Side Effects Center -

Acai berries (fruits) are obtained from the Acai palm, a species of palm tree native to central and South America including Brazil and Peru. Like other palm trees, the Acai palm tree is grows tall with slender palms. Acai palm trees mainly grow in swamps and flood plains. The demand for Acai berries has grown rapidly over the years in most parts of the world. This is because of its positive health benefits. The berries are small and rounded, very similar to but smaller than grapes. Ripe Acai berries are traditionally harvested and consumed as food. In most cases, the berries are prepared by mixing with other edible substances such as honey and sugar for sweetening. The berries are also prepared and used in flavoring ice creams. Acai berries are also dried and made into powder, which is sold in other parts of the world.

Disease/Condition

Powdered Acai berries contain valuable nutrients. It has been established that a 100 g of the powder contains varied amounts of calories, carbohydrates, protein, healthy fat, dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, amino acid, glutamic acid and aspartic acid. Apart from its nutritional value, Acai preparations now form part of ingredients used in the manufacture of varied cosmetic products. Varied Acai supplements are also available mostly marketed as weight loss supplements. Acai berries have traditionally been used both as food and in the treatment of varied diseases and health conditions. Acai products are now marketed for a variety of health benefits including reversal of type-2 diabetes and in the management of chronic illnesses. Acai berries are thought to have antioxidant properties and therefore able to combat varied illnesses. Acai berry preparations are now used in varied ways and used in formulating varied health programs.

From scientific studies, dried Acai berries have a positive effect on health. Acai berries inhibit the action of both cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), enzymes that are responsible for causing inflammation in the body. This has also been established with Acai oil, which is commonly used in some cosmetics. This is perhaps one of the valuable Acai berry side effects. Consumption of Acai berries has also been established to reduce cholesterol level in the blood. In a study involving rats fed on high cholesterol diet and later on Acai diet, cholesterol levels reduced dramatically.

Side effects

Although no scientific data is available to indicate the efficacy of Acai berries, several side effects abound. Most of Acai berry side effects are mostly positive. Such include:

• Wight loss – Consuming Acai berries in any form (juice and powder) leads to weight loss through increased metabolic rate. While this can be of great benefit to those overweight, the same can be dangerous to those with lean bodies.
• Acai berries contain varied vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that boost the body’s immune system, leading to improved body health.
• Acai berries contain calories and healthy fat from which the body derives necessary energy.
• Acai berries contain good amount of dietary fiber, which aids the body in eliminating waste products, including cleansing of the colon, in effect enhancing health.

While Acai berry side effects are mostly positive and beneficial to health, consuming any form of Acai berries can be dangerous.