What do you know about acai berry?

[Lorix2]

My MIL who has a weakened heart is taking the acia berry in some form, not sure which, my SIL says a pill and a shake. SIL says the cardiologist told my MIL it was safe for weight loss.

I'm not so sure. I can't find anything that tells me it's dangerous, just the ads promoting it's promise to make you lose weight.

Can anyone educate me on the safety of this? Appreciate the help.

Thank you

[teacups]

Originally Posted by Lorix2

My MIL who has a weakened heart is taking the acia berry in some form, not sure which, my SIL says a pill and a shake. SIL says the cardiologist told my MIL it was safe for weight loss.

I'm not so sure. I can't find anything that tells me it's dangerous, just the ads promoting it's promise to make you lose weight.

Can anyone educate me on the safety of this? Appreciate the help.

Thank you

All I know is that Rachel Raye and Oprah's doc say its safe.
If the cardiologist says its safe why are you still worried?

[FireDancer]

Originally Posted by teacups

If the cardiologist says its safe why are you still worried?

Doctors also said Vioxx and Thalidomide were safe. They are only human and make mistakes.

Now, I do know a little about Acai. First, it is a berry that can be found in South America (I think only Brazil but not so sure about that tidbit). It is a fruit high in Antioxidants. It isn't unsafe anymore than a blueberry or strawberry is, it is just a fruit.

You will notice that you won't find any fresh Acai berries in the US because they do not have a very long shelf life once picked. They are usually flash frozen, dried, or processed into juice or slush.

I have had the juice and bought packets of the slush that I used to make smoothies. I love it and it is a healthy fruit but it is not cheap. The closest thing I can compare it to taste wise is chocolate covered cherries.

Any fruit high in antioxidants is hearth healthy, so makes sense that someone with a weak heart would take it.

Now, all of this is one form or another of the fruit. Once it is turned into a pill I become a bit skeptical. I have no concrete reason to but if I want blueberries or strawberries or any berry I consume it either fresh, in a juice, or frozen (in a smoothie). I would not take the pills but not because I think it is unsafe, just that I think it is more marketing at that point than health.

You may want to search past WISH board threads. I know people have had discussions about Acai as it pertains to weight loss and the pros and cons of the pill form may have come up.

[shortbun]

It's loaded with anti-oxidant just like blueberries. What it has to do with weight loss, I do not understand.

[KSchwagg86]

I heard that the region that makes it is suffering because Americans are stealing all of their food--don't know if that is true though

[chell]

I just wonder what exactly is in the pill. Maybe the shake or something along that line is safer?

[FireDancer]

Originally Posted by KSchwagg86

I heard that the region that makes it is suffering because Americans are stealing all of their food--don't know if that is true though

I highly doubt anyone is going in and stealing the berries. They have to be legally imported to be sold in supermarkets so someone is selling them. If there is an ownership dispute of the land on which they grow that is up to the local government to resolve, not us. I also highly doubt that acai berries are the only food in the entire region, so even if every berry is being smuggled out "all of their food" is not.

The berries only grow in South America therefore the locals are also Americans.

[PinkRhombus]

I saw a giant jug of the juice over at Sam's. I think maybe it was $5 or $6.

[Lorix2]

thank you everyone for posting.

I'm wondering what's in the pill also. I'm still continuing to research, but haven't come up with warnings or risks to be aware of.

If I do find anything cautionary, I'll post what I find.

[KSchwagg86]

Originally Posted by FireDancer

I highly doubt anyone is going in and stealing the berries. They have to be legally imported to be sold in supermarkets so someone is selling them. If there is an ownership dispute of the land on which they grow that is up to the local government to resolve, not us. I also highly doubt that acai berries are the only food in the entire region, so even if every berry is being smuggled out "all of their food" is not.

The berries only grow in South America therefore the locals are also Americans.

Sorry, I shouldn't have used the word "stealing"...I guess just taking (by paying money!) Again, don't know if this is true at all or not...