popped up almost everywhere you look. They are featured on news programs and talk shows. There are internet advertisements on almost every website. There is even a network marketing company that distributes acai berry supplements.

There are a lot of people that will tell you they feel better when taking acai berry supplements because of the antioxidants and other beneficial properties. You can even get supplements from some companies that add metabolism boosters like green tea or appetite suppressants like hoodia. There are also a lot of people that think these are great.

The way some companies market acai berry supplements has caused some controversy. One or the biggest problems is that some companies are using pictures of celebrities implying that they endorse their specific product when they do not. Another common problem is that some marketers create fake blogs that chronical fictitious weight loss and try to get people to sign up for a free trial of supplements. Usually the free trial turns into a monthly subscription which is not free. This isn’t a big deal if they tell you about it so you expect it or can cancel it, but they frequently forget to mention the shipments so many people are caught by surprise.

I think acai berries are very healthy and so do a lot of other people. They can help you have more energy and can help you lose weight. However, it is important to know that there isn’t any conclusive scientific evidence to prove it. There are studies that indicate antioxidants have beneficial effects. Some studies have shown that the acai berry does in fact have more antioxidants than other foods. Some studies even show that acai berry antioxdants are absorbed by people when they eat them. However, nothing has been conclusively proven to tie acai berries directly to any specific health benefit. Personally, I think there is a good chance they will help you, but I can’t guarantee anything.