Fat Loss 4 Idiots Secret

Monday, November 2, 2009

Watch Out for the Acai Berry Fraud

By Caitlin Ryan

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.

Free radicals and inflammation are behind many disease processes and aging. The antioxidants in acai berries can neutralize free radicals and repair damage. The anti-inflammatory characteristics reduce inflammation and help prevent inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. Because of these properties, acai berries show promise in aiding in weight loss.

Acai berries are not found in the produce department because they are grown in the Amazon on large palm trees. Instead, you will find acai berry juice and frozen acai berry mixtures meant for smoothies or topping. You may also find powdered acai berry that you can use in a smoothie as well. Read labels carefully to make sure the product is not loaded in sugar. Juices tend to be watered down versions of what was once a healthy fruit.

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.

One of the more popular frauds is a "free trial" offer fraud. Not all free trials are fraudulent, but many customers have reported companies who offer these free trials and then sign the person up for an auto-shipment of more acai berry supplement. Some of these companies charge more than $50 for a bottle of acai berry supplements, and the charge ends up as a surprise. It is also quite difficult to get out of some of these acai berry frauds because when the person calls the company to cancel and seek reimbursement, the operators put them on hold for 20 minutes or more and continually transfer them from one department to another.

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.

Acai berries are healthy and one of nature's gifts, but you have to be cautious when ordering these products on the internet. Check the company's website for certifications that they conduct business legitimately. The Better Business Bureau and other entities can verify good business practice for many quality companies. Read the fine print and find pure acai berry supplements. You can always make a phone call. - 17274

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