Acai still a scam, not a miracle fruit, but that's not stopping marketers

Updated

Scam warnings about the acai berry have been coming fast and furious for years now, yet every day new products appear, and existing products already on watch lists keep on rolling out in mail order packages, claiming to be touted by Oprah and charging unwitting buyers' credit cards. Why are people still falling for the "super food" claims made about this little berry from the Amazon?

Pronounced "ah-sigh-EEE," the acai berry has about the same antioxidant perks as blueberries, blackberries, and red grapes, which is nice, but not super. In addition to antioxidants, acai berries also have fiber and heart-healthy fats, Katherine Zeratsky, a nutritionist with the Mayo Clinic, wrote for the medical research group's website. Zeratsky is quick to point out that though manufacturers claim the berry can help you lose weight, lower your cholesterol and boost your energy, these claims have never been proven.

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