Acai berries are something of a misunderstood quantity, and that’s putting it mildly. Depending on where you read about them, they can be somewhere between Satan’s own soft fruit, and the most beneficial and wonderful vegetable ever found. If Jesus had known about acai, then he would have forsaken the wine, fish and bread and made a bunch of these instead…etc etc. Of course the truth is somewhere in between.
Acai berries are a great health food, of this there is no doubt. They’re packed full of antioxidants and other essential nutrients that can all combine to get your body working to its full potential. If used alongside a sensible diet routine, acai can help you to lose weight by stimulating your metabolism, increasing your energy, and suppressing your hunger. Sound good? Yes, it is. They are arguably the most potent super food known.
If acai berries are all that, then why all the detractors? Unfortunately it’s not the berry itself that is the evil culprit, but a minority of the people and companies that favor dubious marketing techniques to persuade unknowing customers to part with their hard-earned cash. This is not to say that anyone selling acai berry is likely to try and scam you, but it will pay huge dividends to read around a little before you hand over your credit card details. Google for “Acai Berry Scam” and you’ll start to get some ideas of the marketing ‘tactics’ that you should be looking to avoid.
Acai berries cannot be held responsible for the actions of the people trying to sell them, naturally, but in the mind of those burned by these scams, the two are often inextricably entwined. Combine this often irrational and unfounded hatred of acai berry itself with the numerous court cases that are starting to crop up around the country – notably those brought by high-profile stars such as Oprah Winfrey – and you’ve got what could appear to be a bad apple. Or berry.
Acai berry is a super, super food. The good it does our health when combined with good diet and regular exercise should not – and cannot – be underestimated. All the acai industry needs to do now is to remove those rogue elements that spoil the party for everyone. Easier said than done, of course, but a bit of research on your behalf before you buy could start that push in the right direction.