What Are the Drawbacks of Acai Berry?

Acai berries are rich in antioxidants, but experts question whether they deserve the hype they have received.

Marketing Claims

• MSN Health & Fitness' Martica Heaner, Ph.D., said retailers selling acai products often make claims ranging from weight loss to improved heart health without substantiating research.

Antioxidants

• Acai is touted as being rich in antioxidants, which help the body fight inflammation and disease. A 2008 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry confirmed the berry contains antioxidants that the body can absorb, but their effect on health was not determined.

Weight Loss

• It is unclear whether there is a connection between weight loss and antioxidants, Heaner said. Fruit high in fiber and nutrients and low in calories can help with weight loss. However, juice and other sweetened drinks often add surplus calories to a diet, leading to weight gain, Heaner said.

Expense

• Acai is expensive to produce, harvest and import. Other antioxidant-rich fruits like cranberries and blueberries can provide similar benefits, Heaner said.

Balanced Diet

• According to a March 11 article in the New York Times, Acai can be part of a healthy diet, but it probably isn't a cure-all.