Side Effects of Acai

The acai berry, a native of Brazil and popular in the U.S., has garnered attention recently because of its known health benefits and purported weight loss benefits. The fruit, which looks like a single grape but has the nutrient value of 30, is clinically documented to be rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids that are beneficial to both cells and the heart. Before adding to a regularly balanced diet, though, it is important to consider the potential side effects of the food.

Exclusive Consumption

• Acai consumption can have negative side effects when a balanced diet is abandoned in an effort to force weight loss with the aid of acai supplements. If a diverse diet is neglected, side effects of eating only acai berries can include malnutrition, indigestion, dizziness and fatigue.

Allergies

• Pollen allergies can be a cause of negative side effects in acai consumption. A person who is allergic to or sensitive to pollen and similar allergens should not consume the acai berry.

Synthetic Chemicals

• When the acai berry is mixed with synthetic chemicals, such as in pill form, people may have adverse reactions to the chemicals. The acai berry does not contain any known threats to the majority of consumers, but often the chemicals found in manufactured pills and other supplements can have negative side effects that vary, depending on the ingredients.

Minimal Negative Side Effects

• Because the acai berry is a natural fruit, it is as safe to eat for a non-allergic consumer as apples, bananas and strawberries. Negative effects are rarely reported when the acai berry is consumed with a well-balanced diet.

Positive Side Effects

• Clinical studies document that people have heightened antioxidant levels in their bodies two hours after consuming acai berries. This can aid in cholesterol reduction, heart health, skin appearance and protection against commutable illness.