5 Acai berry myths dispelled

Posted on December 23, 2009

» Filed Under Supplements |



The acai berry is being heralded everywhere as one of, if not the most, ‘superfoods’ available. Claims have been made as to its ability to do everything from help you shed unwanted fat, to cure cancer.

Myth number 1. The acai berry can cure all diseases.

This is simply not true. The acai berry is full of great nutrients and antioxidants which have been shown to often greatly enhance and protect the human body from harmful free radicals and oxidation. This does not mean that the acai berry can cure or treat any specific disease. There is continual research being carried out on the great effects this ‘wonder’ berry may bring. Natural foods have many benefits that are still being discovered.

Myth number 2. The Acai berry only grows in Brazil
To some extent this is true. But the acai berry can be grown in many tropical or sub-tropical climates. The acai palm grows to 15-30 meters high. The fruit, which are about the size of grapes, grows in small bunches. Like most fruits, once harvested the acai berry can lose its goodness and potency quickly – freeze drying has been found to be the best method to retain its goodness before shipping out from its native country of Brazil. Anyone could try growing their own acai palm at home but fruiting success may be limited by climate and pesticide damage is always a risk in many areas. The acai berries of Brazil are pesticide free and growing in their native environment. If you are lucky you can purchase an acai palm at a tree nursery. Depending on your area you may have some success growing one that fruits. Just be sure to keep any pesticides away if you want quality fruit. Be aware too that the acai berry itself is around 80-90% seed.

Myth number 3. The acai berry is sweet tasting.
Well no, sorry it is not. As with many berries that are high in good nutrition, the acai berry has a strong taste. Some like it, some don’t. It’s goodness is in its concentrated vitimans, minerals and anti-oxidants rather than in sugary sweetness. Much like olives acai can be a bit of an acquired taste. Mixing it with grains or other fruits makes it much more palatable for most western taste buds. Mixed this way it has a delightful flavor that nearly anyone can enjoy.

Myth number 4. The acai berry is the only thing people in Brazil eat.
Oh come on – get real. Certainly there are poor people in Brazil and the acai berry has been a main staple in the areas of the Amazon, but they do eat other foods. There is no doubt the acai berry provides a wonderful source of energy and nutritional value, and it is often eaten with other foods in the areas of the Amazon where it grows, but this is like saying all Asian people eat nothing but rice. Not true.

Myth number 5. Harvesting the acai berry is destroying the rainforests.
If anything the opposite is true. The rainforests are being destroyed by poachers. MonaVie has an active campaign in place called MORE that supports the people and the rain forest. Growing and harvesting acai berries supplies employment, prevents poaching, and over-farming of all the areas.

You can learn more about MonaVie’s MORE Project by clicking here.


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