Acai (pronounced ah-sah-e) berries are a fruit that is touted as a superfood. This South American palm tree berry is sold as a supplement due to its long list of healthy claims. Alexia Lewis, wellness dietitian in the Department of Health Promotion at the University of North Florida, shares more about this popular berry. In order to include Acai berries into your diet, a recipe has been provided.
Myth: Acai berries are a superfood.
Fact: Acai berries were first called a superfood on the “Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2004. MonaVie, a multi-level marketing company, also ran a successful marketing program for drinks made with acai berries. Acai berries could be considered a superfood, but for optimal health, focus on enjoying a variety of whole foods in their natural form instead of on any one superfood.
Myth: Since acai berries have little calories, they have little nutritional benefits.
Fact: The reddish-purple color of the acai berry indicates it contains anthocyanins, a pigment that acts as an antioxidant. They also contain flavonoids, which can reduce inflammation and fiber, which has benefits related to heart disease, diabetes and increases feelings of fullness. They also contain vitamins A, B1, C and E as well as calcium, potassium, phosphorus and iron.
Myth: Acai berries can aid with weight loss, reduce arthritis, improve libido, reverse aging, fight cancer, lower cholesterol and act as a toxin cleanse.
Fact: There isn’t currently enough scientific evidence to support weight-loss claims or many other claims made about acai berries. The research in animals and petri dishes (in vitro) does indicate that the berry may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may be protective against heart disease.
Myth: Acai berries are natural, so products made from acai berries are safe.
Fact: Acai berries are found as a juice, frozen, freeze-dried and in pill form. There have been no reported side effects from the acai berry or its juice, but products made with acai berries may have ingredients that may be unsafe for certain people. Examples include different forms of caffeine, which can increase heart rate or ingredients that may pose a risk if a large amount of juice is consumed — potassium may interfere with medications and sugar may affect blood-glucose levels. The consumer should also be aware that the Federal Trade Commission has shut down multiple websites for deceptive practices related to acai berry products.
The Goods is a monthly column about food myths and facts by faculty members in the University of North Florida’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, which was selected by UNF President John Delaney as a Flagship Program, designed to elevate the program. Have a question about acai berries? Contact Lewis at firstname.lastname@example.org.