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Acai Diet, Supplements: What you should know

posted by ChickSpeak
Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 12:42pm EDT

We now better understand the benefits and risks associated with pomegranate supplements, but what about acai? The dark purplish bluish fruit has drawn some serious attention in the past few years; whereas in the past, Brazilians were enjoying it in the far-off reaches of the Amazon rainforest.

Apparently, acai has become even more popular this year, as Dr. Nicholas Peritonea deemed it the top “super food” of 2009. Since then, we’ve seen this fruit from the Amazon featured on the news and on shows like Rachael Ray and Oprah, with Oprah trying the diet herself.

And research certainly shows the fruit seems to have some wondrous benefits, including those good old antioxidants, along with vitamins and metabolic enhancers. Not to mention, acai is great for your intestinal tract, cleaning out toxins to support colon regularity. And one of the biggest things people like about it in this stressful, sleepless time is it claims to provide a serious energy boost.

Agro Labs dietary acai daily cleanse supplement claims, “Feel lighter, slimmer, free to move and energized. NO bulk, bloating or discomfort.” The bottle advertises the product contains pure young green coconut water, green tea, aloe vera, hibiscus and ginger. The ingredient list boasts a “proprietary super cleansing blend” with 18 grams of acai juice, as well as green tea, artichoke, senna, cascara and bearberry leaf extracts.

Despite media attention and advertising by some of our favorite celebrities, does it really work?

Like any other diet or supplement, it probably largely depends on the body. It might have great effects on one person, but might have no effect on another. After a recent review of acai berry products, CNN said most of the products didn’t have much of an effect, while a few select ones were highly beneficial, namely Acai Fit, Acai Elite Blast and Acai Slim. They recommend purchasing all three to see which one works best for you. Spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association Keri Gans also cautioned not to depend on random Internet acai products.

And as always, consult a physician. The main concerns are currently just taking the recommended amount and not a bit more or solely using a supplement for a nutrient source.

“Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools or abdominal pain because senna and cascara sagrada may worsen these conditions and be harmful to your health. Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea or if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition,” Agro Labs’ daily cleanse warns.

And remember- as in the case with pomegranate, large amounts of antioxidants aren’t always positive if you’re only getting them from one source. As that old saying says, “variety is the spice of life”- and also for your health! There’s no liquid dose or pill that’s going to ensure a perfect body or slim figure on its own, so it’s never an excuse to stop exercising and eating right. Get your fruits, grains and vegetables, too, for those delicious antioxidants!

Still, the research continues. Even the experts don’t know everything for sure.

Kristin Larmore is a recent Journalism graduate. She loves super fruits like pomegranates, blueberries and acai, but doesn’t personally believe in any dietary supplement aside from a multivitamin because it provides a variety of nutrients and not just one type.