Acai Berry - Just Another Nutritious Fruit?
You'll probably lose more money than weight...
Acai berries...perhaps you've heard of them? Remember the hype from pomegranates a couple of years ago? Well, the torch appears to have been passed to the Brazilian berry and the hype has been cranked up a few notches. The Center For Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) blew the whistle last week on web-based acai scams, which they say are fooling consumers with fake blogs, fake endorsements, and fishy science.
According to CSPI there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that acai pills will help shed pounds, flatten tummies, cleanse colons, enhance sexual desire, etc. People appear to be getting scammed here two ways. There's the lack of science behind these Internet health claims and then there's the credit card scam-many consumers have had trouble stopping recurrent charges on their credit cards when they cancel their "free" trials. CSPI is reporting that even web sites purporting to warn people about acai-related scams are themselves perpetrating scams, some of which appear to be linked to overseas banks. So be careful out there people, you are probably more likely to lose your money rather than your extra weight.
Let's get back to the berry: What do we really know about it nutritionally?
Acai juice does contribute antioxidants but less so than Concord grape juice, blueberry juice and black cherry juice, according to a recent analysis* that used 4 different antioxidant potency tests. It contains more antioxidants, however, than cranberry, orange and apple juices.
Beyond that, we don't really know much more than this. I was trying to find an impartial source for the information on its nutrition content. My computer software program didn't have anything on it and the USDA database only had some information on the V8 Fusion blend that contains acai berry.
Until more is known and the hype (and price) go down on acai berry juices and food products, you can always pick up a bottle of 100% concord grape juice for a couple of bucks (just saying)... Each 8 ounce serving contains 170 calories, 42 grams carbohydrate, 250 mg potassium, 20% daily value for vitamin C and copious antioxidant-acting polypenols that have been linked to all sorts of good things for your body.
*[J Agric Food Chem 2008 Feb 27; 56(4): 1415-22, Seeram NP et al.]
Related Topics:
Acai berries...perhaps you've heard of them? Remember the hype from pomegranates a couple of years ago? Well, the torch appears to have been passed to the Brazilian berry and the hype has been cranked up a few notches. The Center For Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) blew the whistle last week on web-based acai scams, which they say are fooling consumers with fake blogs, fake endorsements, and fishy science.
According to CSPI there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that acai pills will help shed pounds, flatten tummies, cleanse colons, enhance sexual desire, etc. People appear to be getting scammed here two ways. There's the lack of science behind these Internet health claims and then there's the credit card scam-many consumers have had trouble stopping recurrent charges on their credit cards when they cancel their "free" trials. CSPI is reporting that even web sites purporting to warn people about acai-related scams are themselves perpetrating scams, some of which appear to be linked to overseas banks. So be careful out there people, you are probably more likely to lose your money rather than your extra weight.
Let's get back to the berry: What do we really know about it nutritionally?
Acai juice does contribute antioxidants but less so than Concord grape juice, blueberry juice and black cherry juice, according to a recent analysis* that used 4 different antioxidant potency tests. It contains more antioxidants, however, than cranberry, orange and apple juices.
Beyond that, we don't really know much more than this. I was trying to find an impartial source for the information on its nutrition content. My computer software program didn't have anything on it and the USDA database only had some information on the V8 Fusion blend that contains acai berry.
Until more is known and the hype (and price) go down on acai berry juices and food products, you can always pick up a bottle of 100% concord grape juice for a couple of bucks (just saying)... Each 8 ounce serving contains 170 calories, 42 grams carbohydrate, 250 mg potassium, 20% daily value for vitamin C and copious antioxidant-acting polypenols that have been linked to all sorts of good things for your body.
*[J Agric Food Chem 2008 Feb 27; 56(4): 1415-22, Seeram NP et al.]
Related Topics:
35 Comments:
My sister-in-law and I tried acai berry pills for a month. We didn't lose any weight. Neither did we notice a difference in our energy level. I'm 56 and she's 60 years old.
I appreciate the info on the Acai Berry, as it's being touted everywhere. I was about to buy it from a vitamin supplier as I always look for ways to lose weight, and now I won't.
Jessica
I too was sucked nto the internet scam on Acai Berry. It was not until I emailed them repeatedly threatening to turn them into the American Generals office and the Federal Trade Commissions that they finally reversed the charges on my credit card and cancelled my membership.
My husband ordered Acai Berry pills online not too long ago without my knowledge-he didn't read the "small print" and next thing we know he was being locked in for $40/month for more pills-so much for the $3.95 free trial. I researched the net and found tons of complaints-couldn't cancel orders, company wouldn't return calls, wouldn't take back product etc. I IMMEDIATELY contacted his credit card company and closed the account, leaving this Scam Company without any recourse to get more money! They've since emailed us letting us know they've tried to bill him, but are getting turned down and want another credit card-NOT HARDLY! This is my suggestion to ANYONE that has or is thinking about ordering - DON'T! And if you have, cancel your credit card so they can't bill you automatically!
I too fell for the hype and advertised promises about weight loss etc. and ordered the free trial for $ 3.95. I stuck to the programme and was charged in excess of $ 85 per month (a total ripoff in my opinion) and have not lost a pound using this product nor have I noticed any difference in any area of my health. I feel cheated and angry because I've paid this large amount 5 times and have been on the product for almost 6 months without results. I canceled my order and just hope that I don't get charged anymore. Please people don't fall for these wild unsubstantiated claims. Research first. Thanks for a great article!
I ordered a "free" bottle of Acai Berry's and a month later was being charged $95! They wouldn't credit my account back until I sent the other bottles back, but there was no return address on the packages they sent me. And I saw no signs of anything with taking these. It's just a bunch of bull! I finally had to cancel my credit card and order a new one so they would stop taking $$ out. That was the ONLY way I could stop it. And talking to anyone didn't help one bit! DO NOT TRY THESE! THEY ARE NOT WORTH IT!!!
I willfully tried the Acai berries and it was total hype for no reason. The berries didn't help at all. Now, I go running and jogging and I stay away from most meats except for turkey, chicken and fish. I've lost over 5 pounds so far and it's been two weeks. People just need to find what works for them
Lorelei said..........
I didn't read the fine print either and spent 40 minutes on the phone trying to cancel the contract.It was extremely frustrating as the gentleman helping me would keep offering me another deal. I had to threaten with calling the Better Business Bureau before he would cancel everything like I was asking him to do.......The stress from this phone call was rated high and definately not good for my health..The berry pills haven't helped with weight loss and I'd rather eat blueberries..........
What I want to know is why are people like Oprah Winfrey and Rachel Ray standing behind this? They claim to have lost weight with this product unless there is something they know that we don't. Oprah has had that Dr. Oz on her show multiple times claiming this stuff works. I wonder if they know about these scams and should they comment about the product and all the scams that are going on since half of America watches their shows. Plus their picture is posted all over the internet claiming this stuff is for real. Somebody from their staff should really look into this because alot of people trust that Oprah and Rachel are doing the right thing.
I was forwarded to the Acai site through WebMD, therefore thinking it endorsed it. I returned mine, but I don't know what will happen next. When I sent them an email requesting a RMA# to return it, they offered to give me a $20 credit plus cut the price in half with no shipping charges. I sent it back anyway. I saw a Vitamin catalog the other day that sold Acai for $7.00.
i already ordered my trial offer of acai berry when i went to your website..so immediately cancelled my order and membership though i wl will still be billed for shipping.thank you for the information.i learned my lessons.
I ordered it to and I didn't lose any weight either, I have been trying for a few months now b/c I am the biggest I have been in years so I wanted to try this b/c everyone has talked about how great it is, then after getting my free bottle they charged my account so needless to say its a bunch of BS and I don't recommend it to anyone.
I also ordered the 3.95 trial offer acai berry detox supplement and have been taking them for a week yesterday... I havent been able to tell any difference YET! I used a prepaid visa card that only had 13.17 left on it... they did take the 3.95 and sent the pills but no other charges so far. I recommend anyone wanting to try offers like this to use only a prepaid card that way they cant bill you each month. Im sure this is a rip off and it looks like Oprah hasnt even tired it yet!!!!
I have used the Acai Berry 48 hr. Detox and it worked fine, I got it at GNC.
I use the Acai Slim that is sold at GNC also and with exercise I have lost 5 pounds in less then a week.
I been using Acai Berry, for a week today and I have not lost any weight. I have been excersing 3 times a week and watching what I eat. I just canceled my credit card before they try charging it. Am disappointed I only tryed it because of Oprah Show.
I use a food supplement that has Acai Berry and 17 other fruits in it. It has made me feel great! I have seen good results in others too. Some have lost weight, most have a feeling of well being and more energy. You have to watch out for the counterfeit Acai Berry. There is one juice that is manufactured differently than the others.
Stay away from the marketing scam from Mona Vie. The juice holds zero value other than a fruit juice. I have don't extensive blood testing to show if results have changed after drinking this juice for one month. It did nothing. For for 150$ you can have very expensive fruit juice.
I'm sorry to hear about so, many people getting taken advantage of. I don't ever remember Rachel Ray endorsing any acai pills? Juice, yes. I take and sell acia juice, I don't believe, it helps aid weight lose. I take it for the antioxidants priorities. FYI, not all companies scam people. Please do your research before hand.
My son-in-law runs blood work and tested his cholesterol before starting Monavie and 3 weeks after. He dropped 6 points and his good cholesterol went up. It doesn't work the same for everyone, but for those of us who benefit from it, it's hard not to tell your friends and family about it. In the last 2-3 weeks I've had several people look at me and ask, "What are you doing you look great." This was after a very long and stressful day at work. Sorry if you've fallen prey to the acai berry pills for weight loss. There isn't enough acai berry in it to do any good.
I use the Acai Berry Elite with diet and exercise for 2weeks and I lost 32lbs. I think it depends on which pills you order I got mines from GNC stores,but if you get it off line your going to get scam if you dont know with one is real.
When will you people learn? There's no secret pill to weight loss. If anyone claims they have them, it's a scam. It's simple really, you want to lose weight? WORK OUT. Stop throwing your money away and being a couch potato.
I am one more person who was looking to the antioxident value of the pills. No where that I remember does it say on the internet that the actual cost will be $45+ and they will be sending more pills and charging every month. In my case that came in writing so small in the package I needed a magnifying glass to read it. Be aware the company will give you a hard time when you try to cancel. I immediately called and cancelled my credit card after getting off the phone with their customer service. I still have the pills as well, since I intend to wait the speak with someone when they realize they cannot charge me any more money.
can someone tell me more about Mona-vie?
Mona-vie is a scam. Don't waste your money. Want a healthy juice, buy any dark juice at your local grocery store.
I used the Ultra Acai from Vitamin Shoppe and it worked great as a cleanse. I did lose about 3 pounds but I think it was the diet I am on. I do think I am more energetic but that could be exercise. I am still taking it for the cleansing benefit.
I tried the "free" trial, just pay shipping. Next thing I know, there was a $70.00 charge on my bank account. I contacted the company to complain and they said they cancelled my "membership", but would not refund my money. I cancelled my debit card and threatened them with nasty emails. They DID finally refund my money. It is a MAJOR SCAM. Be careful!!
STAY AWAY FROM THE ACAI BERRY INTERNET SCAM WITH INFOMEDIA.
I also got sucked into the "trial" acai berry internet scam with a company called Infomedia @ 1-970-278-0001. I thought that I was honestly only purchasing the $3.95 trial and had no knowledge of the additional shipments that I would receive at a cost of $83.90 each time. I have called several times and emailed several times to cancel my account. I am now once again promised that my account will be cancelled however they say that I must eat the cost of the 3 orders that have by the way been returned. "They are checking with their staff to see if these were returned before they will refund". I am currently out of work and can not afford these extra charges that were done without my knowledge. Again, I would have never agreed to such terms had I been made aware of this. I only wanted to try them and by the way they didn't work at all.
I HAVE BEEN USING THE ACAI BERRY DETOX I WITH A COLON CLENSER, I WORK IN TRANSPORTATION IN NEVADA AND LAST NIGHT I WENT TO A BBQ FOR EASTER AND WHEN I CAME HOME AT 8 30PM I HAD TO GET IN BED RIGHT AWAY, TO GET UP AT 11 45PM FOR WORK I DRIVE AND JUST KNEW I WAS GOING TO BE SLEEPY I HAD ONLY HAD A TOTAL OF 4HOURS OF SLEEP BEFORE GOING TO WORK THAT NIGHT,I TOOK THE ACAI DETOX BEFORE I LAID DOWN AND WHEN I GOT UP I WAS TIRED, I WENT TO WORK ANYWAY,DROVE FOR EIGHT HOURS I BROUGHT ME AN ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK JUST IN CASE I GOT SLEEPY AND HONEST GOD'S TRUTH I NEVER GOT SLEEPY NOR HUNGRY UNTIL 7AM AND I GOT OFF WORK AT 8 45AM, I ORDERED MY PILLS TOO OFF LINE I ALSO CANCELLED AS SOON AS I GOT MY PILLS FOUR DAYS AGO, BUT THE ACAI DETOX GAVE ME ALOT OF ENERGY AND I WAS HUNGRY UNTIL 7AM THIS MORNING AND THE LAST TIME I HAD EATEN WAS 5PM EASTER THE DAY BEFORE...I DRINK A LOT OF WATER AND POWER WALK FOR 30MINS THREE DAYS OUT THE WEEK, I USE THE BATHROOM ALMOST ONCE A DAY(NOT THE NUMBER 1 EITHER) I DONT KNOW IF I HAVE LOST WEIGHT BUT I KNOW THE ENERGY IS THERE I DONT BELIEVE THERES CAFFEINE IN ACAI DETOX CAUSE WHEN I DRINK THE ENERGY DRINKS I FEEL A TAD BE SHAKY AND I DONT WITH THE ACAI DETOX, THE BOTTOM LINE IS....EVERYTHING IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY OUR BODIES ARE DIFFERENT AND JUST BECAUSE IT WORKS FOR SOME PEOPLE ITS PROBABLY BECAUSE THEY ARE PUTTING THE TIME AND EFFORT IN THIS THING TO REALLY LOSE THE WEIGHT LIKE OPHAR OR WHOMEVER, BUT EVERYONE IS NOT MENT TO BE A SMALL PERSON EITHER, THEY SELL THE SAME STUFF IN ANY VITIMIN STORE..ALL I CAN SAY IS ITS SEEMS AS ITS WORKING FOR ME AND IM REALLY SORRY FOR THE PEOPLE THAT ISNT HAVEIN LUCK WITH IT:)
Unless you get "diet" (splenda sweetened)grape juice from the store, all you are doing is when drinking that fruit juice is drinking sugar, which spikes your insulin, ultimately making it impossible to shed pounds. WHY ON EARTH IS SHE PROMOTING THAT TO THE DIETERS WHO ARE READING THIS? At least if you eat actual grapes you are getting the polyphenols plus any fiber that they have that the juice doesn't have AND they are more filling than juice.
I have used the Acari Berry with Colon Cleanse for almost one month now. I have lost 5 pounds but I have dropped down my portion size in all meals considerably. Whenever you order online for anything you know is going to need to be replaced in a month always read the fine print. I cancelled my Acari Berry and Colon Cleanse right away and it was really easy to do. The people were great and they didn't try to sell me anything else. I just paid the 5.95 for shipping.
FYI My doctor recommended this product but he wasn't sure where to get it.
He recommended it for energy that was natural and I found it at Wal- Mart of all places and I got a two month supply for around 8 bucks!
Obviously there is no " magic pill"
We all know that the best source for weight loss is always
" diet and excercise"
I don't mean going on a "diet"
Watching what you eat by eating healthy and excerise daily will not only help you lose weight but will help with lots of different medical conditions. I do take the berry supplement along with other supplements. No supplement will work without you working as well.
For now it works for me and you can't beat paying only 8 dollars!!
The internet scam to order acai berry is a TOTAL SCAM--make sure to read the fine print. I also had to spend precious time on the phone trying to get these people to stop charging by credit card for this totally worthless product. WebMD's logo is on their home page inferring that it is endorsed by them as well as celebs like Rachel Ray. Do these people just take money to endorse anything? Guess I'm just another person who had to learn the hard way...
I ordered my free 14 day trial from a pop up web site called Emmasweightlossecret.com she said that she was a mother of 2 from where I live and had lost weight. This site is no longer up and working now. Well this came from FWM Labatory/Hollywood, Fl. They cancelled my member ship so they said but want refund my money on the next bottle of $80+ dollars which I have not next received. I have talked to sales person then a supervisor and no help at all. This is a major scam don't fall for it. It's like talking to a brick wall. My shipping charge was to be $2.00 per my print out from the day I ordered it they charge me $4.06 they could not understand that I had my print out showing $2.00 nothing has been done about that either. Please don't fall for this scam..I to am calling the Federal Trade Commissions and American General Office! I am also posting on all web sits that I can about this SCAM, I told them that I was going to do this that people remember the BAD more than the good and that didn't bother them at all.
i was almost about to order the 'free' trial until i read the agreement and decided to look up some info about the pill and im so glad i did.. thank u all for your posts... saved me money and time..
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