Stay Clear of the Acai Berry Fraud

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.

The nutrients in acai berries are capable of preventing diseases such as cardiovascular disease. They can aid in weight loss and slow the signs of aging. Much of this has to do with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities of the nutrients.

The antioxidants fight free radicals, preventing the damaging affects at the cellular level. They also aid in repair and replenishment of cells and bodily tissue. Inflammation causes many disease processes such as atherosclerosis. It is also behind aging and plays a role in obesity. The anti-inflammatory action of acai berries may therefore prevent disease, slow aging and aid in weight loss.

Acai berries are not found in the produce department because they are grown in the Amazon on large palm trees. Instead, you will find acai berry juice and frozen acai berry mixtures meant for smoothies or topping. You may also find powdered acai berry that you can use in a smoothie as well. Read labels carefully to make sure the product is not loaded in sugar. Juices tend to be watered down versions of what was once a healthy fruit.

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 biggest fraud would be the “free trial” fraud. Acai berry supplements are offered as a free trial. The customer pays a minor shipping charge, so the company is given the person’s credit card information. Unbeknownst to the customer, however, they automatically sign up for future shipments. Their credit cards are charged for the shipment before it even arrives in most cases. Worst of all, you may end up fighting tooth and nail to get the charge removed and stop the auto-shipments. Most of these companies transfer call after call and keep people waiting on hold long before anything is remedied.

The weight loss industry (the crooked ones in the bunch!) have also honed in on acai berry. Yes, acai berries can aid in weight loss, but nothing exists that aids in healthful weight loss without proper diet and exercise. Take caution in ordering acai berries touted as being this magic bullet in weight loss.

It is unfortunate that the con-artists have given a bad name to such a wonderful gift from Mother Nature. In the end, you have to check websites carefully to make sure they have some sort of seal by the Better Business Bureau or other entity that checks a company’s authenticity and business practices. As well, make sure you read the fine print. Look for credible companies with pure acai berry supplements or products.

Watch out for the acai berry fraud. Go there now and learn which acai berry brands you can trust.

About Chelation