Look Out for the Acai Berry Fraud

You might have heard of acai berries by now. They are one of the superfoods, containing mass amounts of antioxidants as well as B vitamins and amino acids. More importantly, they contain anthocyanins which are phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are a new area being researched. They are a natural component of plants meant to protect the plant from damage and disease. We receive similar benefits when we eat 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 neutralize free radicals and repair the damage already done. Inflammation alone is responsible for many disease processes such as atherosclerosis. Both free radicals and inflammation are behind the aging process.

Unfortunately, you probably are not going to find a nice little basket of acai berries in the produce. You may find juice, smoothie mixes and powders, but the acai berry itself is grown in the Amazon on giant palm trees. You need to check the label of these products to make sure there is enough pure acai berries for the product to be beneficial. You might find only trace amounts of the berries and loads of sugar or corn syrup instead.

Much of what is found in acai berries is in the form of supplements: pills, powders and liquid extracts. You can find these in health food stores as well as the internet. The touted benefits of acai berries have lead to the development and sale of many acai supplements. And, as with anything that becomes really popular, acai berry fraud became rampant.

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.

Another common acai berry fraud is the “weight loss” magic bullet approach. Most of us would like to find a pill to promote weight loss and a fit, trim body, but without the work of following a weight loss plan and exercising, you will not find any miracles in acai berry supplements alone. They can aid in weight loss, but they do not act alone.

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 and learn which acai berry brands you can trust.