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.
Acai berry nutrients are thought to prevent disease, aid in weight loss and slow aging. More than likely, this is a direct result of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature of the various 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 cannot head to the local supermarket and purchase whole acai berries in the produce department. These gorgeous purple berries are grown in the Amazon, and the only products available at the grocery store are juices and frozen mixes meant for drinks or sauces. Be sure to check the label to see how much of the product is acai berries and how much is sugar or corn syrup. You might be able to find a powder form as well.
On the supplement end, however, there are oodles of products. You might find acai berry supplements in liquid extract form, powders or pills. Though these might be great products, the bad news is there are quite a few acai berry frauds as well. When something becomes as popular as acai berries in the health supplement arena, there are bound to be some rotten eggs in the dozen.
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 acai berry fraud is the weight loss supplement scam. Promises are made (all with small print disclaimers of course) that weight loss can be achieved solely by taking the acai supplement. Unfortunately, no magic bullet exists and people end up wasting their money and never losing a pound.
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.
Make sure that you watch out for the acai berry fraud. Go there now and learn which acai berry brand you can trust.
Tags: acai berry, amino acids, antioxidant, dieting, fat loss, health and fitness, natural remedy for weight loss, Nutrition, omega-3, radiant skin, weight loss
November 09 2009 05:37 am | Nutrition