Types of Acai Products

Acai berries are an increasingly popular fruit. Indigenous to South America, the fruit has made its way into different types of prepared foods, beverages and supplements. Such products are marketed as natural cures for certain chronic illnesses and cancers, as well as weight loss aids. Although the fruit can be incorporated in a healthful, balanced diet, you shouldn't rely on the acai berry as a means to lose weight or cure diseases. Ask your doctor before using any of the acai berry products.

Foods

• Raw acai berries are a healthful food source. The Mayo Clinic explains that this fruit contains fiber and antioxidants like other berries, as well as healthy fats. Eating a diet of antioxidant-rich foods can help prevent chronic diseases in the long term. Fiber helps keep you full longer and promotes healthy weight maintenance. Acai berries are used in some desserts, such as ice cream and baked goods, for extra flavor.

Beverages

• Acai berry beverages are a popular alternative to eating raw berries. Read ingredient labels on the bottles carefully because the products often have large amounts of added sugars, just like other types of fruit juices on the market. Use caution when buying acai berry beverages online; they aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and may be contaminated. Acai berry extracts are also used in smoothies and energy drinks.

Supplements

• Acai supplements purportedly have some of the same health benefits as acai beverages, but without the added sugars. Supplements come in the form of gel capsules and pills, and are designed for daily use. Acai suppliers advertise the supplements as methods for blood cholesterol reduction and weight loss. The weight lost with acai supplements is attributed to water weight because the pills tend to have a diuretic effect. Water weight loss is not the same thing as fat loss, and you are likely to gain it back quickly. Make sure you read product labels carefully; DietsinReview.com recommends supplements that contain pure Acai berry extracts.

Considerations

• Acai berries are nutritious, but there is no scientific evidence to suggest that acai berry products will help you cure diseases or aid in weight loss. Choose raw acai berries to get the most health benefits. All types of acai berry products are expensive, due to the handling and processing of the fruit. Given the lack of evidence for the berry's effectiveness, you are better off spending your money on other antioxidant-rich berries such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. Weight loss supplements aren't a safe way to lose fat, and you should always discuss it with your doctor before using them.