Pure Acai Berry Vs. Other Acai Berry Supplements
Acai is a type of palm tree abundant in parts of South America. The fruit pulp and juice of the fruit, which is roughly the size of a grape, are used both for their nutritional and purported medicinal values.
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Constituents
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The pulp, including the skin, has been found to contain approximately 4 percent protein, 12 percent lipids and 50 percent carbohydrates (most in the form of fiber). Calcium, vitamin A, phosphorus, iron and thiamine also are present in appreciable quantities. Its most-prized constituents, however, are high levels of various antioxidants.
Uses
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As a health supplement, acai is said to improve certain medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis, high cholesterol, allergies and erectile dysfunction, as well as assist in weight loss, enhance detoxification and generally improve health. Among the handful of studies that exist, a number have presented some evidence to support a few of these claims, although no final conclusions can be drawn.
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Product variation
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Because the fruit deteriorates very rapidly once harvested, it needs to be consumed fresh or preserved immediately. The most effective method appears to freeze-drying. Many manufacturers of acai supplements add other ingredients into the mix, including caffeine, green tea, vitamins, herbs and other fruit powders.
Acai Pure vs. other brands
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If one deems the evidence to be sufficient to use acai berry for health purposes, then obtaining the purest form (free from additives) would theoretically be ideal. Acai sold under the brand name Acai Pure contains multiple additional ingredients. On the other hand, Absolute Acai claims to contain 100 percent freeze-dried acai. Dynamic Health, Acai 100 and Earth's Bounty also declare 100 percent purity for their products.
Supplement quality
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Most importantly, since no regulatory standards for nutritional supplements currently exist in the United States, neither the quality nor the botanical identity nor the quantity of the ingredients written on the label is ever guaranteed.
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References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Acai Berry.
- PubMed.gov: Phytochemical and nutrient composition of the freeze-dried Amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (acai).
- PubMed.gov: Antioxidant capacity and other bioactivities of the freeze-dried Amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (acai).
