Açaí is a palm tree species with the scientific name Euterpe oleracea. This palm tree is cultivated for its purple, edible, juicy, and grape-shaped fruit. It is native to South America. People harvests acai berries for food; in fact, South American natives consider acai berries as important component of their diet. There is a high demand for açaí berries because their juice and pulp are used as flavorings or blends for various beverages and ice cream. Açaí berries are also marketed as dietary supplements in the form of smoothies, juice, tablets, drink powders, or simply as a fruit.
Açaí products are promoted as dietary supplements because marketers say that they have antioxidant properties, weight loss effect, and other health benefits. These claims of the beneficial effects of açaí still need scientific backing.
Consumers have some worries that açaí products may have side effects to their body. Marketers argue that açaí products are safe because they are 100% natural. However, açaí products, especially those sold in pills may not be safe if manufacturers mix synthetic drugs or diet medications to these pills. These synthetic chemicals and diet medications may cause adverse side effects to the body.
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Açaí side effects that have been reported may be due to the “appetite suppressant” effect of açaí. Açaí suppresses your appetite because it contains fibers that make you feel “full” even if you are not. Suppressing your appetite by consuming too much açaí may not be good because you are depriving your body with the essential nutrients and vitamins found in other foods. If this is the case, you may experience the following side effects, which you will mistakenly describe as açaí side effects:
• Fainting
• Weakness and fatigue
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Stomachaches
• Malnutrition
• Headaches
If you experience these conditions, you better seek medical attention. For people with diseases like anemia, diabetes and the like, get your doctors’ advice before you consume acaí products to avoid any serious complications with your diseases.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice.